Is the Best SLR Film Camera Better Than Digital?

If your wondering, if the best SLR film camera is better than the best SLR digital camera, then the answer is no. At least not anymore. There was a time, a few years ago, when digital cameras first came out, that only the bleeding edge adopters would go near a digital camera. But not anymore. The majority of both professional and amateur photographers alike use digital SLR cameras these days.

Luckily, your going to start sounding like a SLR camera virtuoso. Don't let your early steps at understanding SLRs scare you away. It can take a some real effort to visualize. While it's important to understand what your buying, it's also important not to get caught in the endless loop of never making a decision.

No time to delay, lets have a go at it shall we. All the technology embedded into these cameras may seem like too much, but it's actually good for you. Your just going to have to take my word for it. Anyone involved in the business of digital cameras will attest to just how daunting it can be producing and selling DSLR cameras. The good news for you lucky reader, is better cameras every year, at prices better than ever.

Well, it's time to make your life simpler and better. I will promise, that you will be thrilled with your new camera, no matter which of the top SLR cameras you buy. You likely couldn't find a horrific SLR camera from the top rated cameras no matter how persistent you where. To prove it, just have a view of everything included in this bunch of SLRs. It would be difficult to make a mistake with a Canon Rebel XSi, now that prices had to be lowered due to the T1i release. Don't get too hung up on the Canons though without giving some time to explore a Nikon D60 or Olympus Evolt E520.

I make these sweeping generalizations when it comes to the best SLR film and digital cameras, because I know, that the camera you buy and use is only one consideration in the value of your pictures. You and your skill as a photographer are really more significant when it comes to freezing a moment in time. You'd be taken aback with the quality photographs that come out of the lens of a crude old digital camera in the hands of a ambitious photographer.

These days, buying your new camera online can work to your benefit. If your looking for plenty of choice, and the lowest available prices, it seems reasonable to purchase digital cameras on the web.

As so many others have found, buying the best SLR film or digital camera should be pretty easy. The real joy is in buying the perfect camera your going to love. Well, are you going to keep shopping for ever, or just pick one and begin capturing memories?

Digital SLR Camera Bags Tips & Suggestions

There are a lot of options when it comes to digital SLR camera bags out there. You can choose one based on any size or shape, from those that are like backpacks to those that are simple in form.

So, how do you choose the right digital SLR camera bag?

The most relevant question you need to answer is the amount of gear you need.

Since buying a digital SLR means you usually end up paying more than $500 for it, protecting it is a natural step.

When you have a digital SLR, you should expect them to have accidents.

Compact cameras are much more resistant usually, because the lens stays within the body of the camera when there is no need for it, plus the number of joints is smaller, so sand and water don't sneak inside as easy.

Digital SLR cameras on the other hand have a number of openings: the battery opening, the lens, the memory card and more.

Any opening that a camera has is a potential place where the weather can affect the electronics of the digital camera.

Plus, the lens of the digital SLR extend out of the camera, and when it sticks out it can take scrapes or you can bang it on sharp objects and rocks by mistake.

With a case for digital SLR cameras, accidents like these are prevented, so your investment is safe even in the worst weather conditions.

A normal photographer will have to choose between three different digital SLR bags:

1. Cases that are form fitting

2. Camera packs and small bags

3. Slingpacks and backpacks

Digital SLR camera bags that are form fitting are made for certain cameras.

In the case of digital SLR camera bags, they are specifically made for certain models. This is because the bags are made so they fit the digital camera perfectly around their body.

Fanny packs and small bags are best to be used for cameras that have more than one lens. Because they're more versatile, you can use them for a number of types of cameras.

These bags can be used with great success during hiking trips, where you carry a lot of gear with you but you still need to carry the digital camera as well.

Slingpacks and backpacks are used by photographers that have to take a lot of gear with them when they travel.

These cameras work very well when you're going on a longer trip and you take plenty of equipment with you, because you don't know what you'll need.

Which Compact Digital Camera is the Best Overall? Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Fits the Bill

In this writer's humble opinion, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 fits the bill.

There are many, many digital cameras on the market, and technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that it is very difficult to keep up. Each camera manufacturer makes claims of excellence or features about every new camera release to lure you, the buyer, into a purchase. And how does a camera become king of the hill and make it to the top of the camera heap anyway?

It starts with a reputation. Certain manufacturers have been able to maintain a good reputation for producing excellent cameras. We buyers tend to trust a manufacturer if we have had a good experience with them.

Then there are the camera review geeks. These are camera "experts" who look at each new release and put them through a series of standard tests to compare them to other cameras of similar design. These online web sites such as DPReview.com, StevesDigicams.com, and Imaging-Resources.com have become will known and trusted for their honest opinions and ratings. Manufacturers send their newest releases to those who have gained good standing in the online camera community.

Finally, there are the buyers - those who actually buy the cameras and use them, not necessarily analyzing how each pixel is rendered on a print, but deciding if the camera meets the individual's expectations. These evaluations are extremely useful in making a camera buying decision.

Before buying your next camera, be sure to check online stores where the camera has been sold. Some very useful sites to check include Amazon.com, B&H Photo, and Adorama.com. Enter the name of the camera you are interested in, then click on the user comments.

All of this leads up to how the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 gets the rating as "Best Compact Digital Camera Over All".  It is recommended highly at both Imaging-Resources.com and DPReview.com, AND the user rating (from folks who actually paid money for the camera) is about 4.4 out of 5 on both DPReview and Amazon.

The specs for the DMC-ZS3 camera are as follows:

10.1 Megapixel Resolution
12x Digital Zoom
3" LCD screen
27 Scene Modes with Intelligent Auto
Face Recognition and motion tracker
720p HD Video Capture

If you are looking for a great all-around camera, you can't go wrong with this one.

Where You Can Find the Best Digital SLR Camera

The best Digital SLR Camera can be spotted anywhere. There are stores where such cameras are sold in variety and quality, color and size. The cameras offer a wide range of features and every second one differs from the first. In the end, the choice that you make should be influenced by your photographic requirements. This should be given precedence over everything else. The kind of photography you mostly indulge in, the ambience in which you do it and the kind of motion involved should be the driving factors behind your choice. These should dictate the piece on which your eyes get fixed on.

There are a lot of genres in which photographers specialize. All of them are very dissimilar to each other. The requirements are different, and eventually the camera and lenses used vary accordingly. Lenses vary with varying genres. Action and Sports are a great genre. There is a lot of movement. The camera you hire or buy should be good at taking pictures that are in constant motion. Any lapse might be embarrassing. It would sink the effort behind the digital lens rental you pay. You might even regret the camera you choose to do this kind of photography.

Wildlife Photography can be quite demanding. Animals are moving around constantly. You can see snakes slithering around tress. Monkeys hang onto branches and rabbits run the race of their lives towards safe hideouts. All this chaotic activity has to be captured by a good Digital SLR Camera. A flawless lens with impeccable picture capturing ability serves the purpose well. The lens is able to gauge on the movement of the object and within a click, the object is there in picture in the same position in which the photographer wanted it.

Portraits have a hidden subtlety. The shots are stout, unmovable and frozen. Even then, most of the lenses fail to seize the right moment. That expression has to be caught in a split second or else, it might slip away. The Digital SLR Camera you hire by paying Digital Lens Rental should be good at capturing those precious moments and not evade them. Landscape photography too can only be done when you have a good digital SLR Camera. The beauty of nature can only be felt close to when you have the right camera in your hands. That can be acquired by paying a good Digital Lens Rental.

These attributes determine whether the one you have is a good or not. These qualities determine whether the one you are about to use will get you the photographs of your choice or not. These virtues give the final verdict over the usefulness of the Lens Rentals Florida that a photographer pays to acquire the camera and the lenses. If you happen to find these qualities within the camera you choose, then there is no reason why it should not be the best bet to do you good. Buy it, and relish the purchase.

What Is The Best Digital Camera Brand?

If ever there was a controversial question amongst the hordes of digital camera enthusiasts, it has to be "What is the best digital camera brand?". Sometimes referred to as "What is the best brand of digital camera to buy?", but not to be confused with "What is the best camera to buy?". Because everyone knows that regular (film) cameras are far superior to digital cameras. Hang on a sec, or was that the other way around? Who can keep track these days? Now before I digress too far from the topic, lets take a look at that age old battle, and see if we can determine which brand is best.

First things first, in the spirit of full disclosure, I need to declare that I do in fact own several cameras. They represent a variety of brands. I have two Canons, a Fuji, and a Kodak. I must confess, that I am somewhat partial to Canon, but I'll try not to let that cloud any editorial comments I may subsequently make.

If digital camera sales were any indication of what the best brand was, then according to Amazon.com Canon would be a clear winner. As I write this, Canon manufactures 18 of the top 25 bestselling cameras on their best seller list. In addition, Canon holds 9 of the top 10 spots, with the top 3 being the PowerShot A570 IS, the PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph, and the PowerShot SD850. Sharing the top 11 spots with Canon are 2 of the Pure Video manufactured Flip Video cameras. Nikon has 2 cameras in the top 25 including the Nikon D40, and the Nikon D300. Panasonic sneaks in with a couple of their Lumix models, specifically the DMC-TZ3K and the DMC-TZ3A. And finishing in a strong 25th spot, that old stalwart Kodak with the Easyshare Z812IS.

Of course being popular, or the best seller does not the best brand make. It simply means you have the best salesmanship. In that world, Canon seems to be having the most success. How exactly would we determine the best brand? Best service, best design, best features, best customer support, best images, and best user experience are all valid traits. Perhaps a critical / scientific /empirical examination of all cameras models by manufacturer would be in order. Let's see if we can aggregate a lot of the work already done by a couple of camera review sites who take the above traits into consideration.

A perusal of one top camera review site under their 5 star category, show 39 Canon cameras, 18 Sony cameras, 17 Nikon cameras, 6 Fuji cameras, 5 Olympus cameras, 5 Panasonic cameras, 3 Pentax cameras, and 1 Konica camera. A second camera review site under their top 103 cameras showed 46 Canon cameras, 21 Sony cameras, 20 Nikon cameras, 5 Pentax cameras, 3 Fuji cameras, 2 Samsung cameras, 2 Panasonic cameras, 2 Kodak cameras, 1 Konica camera, and 1 Casio camera. If you total all that up, the top 3 end up being Canon with 85, Sony a distant second with 39, and Nikon a very close third with 37. Everyone else had less than 10 top rated cameras.

The Best New Digital Camera Today

When someone asks me what the best new digital camera is, I always have to pause a little. The reason I pause, is to ask myself a few questions about the person asking the question. Specifically how I think they plan to use the camera. Assuming of course, they plan to use it for themselves. That's at least two assumptions I've made about someone before I answer their question. Assumptions can of course be dangerous, so maybe it's better if I just lay them all out here complete with camera recommendations, and let you pick the one that fits you best.

The first assumption I may make, is that your not a serious camera buff. Your just looking for a camera that's easy to use. Since your a pretty active player on the move, I'm also going to assume you want something you can just jam into your tight blue jeans pocket, or drop into the bottom of your kit bag / purse and forget about until needed. You probably like sharing pics and videos with your FaceBook and MySpace pals on Flickr or YouTube. The Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph, or the Sony Cybershot DSCW55 would be good choices for you. If your the real rugged outdoorsy type, I might change my pick to the Olympus Stylus 790SW for its toughness and all-weatherproof design.

But, maybe your more of a casual photographer, that only pulls out the camera for special occasions and vacation. Tight blue jeans aren't much of an issue anymore, so you don't mind a little extra bulk . . . in the camera I mean. Something easy to use, with better image and video quality then your cell phones camera are a priority. In this case, I'd suggest either the Canon Powershot A570IS, or the Canon PowerShot Pro Series S5. The S5 is about twice the money in the low $300 range, but the extra 12X zoom, sturdier construction, and hot shoe flash make it well worth the investment.

For my final category, if I see that little twinkle of adventure in your eyes mixed with a lust for learning, I may suggest you look at something in the entry level SLR category This is where photography really gets fun. Fun that comes with a bit of effort though. Learning about ISO settings, white balance, dynamic range, tonal balance and depth of field are not for the faint of heart. Serious photo editing using RAW files are often part of the SLR photography world. The Canon Digital Rebel XTi or the Nikon D40 are good starters around $600 in this category. If you seem like the passionately intense type, and have an endless pocket book, you may as well just knock your self out, and get the Canon EOS 5D ($2000 + lenses). Your probably the type that's going to end up with one eventually. You may as well just skip the appetizers and get right to the main course.

Don't Buy a Nikon SLR Camera Before Reading This

I used to be a big fan of simple digital cameras, but as I took my photography further and further, I found the need for an SLR. I read many reviews, and found two cameras which are probably two of the best SLR digital cameras nowadays; the Sony A300 and the Nikon D60.

The A300 by Sony is priced quite reasonably and comes with a number of great features. Some of these features include auto-focus as well as image stabilization that is built in the camera, thus it does not depend on the lens. The cameras LCD screen also offers live preview for users, something that the D60 does not offer. This is quite a big advantage the A300 has over other SLR cameras because you generally do not find live preview on SLR cameras. The camera also offers many more focus points, even more than the D60. Nonetheless, the D60 does have its advantages. After going stores and trying out both of these cameras next to one another, I went with the D60. There are many reasons as to why I picked it. First of all, the D60 is much more compact, and lighter in comparison to the A300. The lens was also much more appealing and comfortable to my eyes than the Nikon. The LCD menu was much easier for users to navigate through which was a big plus. The last major reason was that there are many more lenses available for the D60. When picking a DSLR camera, you must consider whether you will want to buy new lenses in the future. Many lenses do not fit certain cameras. This is why I chose the D60, aside the fact that Nikon is much better known for its cameras then Sony.

I eventually ordered my D60 via Amazon, which was a great choice on my part. Amazon allows you to get credit (yes, money) within 30 days. If the item you bought goes down in value within 30 days of your purchase, you will be credited. As well know, the prices of cameras are always going down, so in the end, I won! Nonetheless, Amazon will not contact you when the price of the item goes down. It is up to you as the buyer to check. It is definitely worth it though. You can put the money you save towards a lens for your new camera

As for my personal experience with the D60 so far, it is great. I am not the only one, and I have many friends who have it and love it to. It is a very comfortable camera, very easy to use, especially for beginners. The only problem is that it clearly will not fit in my pocket like my old digital camera. Nonetheless, it is not nearly as big as I thought which is great. The lens has vibration reduction which I find is very useful. Often times my friends use my camera, and I always here this exact line; "I want to buy one"! It is a camera that is very well known, and whether you're a pro or a beginner, you will not be going wrong buying it.

My Personal SLR Camera Review Opinions

If you take a look online, you will find a lot of guides on choosing a digital SLR camera, and I know what most of them say. Even though you can learn a lot about the technology behind digital SLR cameras, it can still be very hard choosing the perfect SLR camera for a beginner. The guides you read here are exactly what you need to accomplish just that. When you read these guides, you should be able to understand what you need to look for without too much technical abilities. All the guides posted here are founded on a few basic principles.

1. You're not a technical person.

All the digital SLR camera reviews I create for this site are done in such a way that even someone without technical knowledge can understand them perfectly, which is a must if you're an amateur looking to buy a digital SLR camera. You will find no deep musings on things that don't matter for you, no graphs and no charts.

The guide will actually be about a story, not a technical manual. You will learn from me what my own experience was with that camera, how well it takes photos when you use it in the real world. You will also read about any tips I might have for you about using that model.

You will learn from all the digital SLR camera reviews how they operate in the real world for normal photography. They will not be about taking photos of models that have lights on them, it will be about taking photos of real subjects.

2. I'm not biased

What do I mean by that?

I don't work for a digital camera company. I just another electronics gadget consumer that has an opinion to express.

What I'm trying to say is that the reviews I write contain only my own personal opinions on the SLR cameras that I test. There is no bias towards a certain manufacturer or camera model, only the truth.

On this site, cameras get the ratings I think they deserve, so the number of cameras with perfect ratings will be very low. If I would give all the cameras the best ratings, that will not help you when choosing a digital SLR.

By following the advice I will give you in my digital SLR camera reviews, you can be sure that what you buy will actually help you when taking photos in the real world.

SLR 35mm Camera Guide

If you're trying to become a professional photographer you might want to ditch the old camera and buy yourself a brand new SLR. Don't worry about choosing the wrong camera because below you'll find a great set of instructions that you'll find very useful while shopping.

SLR stands for single-lens reflex and if you're ready to make the big step toward it a 35mm will help you along the way. This is the best camera format for high-quality images and it's way better than wide-angle lenses, macro lenses or even zoom lenses.

On the other hand, a SLR camera is pretty expensive (almost $5,000) not to mention the rest of its accessories. Why is that? Because it simply offers the best control over the image. The technology behind SLRs uses regular 35mm films: black and white films, infrared films, transparency films and color negative films but you can also find a few models that still use 24mm Advanced Photo System films.

Autofocus vs. Manual Focus

Before buying a SLR you should decide if you want manual or auto focus (AF or MF). If you want AF you should know a few important details about these cameras:

- the electronics can let you down when you need them the most;

- the battery consumption is very high;

- the AF lenses can be pretty difficult to focus by hand especially when you want to switch to manual focus;

- the image provided by AF cameras is not exactly what you'd hoped for and that's mainly because of the limited range of their infrared beams;

- the autofocus is not very silent compared to the manual focus;

- the AF lenses are very often surrounded by plastic components that are not as durable as you may think.

If you use a manual focus you'll see that you'll be the one setting the focus, the shutter and the aperture and for most photographers that's simply great.

A few great manufacturers like Nikon, Pentax and Olympus use few electronics when making a manual focus SLR and this will help you better understand how all this works. Last but not least, a manual camera is considerably cheaper than an autofocus one.

To sum up all the above it's very important for you to know exactly what type of focus you want to use because otherwise you'll be spending a lot of money on a camera that won't be able to make the pictures you want.

Choosing a Type of Digital Camera (DSLR, Bridge Or Instant?)

One of the initial barriers to entering the digital photography field is selecting appropriate equipment. The sheer range of cameras and paraphernalia available is both breathtaking and daunting simultaneously.

One of the easiest ways to narrow your search is to decide what kind of camera you require by thinking about what you want from it. There are three main types of camera out there for those entering the world of digital photography.

If you are planning on taking your digital camera out and about with you, possibly on a night out on the tiles, perhaps a simple point-and-click camera would be most suitable for you. They behave in a similar way to a mobile phone camera with the whole process being very compact and easy making it ideal for snapping without flapping around with dozens of settings. The results of these point and shoot cameras are often very impressive and as far as simple, good quality photography goes they are hard to fault; especially as many of them begin to allow more manual control over the shooting process.

Then there is the awkward middle ground. This is filled with an aptly named range of 'bridge' cameras which resemble the more complex DSLR cameras despite being closer to the simpler, instant point and shoot cameras. They have non-removable lenses, different internal workings and often have smaller sensors. All this in theory suggests they are weaker than entry level DSLR cameras but this isn't strictly the case. More often than not, the lens found on bridge cameras is superior in quality to kit lenses supplied with DSLR cameras. The quality of the lens is a huge factor to consider when trying to achieve good quality images.

Finally there are digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLR). These cameras tend to encompass all features found on the simpler as well as having full manual controls. These cameras tend to be more expensive and as a rule come with a poor standard lens. The main plus for these cameras is the expandability that can be achieved through changing the lenses and adding accessories to hep you take the best photographs possible. The main downsides are the costs involved for both the main body of the camera and for additional lenses and the bulky nature of them. It is also worth considering that removable lenses on DSLR cameras usually only fit one brand of camera so if you choose a Sony DSLR as your first camera and purchase lenses you will be locked into buying further Sony DSLR cameras in the future if you want to use your existing kit.

So which camera? It is best not to get caught up with the megapixel war as often this is almost irrelevant - it is accepted that five megapixels is all you would need to blow pictures up to A4 size! What is worth considering is what you want from the camera, how you want your hobby to evolve and what you feel most comfortable with. Price is a factor, however high end instant cameras and bridge cameras are easily in the range of entry level DSLRs.

Personally speaking I opted for an entry DSLR (the Sony a200) and I love it. The entry level lens is below the quality you find in bridge cameras of similar price, but I plan on using a range of lenses as my hobby develops to take specialist shots. However, if I was going to spend the majority of my time taking pictures of scenery or people from standard distances without getting too arty I would have chosen a bridge camera with the single, better quality lens and further if I wanted to carry the camera with me and take drunken pictures I would have gone for the most compact option in the form of an instant camera.

Do research, read as many reviews as you can and ask people who enjoy photography what they think just be wary that they might well be biased and only be willing to suggest equipment made by the same manufacturer as they use. Once you know which cameras appeal to you most try and get into a shop and play about with them. Feel the quality of the finish and use the controls and see if you feel comfortable with them. I had my heart set on a Nikon D40 until I had a chance to play with one alongside the Sony A200.

Overall take your time, have a play with cameras that are on your short list and consider what you actually want from a camera. Most cameras are capable of taking beautiful pictures suitable for most purposes. You need to select the hardware that matches all your criteria be it a DSLR, a bridge or an instant camera.

SLR Digital Camera For Everyday Use

For some people, taking pictures has already become a part of everyday life. It does not matter whether they are a professional photographer or not, the important thing is that they are happy chronicling everyday lives through their pictures.

While this may seem to be a pretty mundane task for some, taking pictures of all sorts of things can actually turn out to be a pretty good thing. Most especially now since the SLR Digital Camera has been the go-to camera of a lot of people, chronicling each and every little thing that happens has become a lot easier and definitely more convenient. All they have to do is just fill up their SLR Digital Camera's memory card with the wonderful pictures that they took. Then once there is no more space for additional photos, just load up your memory card onto your laptop or PC's memory card reader and voila, you have just uploaded picture after picture of priceless memories that you will now be able to cherish forever.

Apart from a convenient way of storing memories, you can also start to create your very own online portfolio filled with the pictures that you took with your SLR Digital Camera. Just log on the Internet to get a nice sampling of the various online photo hosting sites which can act as your online gallery.

Aside from being used to create keepsakes, SLR Digital Cameras also come in handy for reporters and writers who need to have nice pictures to accompany the text of their reports and stories. While there are definitely professional photographers who work for newspapers and magazines, there are still times when the reporter or writer do not have one of the in-house photographers to tag along and take pictures for them. So what do they do?

They just hope for the best and pray that the press relations representative can be able to provide them with some nice photos that they can use for their write up. But what if the situation is not that easy? What if you were part of an exclusive press junket abroad and everyone back home is expecting you to be able to provide not just a kick-ass article but great photos to support the story as well? So you once again hope for the best and come the press launch, you take out your dingy point and shoot digital camera and got embarrassed for a second when you see the other reporters bring out their bulky but super high-tech SLR Digital Cameras. But that's life and its either you continue living your professional life like that or finally reward your efforts with a brand new SLR Digital Camera.

You see, professional photographers are not the only ones who rely on sophisticated equipment like SLR Digital Cameras to make their work life a lot easier. So if you are thinking of buying your own kick ass SLR Digital Camera, do not think that it'll just be a waste of money. Once you get the hang of using it you will realize how a SLR Digital Camera truly is a great photography tool even for everyday use.

Tips To Quickly Learn How To Use Any Digital SLR Camera

Those Canon commercials on the radio touting how easy it is to get shots like the professionals, if you buy a Rebel XTi have been effective, face it.So you've gone out and bought a digital single lens reflex camera. Now read the owner's manual from front to back. But really who wants to do that? Follow these tips if you're feeling overwhelmed by the thick manual. Here's what you should know to just "operate the camera." I say "operate" because you're not in total control and you are letting the camera do its thing for you.

Set the camera on auto. If there is full auto, do so. The idea here is to take some pictures to give you something to work with.

Download the images to your computer. There are usually 2 options for this although a 3rd one now exist which is quite spiffy but may not be for everyone.
First option requires you to install driver software on your computer and connect your camera via a cable (usually USB 2.0) The 2nd option using an external card reader is the one I recommend because it doesn't drain your camera's battery and your camera doesn't need to be tethered to your computer.This allows you to continue shooting if you have another memory card. Why wait around? Life is too short and those memory cards are so cheap now. Your 3rd option, if your camera uses the "sd" or secure digital type, involves buying a Wi-Fi enabled memory card. This special sd cards can transfer your images wirelessly to your computer through your WiFi network to your computer and then upload it to the numerous photo-sharing websites.

Format the memory card. When the card is full and after you've downloaded those images to your computer, this setting erases the images on the card and frees it up to be re-used again and again.
Once you've mastered steps 1,2 & 3, you're ready to be dangerous and proceed with reckless abundance. Jump around your owner's manual to figure out how to change these settings next

ISO. ISO refers to the sensitivity of the ccd or charged couple device. If you were a film shooter, this is like having the ability to change film speed in mid-roll.You might find yourself in poor light, so this is a must.

Shutter Speed and Aperture. Select aperture priority and set the lens aperture to f 5.6 .So long as you don't get some sort of protest from your camera, you should be fine. If the shutter speed drops below something you can't hand hold, some cameras will beep or kick in the built-in flash (assuming you have one on the top of the camera)
If you're shooting a moving subject, choose shutter priority and see if you can take a picture at 1/500 second. Again, if there is insufficient light, there's usually some indication. The focus point in my camera changes color from green to yellow as an indicator. Yours may have something similar.

White Balance. The default on the camera is automatic white balance. That works for 95% of the time. Since you've invested the money in a fancier camera, why not see what you've paid for? If you don't try changing the white balance manually, you will never know. Generally there is daylight, overcast, florescent, incandescent, auto and custom. The surest way to know is to test by taking the same subject under all the different lighting conditions and then open up the image on your computer. That little lcd (liquid crystal display) monitor on the camera is not a good gauge.

Compression. This is the setting or what is known as "quality" that the camera will record your images. Used to be more of an issue when memory cards were expensive. These days everyone has a drawer full of these cards because most folks never download their images like in the film days, they never developed that roll of film until they absolutely have to.The only difference is memory cards supposedly can store your images indefinitely without any degradation.Film because of its chemical nature deteriorates.

Auto focus sensor. By default most cameras have this "red" cursor centered. You want to be able to change this unless you want your subject to always be in the center.

So there you have it. Other features like auto bracketing and burst rate or continuous or predictive focusing are secondary. Those settings will be useful after you've mastered Tips 1 through 8.

Getting the Best Digital SLR Camera on the Cheap

Once you've made the decision, that a tiny point and shoot cameras simply aren't going to cut it for you any longer, you've probably started looking in to the world of cameras known as SLR. SLR stands for single lens reflex, and if you think that sounds confusing, you ain't seen nothin' yet. There's a whole jungle of tech terms you get to learn, if you proceed further down this path.

Well, depending on the kind of shopper your are, or how much information you like to digest before making a purchase, you can be in for quite a ride on your quest towards buying a digital SLR. It's my intention here, to help make that ride as painless as possible.

So, without much further adieu, let's dive right in. If your a fan of technology, your gonna love this stuff, as there is an almost limitless array of jargon, and technological advancements you can learn about with SLR cameras. That information should serve you well in making your final decision however. As, that same technology that has given the consumer a wonderful number of features, has also forced the manufacturers to be extremely competitive with one another. The result many a lot of very capable SLR cameras loaded with features at pretty affordable prices.

What I'm trying to say here, is that just about any SLR camera you end up buying will be a good one. That's not to say, that there aren't some lemons. If you stick with one of the major established brands, like Canon, Nikon, or Olympus your pretty much guaranteed to make a good choice. The Nikon D60, the Canon Rebel line (XT, XTi, XSi, T1i), or an Olympus Evolt E510 are all excellent choices. Considering you'll pay the same or less for one of those, that you would have paid for a basic point-and-shoot camera five years ago, is a testament to how far digital cameras have evolved.

Given the quality of all the top brands, the major differentiating factor between the final quality of your photographs has very little to do with the camera. That major factor is the person behind the shutter button. You, the photographer. Learning more about the art of what makes a good picture would be a good investment on your part. As well as spending some hands on time with the cameras your considering. Either borrow a friends camera, or sweet talk the sales clerk at your local photo shop into letting you take one home for a few days.

Taking a lot of practice shots, in diverse environments, will give you a pretty good idea of how much you like or dislike different cameras. Try taking pictures at parties, weddings, sporting events, sunsets, sunrises, or just around the house and neighbourhood for a few days.

Don't get overly hung up on technical specifications for each camera. A few extra megapixels here and there aren't going to make much difference. For a first time SLR buyer, as long as you get a good lens, with at least 8 or 10 megapixels, and a solidly constructed camera body, you'll be content.

If you really have a burning desire to delve deeper into specifications, tech jargon, and features, then go right ahead. I know that for some, that's just part of the fun of buying a camera, or any product. Just remember, in the long run, it's a lot more fun to be taking pictures than just reading about taking pictures.

Where To Find Digital Camera Bargains

Digital camera bargains can save the consumer hundreds of dollars on some of the best rated digital cameras. If you are looking for digital SLR cameras, the Canon EOS Rebel XTi is priced under six hundred dollars. The Nikon D40 6.1 Megapixel Digital SLR with the 18 and 55mm lens is priced under five hundred dollars. These two cameras are comparable for some features, but you will want to compare other cameras as well that are in the same price range or a bit more expensive. The Olympus Evolt E-330 7.5 Megapixel Digital SLR is a little over nine hundred dollars, but the pixels are higher than the Canon or the Nikon.

The Olympus Evolt E-410 10 Megapixel Digital SLR and the Canon Digital Rebel XT 8 Megapixel Digital SLR are both right around four hundred dollars. The Canon only has a 1.8-inch LCD screen while the Olympus has a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The Olympus has a image stabilizer while the Canon has a multi lens capability. For the money, one would buy the Olympus over the Canon although they are the same price.

The digital point and shoot digital cameras bargains are even more of a savings. You do not have all the features of the SLR, but the megapixels do compare. Digital photography has many different users with different needs.

A word of warning when using megapixels to compare digital cameras. Be sure to check for image sensor (CCD) quality and size as well. Too many megapixels crammed into a small image sensor will affect your overall image quality. That's an easy way to determine a real digital camera bargain.

Choosing the Best SLR Digital Camera

For many looking to take the next step in their photography endeavors, the digital SLR camera is a logical choice. For those that don't already know, SLR stands for "single-lens reflex," which refers the internal mirror mechanism that allows the photographer to see the complete image before the shutter is clicked. Unlike older point-and-shoot style cameras where the viewfinder image may not match the final image, an SLR system allows the user to see the image as it will be captured on the digital media. While all modern point-and-shoot digital cameras contain a LCD screen that essentially serves the same purpose as an SLR's mirror system, there are still several distinct advantages that a SLR has over any other camera type. Amateur and professional photographers alike continue to choose the SLR for the simple fact that no LCD screen can match the visual superiority of a direct-viewed SLR viewfinder.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of an SLR camera is the ability it offers to interchange lenses of different types to achieve an array of different results. Although many fixed-lens cameras contain an outstanding general purpose lens, this one lens cannot accomplish all things. This is particularly true when the goal is to capture images in unusual situations (low light, extreme telephoto) or when performing macro or other specialty photography. So, what is the best SLR digital camera option for you? This is a question that can only be answered through careful analysis of your individual situation. The points listed below should help to get you on the right track.

1. Identify Your Price Range - as with anything you're looking to research, it's important to first identify your desired price range. The last thing you want to do is to get excited about a particular camera only to realize that it's out of your price range. Fortunately, there are SLR's at every price range that will satisfy the basics of image capture. Prices typically go up based on specific requirements (resolution, speed, crop factor, etc.). Typically, an entry level SLR camera is priced at around $500-700.

2. Intended Usage - there is no point in spending $5000 on the most advanced full frame digital SLR if you intend to use the camera to take casual photos of your children or friends. An entry level camera will perform such tasks extremely well and will be priced much more attractively. Ask yourself the following questions - what types of photos do I typically take? What types of photography might interest me in the near future? How important is portability and camera weight? What size prints will I be printing?

3. Brand preference - I started taking photos using the Canon system and have since purchased many Canon SLR cameras. While Canon certainly isn't the only producer of high quality cameras, their cameras have a certain look and feel that I've grown accustomed to. I can pick up just about any Canon camera and instantly grasp how to operate it. Be sure to try out several different brands to find one that works for you. The camera should feel right in your hands and the button layouts should made logical sense for you.

The Best Zoom Digital Camera For 2009

Somewhere, someone decided that there was a gap between the fairly inexpensive point and shoot automatic digital cameras, and the somewhat more sophisticated digital SLR cameras used by many professional photographers.  That biggest feature separating the two cameras was lens zoom.  Hence, was born the ultra zoom, or extended zoom digital cameras.  They're a little bigger to carry around, but usually sport significantly improved lenses over the compact and ultra compact point and shoots.  In addition, they don't require lugging around a case of supporting gear around, like many of the SLR cameras do.

Featuring upwards of 20X optical zoom, these are impressive cameras, and can be the perfect camera for certain situations.  Like when you show up late for the wedding, and get stuck in the back pews.  With these cameras you'll be able to still get great shots of the bride and grooms big kiss, without being mistaken for the official wedding photographer.  As a general note for all these cameras, image stabilization is a gotta-have, unless you happen to have the rock steady hands of a surgeon.

Panasonic Lumix FZ28

This Panasonic model features an 18X zoom lens, and goes for around $350 or less.  the IA (intelligent auto) setting works quite well.  The auto settings are important for many photographers this camera targets as manual tweaking is generally not something a lot of casual photographers do.  Of course, for those who like to make adjustments, the option is there.  The LCD is a nice sized 2.7 inches.  The zoom control seems to be opposite of what I would have expected, but after spending a little time with it, I'm sure most people get used to it.

Canon Powershot SX10 IS

Canon is one of my personal favorite brands, and this camera is one of the reasons why.  This Canon is comparable in price (around $350) to the previously reviewed Panasonic Lumix, but with 20X zoom, instead of just 18.  Even a few die hard SLR owners I've hear from, swear from this camera.  A lens range of 28-560mm is nothing to sneeze at.  Especially with the clarity, and noise free pictures produced by this camera, even at higher ISO settings.  You can of course, get better clarity and image sharpness with a good SLR, but your also going to spend at least double the price to get there.  Not to mention haul a lot more gear around for a SLR.  The other nice thing about this camera, is the ability to capture video files, even if they are in the somewhat more obscure .mov Apple format. 

Olympus SP-565 UZ

You should be able to find this Olympus for under $300 these days. Which is pretty good, when you consider the quality of the 20X zoom lens that comes with it. Some would argue, that is the successor to the somewhat botched Olympus SP565UZ. It's a much better camera, a little bit lighter, and includes both an auto zoom and auto focus feature. The zoom is a joy to work with, and the somewhat advance features of face recognition, and shadow adjustments work as advertised. It's got a cool feature call pre-capture, that I suppose, is the poor mans answer to burst mode offered by many high priced SLRs. It basically allows you to capture up to 10 photos in rapid succession, and then choose the ones you want to keep.

What's the Best SLR Entry Level Camera?

If your thinking about getting a new camera, and wondering what the best SLR entry level camera might be, I have a few suggestions. If your a Canon fan, then the Canon Rebel Xsi, or newer T1i would be excellent choices. If however your partial to Nikon, that have a look and the D90 or D40, depending on your budget.

One of the desired options of single lens reflex cameras, is their flexibility to accommodate several lenses for unique picture taking scenes. Lots of serious and starting photographers enjoy the simplicity of using unique lenses when taking pics. Those enthusiasts that choose not to use a SLR camera end up seeing a skewed representation of their Kodak moment. It's not as bad as you may think, if you don't use zoom, but things can get a little trickier if you try to zoom a picture and are experiencing difficulty with focal length. The DSLR camera removes this obstruction simply because the man and machine share the same scene through the one lens.

While single lens reflex purists may be staging a revolt, the determination by most camera makers including Nikon and Canon to allow customers to use the LCD or viewfinder to set up their images is a positive thing.The beginning of the procedure in Live View, is to engage an additional peripheral sensor to handle the image initiated in the prism mirror. Then, rather than delivering it to a capture sensor, it will be sent to the display screen, which can make the operation slower by quite a bit. While live view has been extremely popular, it often meant forgoing autofocus which seemed a shame. The the newer Canon Rebel has made some progression towards correcting this.

The Many Faces of DSLR Cameras

The SLR Camera That Allows For Multiple Lenses

Traditionally speaking, the SLR camera is represented by this genre. For our purposes, these are the ones we will be hashing out here. As you would anticipate, these DSLR cameras allow for the variety of lenses. With the option of a mixture of lenses, you can capture photographs from just about any distance, focal length, or view.

For example, the majority of cameras with the digital single lens reflex label would fall into this class.

The Best SLR Entry Level Camera Features Without Expensive Lenses

While the DSLR is a grand camera in concept, many individuals are put off by the thought of expensive and heavy lenses. These types of cameras are rare and harder to find and aren't really manufactured much anymore.

As with considering any digital gizmo, it seems logical to look on the internet for sales, and product selection. Specialty neighbourhood camera shops simply can't contend with their over priced retail space and small makes and selection.

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Nikon D90 DX 12MP Digital SLR Camera

Nikon has been one of the undisputed leaders in the world of photography since its establishment in 1917. The Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP digital SLR camera is the culmination of years of experience and technological development.

With Canon, these two Japanese brands lead the world in the manufacture of cameras. This honest review shows how a quality conscious company has produced such a high spec camera with a wealth of user friendly features.

The Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP digital SLR camera has a solid design and produces stunning image quality. All digital cameras have at their heart, an image sensor which gathers light coming through the lens. Nikon has developed a wide variety of excellent image sensors including the DX-format CMOS sensor. The DX format is more suitable for photographers who require a combination of mobility as well as operability and image quality. The image resolution of this camera is 12.3MP which is more than enough for most photographic requirements.

The 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD colour monitor provides a very accurate review of the image so you can achieve amazingly accurate results. A 170-degree wide viewing angle makes it simple to confirm focus when taking a shot or during Live View. When in HD D-Movie mode, the Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP SLR digital camera can record, cinematic-quality movies with sound, at a fantastic 24 frames per second. To compensate for image blur from camera shake or shooting from a moving car, the D90 also has a vibration reduction system, so no worries if you have shaky hands.

The well positioned buttons allow easy access to certain features without having to go through the menu configuration. Editing of shots can be made on the camera itself such as red-eye correction, inclination of image, distortion caused by lens aberration, fisheye effect and several filter effects.

Nikons image processing engine reproduces superb colour in the digital camera. It can record then store images at super high speed in an uncompressed TIFF format or a compressed JPEG format. It's as if your camera has its own mini developer within!

An efficient energy-saving rechargeable Li-ion battery allows approximately 850 images on a single charge. Enough time for most semi-professional or amateur photographers.

The Nikon Capture software is full of features, but one main one is that it can correct white balance on an image, via a PC, so photographers don't have to be concerned about this while shooting. This is an added advantage.

There is a versatile range of digital cameras from Nikon with the ability to meet the demands of needs and applications. The Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera is ergonomically designed just weighing 620 grams, and offers so many excellent features for any standard of photographer, it is a camera to be reckoned with.

Top 3 Recommended Lenses For Your New Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera

A new Nikon D80 body sitting beside a recently-opened box on your table is one of the most amazing sights to behold. You'd have to get one for yourself to understand the sensation.

A digital SLR camera on its own, however, is pretty much next to useless - you'd need to buy a lens (or two, three or more) in order to start taking photographs with it. The only problem is, there must be something like 1,013 lenses out there to choose from, at least, it starts feeling like it after you spend hours, if not days, thumbing through catalogs and spec sheets, browsing forums, reading debates and arguments over which lenses to buy (or not to buy) and getting advice from one friend too many, other enthusiasts and professionals in the field.

All you'd really like to know now is, what are the best lenses for your Nikon D80?

I have some good news for you - if you're simply coming into SLR photography for personal pleasure, as a pastime or simply to get better pictures for sharing with your family and friends, I can quickly list down 3 lenses you can get right now without having to bust your bank account. From the selections below, simply select lens #1 only, #2 only, #3 only, #1 & #2 or #1 & #3 depending on your budget.

Nikon Lens #1 - The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D AF lens. For $100 or less, there is no other lens out there that can give you sharper images for the money. You can buy $400 lenses which give marginally sharper pictures, but the 50mm f/1.8 lens has the highest sharpness / dollar-spent ratio in the industry. Its maximum 1.8 aperture also allows you to take great-looking portraits with a blurred background, the kind you see in some professional shots. It's small, it's light, it's great for taking photos in dimly-lit locations where flash is not allowed.

Nikon Lens #2 - The Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom lens. That was a mouthful, wasn't it? Yes, this is a zoom lens, unlike the 50mm f/1.8 mentioned above. Meaning you can take big-group shots in tight locations and include everybody into the picture, and it also allows you to go to 70mm for relatively tight portrait shots. Hunt around for $320-ish prices, and not a penny more, at your camera stores. Before the availability of Lens #3 that I'm about to mention, this glass was a firm favourite among many casual photographers who shoot travel and vacation images.

Nikon Lens #3 - The Nikkor 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6g IF-ED AF-S DX VR.This lens is so hot. How so? Well, it's hot enough to be out-of-stock at virtually all stores, but you can find one if you're a walk-in customer, and Nikon is bending backwards to ramp up production to meet demand. Why is it hot? Well, because it's the only lens on the market offering such a huge zoom range, with fast autofocus action and even a VR mechanism that helps you get steady shots without the use of flash. You'll appreciate how useful the VR is if you're in a museum that doesn't allow you to use flash and tripods - the new version of the VR technology Nikon made available on this lens allows you to eliminate handshake at ever slower shutter speeds which beats out the VR capability in more expensive, but older lenses. $750 is all you need to own this lens which you can take 90% of your shots with.

So, there you have it, the lowdown on which lens to get for your D80. Are there better lenses to be had? Of course, but you'll be paying through the nose for those, and the high prices can only be justified if you have special requirements in your photography pursuit, or if you're an enthusiast who cannot tolerate not having the absolute best lenses on hand. Be careful though, lusting over pricier and bigger lenses without knowing how to value or profit from them is only going to mean more money down the drain.

Good luck in your decision, and enjoy an amazing photographic experience with your new D80 and lenses!