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.

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.

Choosing the Best Digital SLR Camera For Beginners

As a beginner in photography the thought of choosing a digital SLR camera must be very daunting! But don't despair, the world of digital photography is open to anyone and in this article I will offer some advice to steer you to choosing the best digital SLR for a beginner.

The first question to ask yourself is what will you use the camera for? If it's for recording family days out and holidays and all you really want is to take some decent quality photographs and digital point and shoot camera may be your bst option. They are far more compact and easy to carry and you will be more inclined to take it wherever you go. That said, a modern digital SLR is itself light and compact - don't be put off by people you see carrying huge bags of equipment and weighed down by 3 feet long lenses!

If you want to learn the art of photography and get involved in the creative process a digital SLR is the ideal tool. A range of helpful features is common now and even entry level DSLR's produce amazing results. Don't be baffled by the lists of features. Think about what they actually do and how will they help me to take the kind of photographs I want to. For example, higher end cameras will offer much faster shutter speeds. These are great for action and sports photography, for example capturing a bird in flight, but if you never plan to take such pictures don't spend more money for them.

Budget is of course a key factor when choosing the best digital SLR for beginners. You don't need to spend a fortune to get great results! Don't be baffled by salesmen and do your own research first - I stress again think about what kind of photography you're interested in. One of the key things beginners get baffled by when choosing a digital SLR is megapixels. These are basically the tiny dots that make up each picture, like you see on a television screen. Even entry level digital SLR's will have upwards of 6 megapixels and this is pefectly adequate for most situations. Unless you want to enlarge your pictures to poster size this is fine. Many point and shoot and entry level cameras have 10 or even 12 megapixels now. These again produce incredible results and would even be good enough to submit to stock sites to make money with your digital camera. Many would argue the lens at the front of the camera is more important than the number of megapixels.

So, set your budget, decide what type of photography you will use your digital camera for and research prices. Prices of digital cameras do vary and it's always worth comparing. When it comes to actually buying I always recommend you go to a store and touch and feel your camera. Choosing the best digital camera for anyone it's important that it feels good in your hands and that controls aren't too small or feel fragile.

Choosing the Right Digital SLR Camera

In a world where photography rules both our lives and the commercial marketplace, it comes as no surprise that finding the right digital SLR cameras is a must for serious photographers and amateurs like. So where do you begin when you want to find the best camera for you?

The best thing you can do before selecting a camera is to know exactly what you need. For those who take photos for everyday purposes, you may not want to buy the most expensive SLR camera you can find. This wastes money, and an advanced camera may be too difficult for the beginner to understand. Also, be sure to select a camera that does not exceed your needs. For example, a professional photographer may need both video and still image features, while the amateur may simply want something very basic.

So what should you bear in mind when looking for the right camera?

According to experts, there are a few digital SLR cameras that are sure to satisfy your expectations, whether you're a photographer or someone who takes pictures for everyday family and social situations.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

When it comes to quality, it doesn't get much better than the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Satisfied customers boast that the camera is relatively inexpensive, when compared to many other digital SLRs. One computer review site rated the camera four stars, but most customers gave the camera a five-star review. The photo quality and exceptional performance has made it a great choice for many. This camera came as the successor to the EOS 5D, a camera that has pitted itself against its closest competitors-the Nikon D700 and the Sony Alpha DSLR A900.

The Mark II is a little heavier than the EOS 5D. However, it more than makes the grade by coming with two very unique configurations. For a mid-range camera, it has a lot of great benefits. Video capture is just one of the reasons people choose this cameras, technology editors say. The camera also has a new auto mode, a fairly new innovation by Canon. This is for the body version of the camera. The camera's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens gives it a unique ability to be used in different ways.

Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens)

Then, there's this camera-the Nikon D5000 (with 18-55mm lens). Touted by computer experts as Nikon's best DSLR, it has a lot of plusses to offer in terms of weight, price and size. Not only does this camera dynamic; it is also incredibly quiet. Owners say they were amazed by the camera's quietness, when they first used it. Released in April 2009, the Nikon D5000 three-d movie with audio and "19 scene modes," all of which make this a very diverse camera.

This camera is fairly large, but it also comes with a big view screen. The Nikon D5000 comes with a bunch of other great features, including LCD monitor settings, a D-Movie mode and in-camera editing.

Canon Powershot S90

The Canon Powershot S90 came as a great edition to the Canon family of cameras. Canon digital cameras have been around since the early 2000s. This version is the series' newest version. This camera is great for use in dim light, because of its flash abilities. If you're fan of Canon' Powershot series, this camera may be for you.

According to reviewers, this is one of Canon's sleekest and lightest cameras. It can easily fit inside your pocket, making it a great choice for those who don't have a lot of room to store equipment.

When it comes finding great digital SLR cameras, it's a good idea to find one that combines a number of features. The nice thing about this camera is that it is pretty straightforward and is very dynamic.

Of course, you will need to shop around to find the right one.

In the world of digital imaging, finding the right equipment is a top priority. Finding the right one is easy, especially when you have so many great choices available. These are just a few of the many choices available. And they're right at your fingertips.

Great Tips on Choosing the Right Camera

There are many things that you have to consider whenever you want to buy a camera. It is necessary to make sure that you are spending your money sensibly. It is a brilliant idea to consider the following:

· Megapixels

Nowadays, cameras have more than enough megapixels to take magnificent photographs. Sensory density is a more tell tale fact, and more megapixels might practically lessen the shot quality. Thus, quality is determined by the sensor's size than the amount of megapixels. In case you want a camera for a casual use, then perhaps a regular compact can suit your needs. On the other hand, if you want to boost a picture quality, it is sensible to buy a DSLR.

· Lens

You might be interested on compact camera models with large zoom lens when searching for cameras. You have to make sure that this zoom has a wide angle or else you might find it hard to compose your shot. You may also detect more camera shake. You might also want to think about purchasing an extra telezoom lens for DSLR.

· LCD Screen

Size is not everything when it comes to LCD screen. You have to consider the color, sharpness, brightness and anti reflective tint of the LCD screen. It is wise to consider things carefully before purchasing a camera with a touch screen feature since it may affect the screen's image quality.

· Live View Mode

Live view mode is a fairly decent addition to almost all DSLR cameras. Normally, a viewfinder is the best way to take pictures with DSLR. However, live view can still be used efficiently using a tripod. You will observe that live view allow you to take pictures from a high or low angle that would be otherwise impossible to shot accurately.

· Manual Control Options

You want to make sure that the camera has decent manual controls that simply a standard automatic setting. You will discover that cameras differ in the amount of manual control. They also differ on how these controls can be operated.

Keep in mind that is possible to take fantastic pictures with an inexpensive or very simple camera. However, make sure that it has all of the features that you need and want.

Choosing the Best Film II

Colour
Modern 100-speed films give a superb balance of image quality with speed. Nonetheless, 400-speed films are excellent and produce results in which the loss of sharpness and increase in graininess is acceptable. However, contrast is higher and the subtlety of colour discrimination is lacking.

Colour films come in families these days, so you can choose speeds of film that are appropriate for different tasks while still enjoying family resemblances in terms of contrast, saturation, and colour palette. For weddings and social portraiture, for example, where you may need to retain detail in the highlights of the bride's dress or in light-coloured clothes, you need a film with lower contrast and moderate colour saturation. For general family photography, you may prefer to use a film that offers punchier colours and more lively contrast. Industrial, travel, and commercial photographers may go for even more vibrant colour rendering with high colour saturation.

If you are working in mixed lighting - tungsten lights combined with daylight, say - use colour negative films. These show a greater tolerance to both exposure and colour balance variations compared with colour slide material, thus allowing corrections to be carried out more easily.

Colour negative scans
With no silver to scatter light, lower contrast than slides, and a wide exposure latitude, colour negatives often produce good scans. Problems come when translating the negative colour information into a positive, as you need to correct for the overall orange cast of colour negative film. There is also the problem with colour negative film of knowing exactly what is the right colour when you cannot see for yourself what it is.