Mastering Digital SLR Cameras is
Mastering Photography Itself
There are a lot of amateur as well as professional camera users who are shifting to digital models for much ease, convenience, and efficiency when taking initial pictures, taking more pictures after deleting some, and finally sharing photos to friends or storing them into the computer’s memory.
Camera users are normally classified as hobbyists, novice, and professionals. To whichever category you belong, it is suggested that you ponder and accommodate the following basic information about digital cameras:
1.) Categories of a camera
Cameras can be grouped into:
a. ultra compact –
Cheap with few features and possibly no flash mode
b. prosumer or compact –
for hobbyists and general simple photography, ideal to carry
if a light weight easy to use camera is required.
c. digital SLR cameras – have lenses, tripod, and external flashes; for professional
If you want to master the art of photography,
it is suggested that you master using the third category.
Models that fall under this category are
priced for their resolution, among other things.
2.) Mega pixels
Mega pixels can be classified into:
a. 3 mega pixels – for basic snapshots, Can now be found on most phones as well as cameras.
b. between 3 and 7 mega pixels – images have good print quality
c. between 8 and above mega pixels – images can be easily manipulated; larger print sizes can be made
3.) Zoom
A camera’s zoom is normally categorized into two:
a. optical zoom factor –
what is distant appears closer by
magnifying the light entering through the main lens
b. digital zoom factor – magnifies the resulting image
Most simple digital cameras have this and it can also be
done through the camera electronics.
Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor.
4.) Storage media
These are the some common storage formats:
a. Compact Flash (for compact and DSLRs)
b. Sony Memory Stick (compatible with other Sony appliances)
c. Smart Media
Storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels and up to 8Gand more, that has the capacity of holding thousands of images.
5.) Carrying case
You should keep the camera and its accessories in place.
See Camera bags for more information.
6.) Tripod
Tripod can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.
A large Tripod for sensitive work and a table top for extra stability when needed.
A table top tripod is light and easy to carry.
7.) Lenses and Filters
There are digital cameras that allow additional lenses to be attached to the main lens, or the lenses can be completely interchangeable.
Lenses can be categorized as follows:
a. macro lens – allows you to get closer to objects like insects and flowers
b. wide-angle lens – used for capturing landmarks, and large and wide sceneries
Below 35m is regarded as wide angle
c. telephoto lens – allows longer zooms that let you get close to objects that are rather unsafe
55-55m Normal (what the eye sees)
55m and above telephoto ( 80-100m are the best ranges for portrait pictures, 300m and above for sport and nature.)
Filters, on the other hand are used to:
a. soften the effect of the image
b. provide blurring on the edges for portraits that have sensitive moods
c. add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
d. to reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.
Here are some basic strategies on how to capture an image:
1.) Holding the camera
You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.
Legs slightly apart and feet firmly on the ground, remember you are the platform, the steadier the platform the clearer the image.
You can always try knelling down on one knee.
2.) Focusing
To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter.
You may also use a tripod for better focusing.
3.) Previewing
Take and retake pictures if necessary after previewing them in your LCD screen.
However some SLRs don’t allow review only a facility to review after the photo is taken. Try taking several shots of the same subject, with digital you can erase the shots you don’t want and keep the best.
4.) Archiving
Keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep on working your way to being great photographers.
Once you have mastered using your simple compact and especially digitals SLR cameras, you can surely capture photos using other cameras with great ease and perfection. That is a guarantee!
Shop around the various stores and get the camera that suits you!
Canon http://www.canon.com
Nikon http://www.nikon.com
Olympus http://www.olympus.co.uk http://www.olympusamerica.com
Sony http://www.sony.co.uk http://www.sony.com
Pentax http://www.pentax.com
Panasonic http://www.panasonic.com
Kodak http://www.kodak.com
Happy Snapping
