Digital Cameras: Do you really need one?

Gone are the days when you took your film to the processor and patiently waited about a week for your finished prints. Digital cameras put YOU in total control of your photos. After transferring the images to your computer, you can crop, adjust color and contrast and add special effects.

You have many new processing options: You can make prints at home with your jet printer, drop off the memory card at a local photo finisher, use a self-service stand at your local drugstore to select, edit and print pictures instantly -- or even upload images to an online photo developer.

There are many new ways to use your photos. They can be emailed around the world seconds after being taken, transferred onto fabric (to make a very personal quilt) or to decorate a t-shirt or even uploaded to a photo-sharing web site. Snapfish.com is one of the larger sites available for storing and sharing your photos with others.

Whew! We're not talking about your father's Brownie Camera any more! Of course, digital cameras bring with them a whole new batch of "words to know."

Resolution is a critical term, and refers to how many pixels (smallest picture elements in a video display) the image contains. One megapixel equals one million picture elements. Amazingly, a 4-megapixel camera can take excellent 8 X 10's and good 11 X 14's! Generally: the more "megapixels" in a camera, the higher the cost.

Digital cameras usually take automation to the max. These electronic devices offer automatic exposure control managing the shutter speed, aperture, or both according to light conditions) and auto focus. These terms are probably familiar; they mean the same thing -- whether they are used with digitals or cameras with film.

Instead of film, digital cameras use flash-memory cards. These cards can hold incredible numbers of photos. There are two main types: Compact Flash (CF) or Secure Digital (SD). To save images, you transfer them to a computer, typically by connecting the camera to the computer's USB or FireWire post, or inserting the memory card into a reader. Fortunately, the price of these memory cards is dropping rapidly. A card that cost $40 to $50 about 6 months ago can be purchased online for about $12! Unlike film, these cards can be reused many, many times.

To tinker with the images you have in your camera, you will need image-handling software, such as: Adobe Printshop Elements or Microsoft Picture It (actually, there are literally hundreds to choose from). Before running out and purchasing this software, check your computer first. Most computers produced in the last 5 years have a good photo-enhancing program already waiting inside -- hoping someone will set it loose so it can do its magic.

The good news is that most digital cameras work with both Windows and Macintosh machines.

Let's go back and ask our original question: Do I really need a digital camera? I believe the answer is, "No, not yet, but it sure makes taking photos fun!" You will find, however that younger generations look upon digital cameras as a necessity, not a luxury. And they may be right; several camera makers have dropped all production of cameras with film.

Don't get pushed into buying the first digital camera you see. In my experience, the most informed sales staff are in camera stores. They will ask you what types of photos you will be taking and then show you the brands and models that will suit you and your pocketbook best. One of the perks of buying from a camera store is the free class(es) that come with your purchase. Alternately, most community colleges offer photography classes to their seniors, as well as credit courses for their matriculating students.

Hopefully, knowing a bit about what to look for in a digital camera makes the process easier. It is always great to see someone walk into digital camera class looking rather doubtful -- and suddenly, it all starts to make sense. At that point, it is important to step back -- and watch creativity in motion. Remember, it is never too late to become a "digital diva!"

Written by Marylouise of www.marylouise@EasyOnlineOrdering.com. She owns an online store with a variety of consumer products. She also teaches courses to seniors on a number of subjects.

Source: http://www.articleavenue.com

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