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