Learning Digital Camera Basics

Understanding megapixels is one of the first things to consider when thinking of buying a digital camera. Megapixels are important because they determine the size and usually the quality of the images. Having more megapixels allows you to make larger prints.

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.

Another important factor to consider is what kind of camera best suits your needs. A digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera is more expensive, but provides higher quality and many more options. This would be the equivalent of a 35 mm camera but in a digital version.

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.

If you are just starting out in photography you may want to consider a point and shoot camera. They are generally less money and much easier to use. Many of these types of cameras have preset programs which give you a variety of possibilities when shooting your photographs. This allows you to produce some wonderful images even if you don't have a lot of photographic experience.

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.

Once you take the pictures on your camera it's important to know how to transfer the pictures to your computer. You need to transfer them to your computer first or you can send them. You can either use a USB cable which generally comes with the camera or a card reader that plugs into your computer.

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.

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 the pictures to your computer, you can delete the images off of your memory card which will free up the space and allow you to take more pictures. Is it a good practice to make a backup copy of the pictures are from your computer. You can either use an external hard drive or burn them to a CD or DVD. This whole lot you to have a backup copy in case your hard drive fails to give most likely spent a lot of time and effort in creating those beautiful pictures and you wouldn't want to lose them.

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Barry Craft loves photography. For his latest tips to help you become a better photographer.Get FREE copy of his latest report entitled, "Top 10 Tips for Great Photo Composition" by visiting Easy Photo Tips.

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