| So you have been sitting on the fence | | | | graphics. Resolution of one to two will |
| for a long time. You have been fishing | | | | give you good web graphics and good 4x6 |
| for more information to justify spending | | | | prints. If you will be printing 5x7 |
| money on the right digital camera you | | | | photos, look for a resolution of two to |
| wanted to buy. If you have been thinking | | | | three mega pixels. Resolution over six |
| about buying your first digital camera, | | | | mega pixels will give you excellent |
| you should be doing some research first. | | | | quality prints up to 16 x 20. |
| But is there such a thing like to | | | | Bigger is better when it comes to |
| perfect first camera? Before answering | | | | resolution. You can always set your |
| this question, lets take a basic primer | | | | camera to a lower resolution, but you |
| on digital cameras. | | | | cannot increase the maximum. You should |
| With the rapid progress in technology, | | | | buy the highest resolution that fits |
| there is a dazzling array of options to | | | | your budget. |
| choose from in the area of digital | | | | Another important decision is battery |
| cameras. A bit of research on your part | | | | type. Alkaline AA batteries don't hold a |
| will ensure that you buy the right | | | | charge as long as lithium batteries |
| camera for your needs. | | | | will, particularly if you are using a |
| There are three basic grades of digital | | | | flash. However, the ability to purchase |
| cameras, consumer, prosumer and | | | | AA batteries almost anywhere can be |
| professional. Your first step is to | | | | important, especially if you travel. |
| determine what type of camera and | | | | Lithium batteries last a long time, but |
| accessories are important to you as a | | | | they are expensive to replace. Nickel |
| photographer. | | | | Cadmium batteries are rechargeable. They |
| The are basically four main digital | | | | must be fully discharged prior to |
| cameras sizes: | | | | recharging, or you will get very poor |
| 1. Ultra-compact- these cameras are | | | | performance from them. Another type of |
| about the size of a credit card, and | | | | rechargeable battery is the Nickel-Metal |
| fits easily into the front pocket of | | | | Hydride (NiMH). These batteries come in |
| your jeans. | | | | all standard sizes, and last about 400 |
| 2. Sub-compact- these cameras will fit | | | | charges. These are probably your best |
| easily into your shirt pocket. | | | | buy. Lion (Lithium Ion) batteries last |
| 3. Point and Shoot - these are normal | | | | about twice as long as the others last, |
| size cameras with more features, and | | | | and are generally purchased as an |
| generally require a camera bag. | | | | 'extra'. They are a newer type of |
| 4. Single Lens Reflex (SLR)- high | | | | battery and not as widely available as |
| quality cameras that have the look and | | | | the others are. |
| feel of a 35 mm, with a detachable lens. | | | | There is no such thing as the best |
| Another consideration is the type of | | | | digital camera. You have to determine |
| pictures you will be taking. Are you | | | | your needs first and consider your |
| going to share your pictures over the | | | | budget. Even a simple camera in the |
| internet, or are you more inclined to | | | | hands of a good photographer will |
| save them in a photo album? The camera | | | | produce breath taking photos. As for |
| resolution determines the quality of | | | | now, learn the basics first before |
| picture produced. A resolution of less | | | | moving on to more sophisticated cameras. |
| than one mega pixel is suitable for web | | | | |