Digital photography is real fun, convenient and you can see the fruits of your labors quickly. No film, no film to send out to develop what would it be easier? Before you rush out and buy the most expensive digital camera with more megapixels and the highest optical zoom you need to do some research.

Digital cameras can be expensive, so the first thing you need to think about is how to use your new digital camera. If your main use of digital images is to send pictures of your friends on Facebook or MySpace, you do not have the same digital camera that you need if you take pictures and get paid for it, such as at a wedding. People are generally in one of three categories of digital camera use:

Snappers - You need a simple point and click camera that provides a reasonable quality digital photographs. Perfect for people who do not want much fuss and rarely print their pictures.

Hobbyists - You may want to be a little creative sometimes. You can take some close-ups, night shots, etc. and trying to learn Photoshop. You print some of your pictures and want good quality 8 "x 10" prints.

Pro / Semi-Pro - Do you want a camera that delivers the highest quality photographs, works quickly and is adaptable. You want to have excellent print quality and robust construction.

How many megapixels do you need?

One way to decide how many megapixels you'll need to decide what to do after taking their pictures. This chart is a guide number of megapixels you may be able to obtain high-quality prints in different sizes:

Megapixels (MP) - High-quality prints of this size:

At least 2MP - 4 "x 6"

At least 3MP - 5 "x 7"

At least 6MP - 8 "x 10"

At least 8MP - 10 "x 12"

The digital zoom and optical zoom

Most digital cameras have both optical zoom and digital zoom. Optical zoom works just like the zoom-lens camera, the lens changes the focal length and magnification as it is zoomed. Image quality remains high throughout the zoom range. Digital zoom just crops the image to a smaller size, and then extend the cut to meet part of the framework again. The digital zoom will result in a significant loss in quality. You can make a similar, if not better job, using an image editing program like Photoshop. You can find a free download Photoshop Adobe.com.

How to get a good digital camera for less

If you want to save some money, apply for the camera, which is about a year away. The style may cost more if the image quality is important to you, leave the shiny model is not as elegant to take great pictures. Stick to brand names, which are established camera manufacturers digital cameras are basically the same way as film cameras, but digital photography, the light is dropped onto an image sensor or film. Other parts of the camera are basically the same. If you do not really need any special features for digital photography, do not pay them.

When you get a new digital camera at home, start using it! Fortunately, digital camera memory is cheap and can be reused thousands of times. So out there and shoot photos, and you'll soon see the skills improve significantly.

• Written by Bristow Lawrence.
• In category Careers.
• 14 years ago.

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