Digital Camera Basics

Digital Camera Basics
by Barry Craft

How Many Megapixels?
The first thing you should understand before you buy a camera is megapixels. Why do megapixels matter? Megapixels matter because the number of megapixels determines the resolution and size of the image. The more megapixels, the larger a print of the image can be. Nowadays, 5 megapixels is a good starting point for an entry level digital camera. You can expect excellent prints at 4 x 6 and even as large as 8 x 10.

Should You Get a DSLR?
The next important thing when buying a camera is which type to get. An SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera is expensive, but if you are looking for a high-resolution camera with excellent picture quality, SLR cameras are the way to go. This would be the digital equivalent of a 35 mm film camera.

If you are familiar with 35 mm film cameras, you will find many of the same features and then some. One of the most popular features of a digital SLR is the ability to change lenses.

Point and Shoot Cameras
A point and shoot camera will cost less, still give you excellent image quality, and can be very good at macro photography. Also, point and shoot cameras don't have the loud shutter clack that many SLR cameras have, although the newer SLR cameras are much quieter. Another advantage of point and shoot cameras is they have many automated features and preset programs to give you optimal photographs especially if you are a beginner.

Memory Cards
After you get a camera, you must choose a good memory card for your camera. The most popular types of memory cards for digital cameras are MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Smartmedia (SM), Secure Digital (SD), xD-Picture Card (xD), and CompactFlash (CF). Certain cameras require certain memory card types, so make sure you ask an expert which memory card is right for the camera you have.

One of the most important things to consider with memory cards is how many pictures you plan on taking it at one time before downloading them to your computer. Also if you plan to use the higher resolution settings on your camera, you will able to take fewer pictures so you may want to invest in a memory card that has a larger storage capacity.

It is important to know how to transfer pictures from your camera, since you only can send and edit pictures once they are on the computer. Now, your camera probably came with a USB cable. That is one option. Another option is to get a memory card reader. A USB cable is a wire that plugs into your camera at one end and your computer at the other end.

Card Readers
A memory card reader is a piece of hardware that plugs into your computer and then you remove the memory card from your camera and insert it into the card reader. Memory card readers are also usually faster to download your pictures than a USB cable. Using a memory card reader also allows you to save the batteries on your camera because the camera does not have to be on during the transfer.

Downloading Your Pictures
Depending on the type of computer you have, a message will come up saying that you camera is connected. Or, in the case of a Mac computer, you just go into iPhoto, which comes standard on newer Mac computers. Use the help tab at the top of your screen to find out how to download your pictures. After you have downloaded your pictures, you can delete the pictures on your memory card, freeing up lots of space so that you can take more pictures. It is also a very good idea to periodically make a copy of the pictures on your computer and burn them to either a CD or DVD as a backup copy in case your computer's hard drive fails. You probably have spent a lot of time and effort in creating some beautiful pictures and you wouldn't want to lose them.