Many of today's digital cameras come with a built-in optical zoom. However, you are limited to how much of the subject area you can get in the image (wide-angle) or how close you can bring in the subject (telephoto). Some advanced camera models, including some C-Series and all E-System models, allow you to add lenses to get the desired result. For instance, a wide conversion lens attachment will permit you to shoot a better landscape or capture all of your family in one shot (click for an example). A tele conversion lens will let you zoom in incredibly close even when you can't physically move any closer, such as when you're at a sporting event (click for an example).
Keep in mind that when you're shopping for a conversion lens that Olympus conversion lenses are engineered to match the optical design of the lens. This means that the conversion lens is specifically designed with knowledge of the type of elements used, number of lens elements used, and how the lens elements are grouped on the prime lens, resulting in the best possible image quality.
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Monday, June 25, 2007
Great pictures can come without using the flash, too.
Don't use the flash when you're at a sporting event or shooting far-away subjects, like a performer on stage at a concert. Built-in flashes typically provide light only up to 6 feet. When you use the flash for subjects further than 6 feet, you will end up with brightly lit or overexposed objects up close while your true subject will be left in the dark. Turn off the flash and - if you are familiar with using the ISO setting on your camera - choose IS0 400 if possible for best results.
Print pictures without a computer or printer.
Did you know you can print out all your digital images even if you don't own a printer or a computer? Many photo processing labs, drug stores and camera stores have user-friendly kiosks that feature a printer with a computer. Simply insert your camera's media (xD, SmartMedia, or CompactFlash) into the dedicated slot and follow the easy steps on the computer to print them out in various sizes. These kiosks typically include easy-to-use features for cropping and editing your images, too, so you can get exactly the photo you want, and in just a matter of minutes.
If you have a computer but don't have printer, you're still in luck. There are a number of online photo services that allow you to upload your images and even store them on their site for free. Using their site you can then order photo-quality prints of your photos and have them delivered right to your door, or you can send a link to a friend or family member of your online album from which they can see all your great shots and even order prints for themselves. Many services also let these images be ordered to appear on t-shirts, mugs, and mouse pads, if desired.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
How to Master Digital Photography?
Everyone seems to have digital camera these days--but do they all now how to use them, or are they stuck on the basics
Digital cameras can cost from a few dollars to complicated SLR models costing over $1000. Have you seen the manuals for these? You either have to have an IQ of 150 or be under 12 to fathom them out.
Why Go Digital
So why would you buy a digital, as opposed to your trusted film camera? Well, firstly there's cost. Although digitals are relatively expensive to buy initially, the running costs are minimal. No more spending on processing, replacement films, enlargements etc. Plus the waiting time involved. With digitals the pictures are saved electronically. This means they can be transferred to your PC/laptop, sorted, edited, printed, cropped and so on. Not only that, you can see your picture as soon as you've taken it, and, if it's no good bin it.
How does it work?
As already stated digital photos are stored electronically. They use a language that can be understood by computers. This is called Pixels. Digital cameras capture pictures using a sensor known as CCD. This is formed with thousands of light sensitive sensors making up each pixel. A million pixels is called a mega-pixel. The more mega-pixels in a camera the better the picture. As each MP captures light when you take a photo, the more there are the higher resolution attained. This means pictures can be enlarged without going out of focus or becoming grainy.
What to look for
As already stated, as a rule of thumb the more mega-pixels the better. Other things to consider include a zoom lens. Optical lenses give better quality than digital. LCD [display size] in my opinion the bigger the better, so you can see your pictures easily, decide which to keep and show them around. It is also a good idea to make sure that your purchase is compatible with your PCs and printers software. Now all you have to decide is which camera to buy--a pocket size one so you can take pictures in an instant, an SLR for those really professional photos you might need, or maybe you'd be happy with one of the ones that are built into cell phones, these days.
Digital cameras can cost from a few dollars to complicated SLR models costing over $1000. Have you seen the manuals for these? You either have to have an IQ of 150 or be under 12 to fathom them out.
Why Go Digital
So why would you buy a digital, as opposed to your trusted film camera? Well, firstly there's cost. Although digitals are relatively expensive to buy initially, the running costs are minimal. No more spending on processing, replacement films, enlargements etc. Plus the waiting time involved. With digitals the pictures are saved electronically. This means they can be transferred to your PC/laptop, sorted, edited, printed, cropped and so on. Not only that, you can see your picture as soon as you've taken it, and, if it's no good bin it.
How does it work?
As already stated digital photos are stored electronically. They use a language that can be understood by computers. This is called Pixels. Digital cameras capture pictures using a sensor known as CCD. This is formed with thousands of light sensitive sensors making up each pixel. A million pixels is called a mega-pixel. The more mega-pixels in a camera the better the picture. As each MP captures light when you take a photo, the more there are the higher resolution attained. This means pictures can be enlarged without going out of focus or becoming grainy.
What to look for
As already stated, as a rule of thumb the more mega-pixels the better. Other things to consider include a zoom lens. Optical lenses give better quality than digital. LCD [display size] in my opinion the bigger the better, so you can see your pictures easily, decide which to keep and show them around. It is also a good idea to make sure that your purchase is compatible with your PCs and printers software. Now all you have to decide is which camera to buy--a pocket size one so you can take pictures in an instant, an SLR for those really professional photos you might need, or maybe you'd be happy with one of the ones that are built into cell phones, these days.
Buy Extra Proprietary Batteries
Ensure you have a backup digital camera battery for long photo shoots.
Many digital cameras support rechargeable AA NiMH batteries. The plus side is these batteries are cheap, available at many places, and non-proprietary. This means that a set of AA NiMH batteries used in one camera should work in another. However, the downside of these batteries is that digital cameras drain them relatively quickly when taking photographs.
To combat this problem, many camera manufacturers, especially in their high-end models, require use of proprietary rechargeable batteries. This way, you may get more than a dozen or hundred shots before having to recharge. While this can be of help when on long photo-taking trips, consider the following:
1. When your proprietary battery runs out of power, that's it. You can't run to the local drugstore and buy some AA batteries to take a few extra photos. It must be recharged before reused.
2. Rechargeable batteries eventually lose their ability to hold power after many charges. When this happens, you're out of luck. Remember the iPod fiasco a while back? These batteries can cost a great deal of money and can usually only be purchased from the digital camera manufacturer or a small number of resellers.
3. If your digital camera becomes obsolete (which can happen sooner than you think!), no one may continue producing the needed battery for your camera. This can mean that a couple of years after your original purchase, a perfectly good camera will be of no more use to you than a doorstop.
So, to prevent running out of power while taking great photos, as you buy your digital camera, go ahead and buy a second battery. While this may increase the cost of your original investment, it will more than make up for itself when you need the extra power to finish your photo shoots.
Many digital cameras support rechargeable AA NiMH batteries. The plus side is these batteries are cheap, available at many places, and non-proprietary. This means that a set of AA NiMH batteries used in one camera should work in another. However, the downside of these batteries is that digital cameras drain them relatively quickly when taking photographs.
To combat this problem, many camera manufacturers, especially in their high-end models, require use of proprietary rechargeable batteries. This way, you may get more than a dozen or hundred shots before having to recharge. While this can be of help when on long photo-taking trips, consider the following:
1. When your proprietary battery runs out of power, that's it. You can't run to the local drugstore and buy some AA batteries to take a few extra photos. It must be recharged before reused.
2. Rechargeable batteries eventually lose their ability to hold power after many charges. When this happens, you're out of luck. Remember the iPod fiasco a while back? These batteries can cost a great deal of money and can usually only be purchased from the digital camera manufacturer or a small number of resellers.
3. If your digital camera becomes obsolete (which can happen sooner than you think!), no one may continue producing the needed battery for your camera. This can mean that a couple of years after your original purchase, a perfectly good camera will be of no more use to you than a doorstop.
So, to prevent running out of power while taking great photos, as you buy your digital camera, go ahead and buy a second battery. While this may increase the cost of your original investment, it will more than make up for itself when you need the extra power to finish your photo shoots.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Try Every Filter Once
Experiment with your digital photo software's filters.
When you first purchase software for manipulating digital photos, whether it is Paint Shop Pro, Corel PhotoPaint, Adobe Photoshop, or whatever, you should take a few minutes and try out every filter on one or two of your photos (save your originals first!) Your software may have dozens, perhaps hundreds, of filters and special feature such as Solarize, Emboss, Page Curl, Lighting Effects, Gaussian Blur, and more. You might find some good ideas during experimentation that can be used on later photos.
When you first purchase software for manipulating digital photos, whether it is Paint Shop Pro, Corel PhotoPaint, Adobe Photoshop, or whatever, you should take a few minutes and try out every filter on one or two of your photos (save your originals first!) Your software may have dozens, perhaps hundreds, of filters and special feature such as Solarize, Emboss, Page Curl, Lighting Effects, Gaussian Blur, and more. You might find some good ideas during experimentation that can be used on later photos.
View Your Photos on a TV
Display your digital photos on TV for your friends and family to enjoy.
Many digital cameras have an AV (audio-visual) out adapter. With this adapter you may be able to connect your digital camera to a TV set and watch your photos on a big screen!
The exact instructions for doing this vary depending on your camera, and you should refer to your digital camera manual for details. Basically, it comes down to the following:
1. Turn off your digital camera.
2. Insert a media card into your digital camera containing the photos you would like to view on your television.
3. Plug in your digital camera using an AC adapter if possible, as playback mode can drain batteries quickly.
4. Insert the camera's AV adapter into its AV output connector, and insert the corresponding ends into your TV's audio and visual-in connectors. Depending on your television you may need to buy a secondary adapter.
5. Turn on your TV and set it up to receive external input.
6. Turn on your digital camera.
7. Set your digital camera to output to TV, if necessary (some digital cameras may automatically detect a plugged in AV adapter and begin sending signal).
8. Enable your digital camera's slideshow mode.
9. Sit back and enjoy!
Many digital cameras have an AV (audio-visual) out adapter. With this adapter you may be able to connect your digital camera to a TV set and watch your photos on a big screen!
The exact instructions for doing this vary depending on your camera, and you should refer to your digital camera manual for details. Basically, it comes down to the following:
1. Turn off your digital camera.
2. Insert a media card into your digital camera containing the photos you would like to view on your television.
3. Plug in your digital camera using an AC adapter if possible, as playback mode can drain batteries quickly.
4. Insert the camera's AV adapter into its AV output connector, and insert the corresponding ends into your TV's audio and visual-in connectors. Depending on your television you may need to buy a secondary adapter.
5. Turn on your TV and set it up to receive external input.
6. Turn on your digital camera.
7. Set your digital camera to output to TV, if necessary (some digital cameras may automatically detect a plugged in AV adapter and begin sending signal).
8. Enable your digital camera's slideshow mode.
9. Sit back and enjoy!
Create a Puzzle From Your Digital Photos
Create entertaining puzzles from your digital photos.
Instead of sharing your digital photos the normal way, here's an interesting gift idea: create puzzles from your digital photos! Not only will your recipient enjoy the finished photo, but they will also have fun along the way completing the puzzle.The following companies on the Internet claim to provide this service. Note that, depending on the company, you may need to place a minimum order of puzzles. Also, this list is for informational purposes only.
Joslin Photo Puzzle Co. - http://www.jigsawpuzzle.com
Positively Puzzled - http://www.positivelypuzzled.com/Snapfish
Snapfish - http://www.snapfish.com
Snapshot Puzzles - http://www.snapshotpuzzles.com/
Instead of sharing your digital photos the normal way, here's an interesting gift idea: create puzzles from your digital photos! Not only will your recipient enjoy the finished photo, but they will also have fun along the way completing the puzzle.The following companies on the Internet claim to provide this service. Note that, depending on the company, you may need to place a minimum order of puzzles. Also, this list is for informational purposes only.
Joslin Photo Puzzle Co. - http://www.jigsawpuzzle.com
Positively Puzzled - http://www.positivelypuzzled.com/Snapfish
Snapfish - http://www.snapfish.com
Snapshot Puzzles - http://www.snapshotpuzzles.com/
Take Care When Transferring Images
Watch out for this trap when transferring images from your digital camera to your computer.
When you transfer images from your digital camera to your PC, take great care in that you do not overwrite images currently on your PC. In most instances where one transfers images from a camera to a PC, the same filenames are used when you transfer different sets of files. Thus, you see that if you don't change the image filenames on your computer, or if you don't make sure you transfer images to different PC directories, your photos on your PC can be overwritten by accident.
When you transfer images from your digital camera to your PC, take great care in that you do not overwrite images currently on your PC. In most instances where one transfers images from a camera to a PC, the same filenames are used when you transfer different sets of files. Thus, you see that if you don't change the image filenames on your computer, or if you don't make sure you transfer images to different PC directories, your photos on your PC can be overwritten by accident.
Buying your child a digital camera- what you need to know
Purchasing any gift item for your child is a mind-numbing task. You can never be sure whether they will like what you buy for them or not. So, when you want to buy a digital camera for your little kids, then there are lots of things, which you must know, which will help you (hopefully!) to get the right camera for your child.
One of the most important things for children is that the digital camera should be one of the latest available in the market. If it has been heavily advertised and people are talking about it, then it is even better. This gives children a sense of pride and also allows them to ‘show-off’ their possession to their friends.
Another factor, which is critical for children, is that the camera must look good. This is very, very important to them. It does not matter whether it has a big screen or small screen, whether it is 2 mega pixel or 1.5 mega pixel – the camera should have a smart shape, come in flashy colors or it can also look cute or funky. But, the camera should not look ‘boring’ or very ‘serious’ in nature. However good the functions might be, if the camera does not look good, it is most likely that your choice will get rejected.
The size is also important. Most children will definitely prefer a digital camera that is small and compact in size. The weight and size should be such that they are able to easily put the camera in their pocket or hang it by a string. Large and bulky models, even if they have better features are not advisable for children.
It is also necessary to remember that even though you might gift your child a digital camera to click photographs for school projects, they will be using it to take pictures of their friends. So, look for some ‘fun’ features in the digital camera. These can include colorful background images or sound effects, photographic effects that they can use to enhance the images taken by them.
One more thing is ease of use. It is important that the camera has a simple system through which children can easily take pictures quickly. However, you really do not need to worry about this aspect a lot because today’s children have been born in the digital era. They are able to pick up things much faster than you or me, so as long as the camera is good in all other aspects, even if its ‘click ability’ is a little confusing, it does not really matter. They are fast learners these days!
Last but not the least, is the price. While buying a digital camera for your child, it is understandable that you really do not want to spend a lot of money. There are lots of choices available in the market today. The price range starts from as low as $30 and can go up to $300. So, it really depends on how much you would like to spend on the camera. Start simple and upgrade if they grow out of the digital camera that you buy for them. Hey share them with the whole family!
10 Ways to Make Money with your Digital Camera
1. Real Estate - Photograph homes as a paid service to realtors in your area. Since most newspapers and 'home for sale' magazines feature photographs of the homes that are for sale, your services can allow the realtors to spend more time earning their living instead of taking pictures. Also, with the popularity of the internet, most real estate agencies have websites with featured homes or searchable listings. These websites usually need good photographs as well.
2. Amateur sporting events - elementary, junior high, or high school sporting events offer a great opportunity for taking photographs of peoples kids in action. By getting good shots of their kids, you'll be able to offer great photographs to proud parents who don't own cameras, or forgot to bring them, or didn't have the great shots that you got.
3. Digital Image Collections - bundle hundreds of photographs onto a single CD rom and sell as a royalty-free package for web designers and graphic artists that don't want to take time from their areas of interest in order to take photographs.
4. How-To Projects - photograph the progression from start to finish of a particular project and put a few explanations with it and then offer it for sale as a 'How To ....." guide.
5. Insurance Records - offer your photography services to property owners who want to document their possessions for insurance purposes. Offer the final photographs on a CD. An add on business would be to have a written itemization for all the items, which could be included with the CD.
6. Child Safety Identification - not all parents have recent photographs of their children. By offering photography services as part of a Child Safety ID business you are doing a service to improve children's safety. Additional services could include recording fingerprints and a hair sample.
7. Digital Image Website - by putting high quality or interesting photos on a website you can create a cyber-gallery from which people can by prints. Many online photo-processors want you to do this because it means additional income for them too. Just upload, email, or send the online photo-processor your digital images and arrange them into albums. Many photo-processor's provide online tools so that you don't have to build your own website, or know how to run expensive photo editing software. Every time someone buys one of your photos from your gallery, the photo-processor makes a buck, and so do you.
8. Publish Church Directories - most churches want directories of the families and other members of their congregation or parish. By using your digital camera, careful documentation, and a some software you can create a church directory that include a photo of each family or individual, as well as their contact information. Your directory doesn't just have to be a printed out version, it could also be an online version. However, due to privacy concerns, some churches may not want their members contact information to be publicly available via the world wide web.
9. Selling Scrapbooks of Events - if you're a Scout leader or a participant in a family or class reunion, you could be the person who takes pictures of the big event, compiles it into a easy-reading visual scrapbook, and sells it to others who were at the event. Everyone wants a souvenir and reminder of a good time, and as memories fade, a quality scrapbook would be something most people appreciate.
10. Freelance photographer - go to public events and take photographs of the goings-on. Immediately contact local newspapers and magazines about the availability of your photographs and work out the details of how they prefer to look at the images you've captured. You never can tell when a publication didn't know about the event in the first place.
2. Amateur sporting events - elementary, junior high, or high school sporting events offer a great opportunity for taking photographs of peoples kids in action. By getting good shots of their kids, you'll be able to offer great photographs to proud parents who don't own cameras, or forgot to bring them, or didn't have the great shots that you got.
3. Digital Image Collections - bundle hundreds of photographs onto a single CD rom and sell as a royalty-free package for web designers and graphic artists that don't want to take time from their areas of interest in order to take photographs.
4. How-To Projects - photograph the progression from start to finish of a particular project and put a few explanations with it and then offer it for sale as a 'How To ....." guide.
5. Insurance Records - offer your photography services to property owners who want to document their possessions for insurance purposes. Offer the final photographs on a CD. An add on business would be to have a written itemization for all the items, which could be included with the CD.
6. Child Safety Identification - not all parents have recent photographs of their children. By offering photography services as part of a Child Safety ID business you are doing a service to improve children's safety. Additional services could include recording fingerprints and a hair sample.
7. Digital Image Website - by putting high quality or interesting photos on a website you can create a cyber-gallery from which people can by prints. Many online photo-processors want you to do this because it means additional income for them too. Just upload, email, or send the online photo-processor your digital images and arrange them into albums. Many photo-processor's provide online tools so that you don't have to build your own website, or know how to run expensive photo editing software. Every time someone buys one of your photos from your gallery, the photo-processor makes a buck, and so do you.
8. Publish Church Directories - most churches want directories of the families and other members of their congregation or parish. By using your digital camera, careful documentation, and a some software you can create a church directory that include a photo of each family or individual, as well as their contact information. Your directory doesn't just have to be a printed out version, it could also be an online version. However, due to privacy concerns, some churches may not want their members contact information to be publicly available via the world wide web.
9. Selling Scrapbooks of Events - if you're a Scout leader or a participant in a family or class reunion, you could be the person who takes pictures of the big event, compiles it into a easy-reading visual scrapbook, and sells it to others who were at the event. Everyone wants a souvenir and reminder of a good time, and as memories fade, a quality scrapbook would be something most people appreciate.
10. Freelance photographer - go to public events and take photographs of the goings-on. Immediately contact local newspapers and magazines about the availability of your photographs and work out the details of how they prefer to look at the images you've captured. You never can tell when a publication didn't know about the event in the first place.
The Popularity of Digital Cameras
Digital photography has taken off in a big way over the past few years. In fact digital cameras are becoming so popular that producers of traditional film cameras are withdrawing more and more models from the marketplace and replacing them with digital cameras.
Instant or near instant pictures are nothing new. For those of you old enough you will remember Polaroid cameras in the 1970s. However those cameras where big and heavy and the quality of the pictures left a lot to be desired. The onset of digital photography has removed these disadvantages. Digital cameras are compact and lightweight. You can see the picture you have taken instantly and if you don't like it you just delete it and retake. This last point is a godsend for amateur photographers. We have all taken photographs and chopped off someone's head, or jerked the camera producing a fuzzy picture or double exposed a film. All of these actions lead to wasted pictures and additional expense. These are no longer issues to be concerned about with digital photography.
The advantages of digital photography
There is an abundance of digital camera software available. This makes it possible to dramatically improve pictures before printing them. For example, red eye can be corrected, colours can be touched up, unwanted items or people can be brushed out. You can produce joke pictures by superimposing different bodies onto heads. In fact the opportunities to improve or play around with digital photos is virtually endless.
Once you have produced your digital photos to the standard you are happy with you can print them off on a photo printer or upload them onto websites. It is also possible to get your digital photos put onto tea shirts or mugs.
By posting your digital photos to the web you make it easier for relatives and friends to keep in touch. You can keep things private by making web pages password protected so that only people you want can see your pictures. It does mean that grandma in Australia can keep getting up to date pictures of her grand children.
Another big advantage is that digital photography is cost effective. The good news is that as the technology has matured the cost of digital cameras has reduced. A couple of years ago you would have had to pay a lot of money for the equipment. You can now pick up a very basic camera for just a few dollars. Obviously you can pay a lot more, but it depends what features you are looking for. The big savings though are that you only keep the pictures you are happy with. You can choose whether to print off the pictures or store them digitally on your computer hard drive.
A further advantage is that the vast majority of digital cameras are sold with software. This can be very basic such as being able to copy your digital photos onto your computer. However, much of the software is a lot more advanced than this, such as editing software. It is possible to buy software separately for advanced editing and publishing work. This might be necessary for experienced users, but for most users the software that comes with the camera is sufficient.
As you become more experience in digital photography you can purchase accessories such as an additional battery or an additional memory card. The technology is changing constantly. The quality of digital photos is now comparable to traditional film photos, and these have been produced for a lot less in both cost and in materials. There is less waste as well. People who have moved over to digital photography swear by it. If you are still using film it is time to think about a change.
Instant or near instant pictures are nothing new. For those of you old enough you will remember Polaroid cameras in the 1970s. However those cameras where big and heavy and the quality of the pictures left a lot to be desired. The onset of digital photography has removed these disadvantages. Digital cameras are compact and lightweight. You can see the picture you have taken instantly and if you don't like it you just delete it and retake. This last point is a godsend for amateur photographers. We have all taken photographs and chopped off someone's head, or jerked the camera producing a fuzzy picture or double exposed a film. All of these actions lead to wasted pictures and additional expense. These are no longer issues to be concerned about with digital photography.
The advantages of digital photography
There is an abundance of digital camera software available. This makes it possible to dramatically improve pictures before printing them. For example, red eye can be corrected, colours can be touched up, unwanted items or people can be brushed out. You can produce joke pictures by superimposing different bodies onto heads. In fact the opportunities to improve or play around with digital photos is virtually endless.
Once you have produced your digital photos to the standard you are happy with you can print them off on a photo printer or upload them onto websites. It is also possible to get your digital photos put onto tea shirts or mugs.
By posting your digital photos to the web you make it easier for relatives and friends to keep in touch. You can keep things private by making web pages password protected so that only people you want can see your pictures. It does mean that grandma in Australia can keep getting up to date pictures of her grand children.
Another big advantage is that digital photography is cost effective. The good news is that as the technology has matured the cost of digital cameras has reduced. A couple of years ago you would have had to pay a lot of money for the equipment. You can now pick up a very basic camera for just a few dollars. Obviously you can pay a lot more, but it depends what features you are looking for. The big savings though are that you only keep the pictures you are happy with. You can choose whether to print off the pictures or store them digitally on your computer hard drive.
A further advantage is that the vast majority of digital cameras are sold with software. This can be very basic such as being able to copy your digital photos onto your computer. However, much of the software is a lot more advanced than this, such as editing software. It is possible to buy software separately for advanced editing and publishing work. This might be necessary for experienced users, but for most users the software that comes with the camera is sufficient.
As you become more experience in digital photography you can purchase accessories such as an additional battery or an additional memory card. The technology is changing constantly. The quality of digital photos is now comparable to traditional film photos, and these have been produced for a lot less in both cost and in materials. There is less waste as well. People who have moved over to digital photography swear by it. If you are still using film it is time to think about a change.
Cheap Digital Cameras
I desire that the next article will help you to better understand this topic. Many of us look for digital cameras that can perform the tasks that we need while being priced at fair rates.
The versatile digital cameras can be found in the high end market to the mid range and also cheap digital cameras. When you are look for the digital camera that you need for your photographs you will find many different types of cheap digital cameras that you can buy.
These unlike cheap cameras can be bought from a variety of photographic camera stores. The cost range from some of these cameras can start at about $30 and go as high as $500. The versatile cameras that can you find in this inexpensive digital camera market also have well known brands like Nikon, Minolta, JVC, Kodak and Fuji.
While these cheap digital cameras will miss some of the features that can be found in the high end digital cameras they can deliver good photographs. You will need to look at these cheap digital cameras to see if they have the assorted items that you require.
These features can be the assorted shooting modes that you will get from your digital camera. Underwater, foliage, indoor, portrait, automatic are just a few of the shot modes that you can look for when you are selecting your inexpensive digital camera. Some cheap digital cameras will feature interesting effects like that of face stitching.
This facility allows you to take three different photographs. You can them mix these distinct photographs together to create a fantastic picture. The number of megapixels may not be that crucial for everyone but they do allow you to induce sharp and well settled pictures.
Since this is authoritative for take and elaborated photographs you should look for this info as you are gong through the diverse types of cheap digital cameras that are available. You can use diverse photography magazines and digital camera buyer’s guides to help you select the character of digital camera that is within your budget.
You should have a clear idea of the various requirements that you need from your digital camera. This way you can select the digital camera that has many types of shooting modes, evaluative metering and how well the optical lenses will work.
Since there are many unlike models of digital cameras you will need to know the diverse features and requirements that you need for Taking a picture. Once you know these parameters you can start your track down for the right type of inexpensive digital camera. With so many unlike brands and models of cheap digital cameras in the market you are sure to find your paragon digital camera.
The versatile digital cameras can be found in the high end market to the mid range and also cheap digital cameras. When you are look for the digital camera that you need for your photographs you will find many different types of cheap digital cameras that you can buy.
These unlike cheap cameras can be bought from a variety of photographic camera stores. The cost range from some of these cameras can start at about $30 and go as high as $500. The versatile cameras that can you find in this inexpensive digital camera market also have well known brands like Nikon, Minolta, JVC, Kodak and Fuji.
While these cheap digital cameras will miss some of the features that can be found in the high end digital cameras they can deliver good photographs. You will need to look at these cheap digital cameras to see if they have the assorted items that you require.
These features can be the assorted shooting modes that you will get from your digital camera. Underwater, foliage, indoor, portrait, automatic are just a few of the shot modes that you can look for when you are selecting your inexpensive digital camera. Some cheap digital cameras will feature interesting effects like that of face stitching.
This facility allows you to take three different photographs. You can them mix these distinct photographs together to create a fantastic picture. The number of megapixels may not be that crucial for everyone but they do allow you to induce sharp and well settled pictures.
Since this is authoritative for take and elaborated photographs you should look for this info as you are gong through the diverse types of cheap digital cameras that are available. You can use diverse photography magazines and digital camera buyer’s guides to help you select the character of digital camera that is within your budget.
You should have a clear idea of the various requirements that you need from your digital camera. This way you can select the digital camera that has many types of shooting modes, evaluative metering and how well the optical lenses will work.
Since there are many unlike models of digital cameras you will need to know the diverse features and requirements that you need for Taking a picture. Once you know these parameters you can start your track down for the right type of inexpensive digital camera. With so many unlike brands and models of cheap digital cameras in the market you are sure to find your paragon digital camera.
Digital Picture Frames
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and sometimes it takes more than one picture to showcase your memories. Today everything to do with photography is digital, digital cameras, digital storage, the only problem is when you want to display your prized photographs. More and more people believe in displaying there photographs in rich colours and paperless media. Paper has its limitations, the photographs you take may not actually come out as well as you expect once the colours have been adjusted for the printer, not to mention photographs on paper fade away with time.
The solutions is simple, digital picture frames, they are ingenious devices that allow you to transfer photographs directly on the the LCD picture frames. Just take a photograph transfer it to the photo frame using a cable or a memory card. And within seconds you have gone from click to display. There are no repeated printing or developing charges involved, and the best part is that a single digital picture frame can actually display all your images, no need to pick and choose which ones to print and which ones to forget. Just like any digital device the photo frames today can be tweaked to manage various aspects like the frequency of displaying pictures, the colours, the sharpness etc.
There has been a recent trend among photographers and amateurs alike, more and more are switching to digital photo frames to showcase there photos or to simply act as a pleasant reminder of there vacations. There is no limit to the number of applications a digital photo frame has, and in addition to being completely customizable they don't fade with time, or get smudged if you change the photographs. There is an increasing awareness in the market for digital photo frames, this has lead to increased demand and a drop in prices.
The advantages that digital photo frames have over traditional photo frames are simply overwhelming, so much so that you might want to overlook the additional care that these photo frames require. A Digital photo frame is a must have for anyone who owns a digital camera and likes to display his or her skills. I f you are the kind of person who likes to preserve memories by photographing them, a digital photo frame is indispensable, there is no way you can ignore its utility, and appeal to the onlooker any more.
The solutions is simple, digital picture frames, they are ingenious devices that allow you to transfer photographs directly on the the LCD picture frames. Just take a photograph transfer it to the photo frame using a cable or a memory card. And within seconds you have gone from click to display. There are no repeated printing or developing charges involved, and the best part is that a single digital picture frame can actually display all your images, no need to pick and choose which ones to print and which ones to forget. Just like any digital device the photo frames today can be tweaked to manage various aspects like the frequency of displaying pictures, the colours, the sharpness etc.
There has been a recent trend among photographers and amateurs alike, more and more are switching to digital photo frames to showcase there photos or to simply act as a pleasant reminder of there vacations. There is no limit to the number of applications a digital photo frame has, and in addition to being completely customizable they don't fade with time, or get smudged if you change the photographs. There is an increasing awareness in the market for digital photo frames, this has lead to increased demand and a drop in prices.
The advantages that digital photo frames have over traditional photo frames are simply overwhelming, so much so that you might want to overlook the additional care that these photo frames require. A Digital photo frame is a must have for anyone who owns a digital camera and likes to display his or her skills. I f you are the kind of person who likes to preserve memories by photographing them, a digital photo frame is indispensable, there is no way you can ignore its utility, and appeal to the onlooker any more.
Create an Attractive Portfolio
Display your photography skills in the best way possible.
Before starting out trying to sell your digital photos or digital photography services, it is a must to create a portfolio sample of your work. This will give you practice taking photos, but more importantly, customers will demand first seeing how good you are before spending money. This is especially important at the beginning when you may not have many testimonials or references.Be sure to purchase a nice photo album or portfolio book, not just something you pick up at a local drugstore. Also, ensure your photograph prints are of high quality with accurate color representation. This may require getting your photos printed professionally, such as at a camera store or online service catering to pro photographers.
Before starting out trying to sell your digital photos or digital photography services, it is a must to create a portfolio sample of your work. This will give you practice taking photos, but more importantly, customers will demand first seeing how good you are before spending money. This is especially important at the beginning when you may not have many testimonials or references.Be sure to purchase a nice photo album or portfolio book, not just something you pick up at a local drugstore. Also, ensure your photograph prints are of high quality with accurate color representation. This may require getting your photos printed professionally, such as at a camera store or online service catering to pro photographers.
Uses for your Old Digital Camera
Don't throw away your old digital camera - here are some ways to get some use out of it.
Don't throw away your old digital camera - here are some ways to get some use out of it.After purchasing a new digital camera, you may be considering what to do with your old camera that may have fewer megapixels, less zoom range, and fewer features than your current one.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Give your old digital camera to your parents or friends to introduce them to the world of digital photography (be prepared to spend time showing them how everything works!)
- Keep your old digital camera as a backup in case your main digital camera fails.
- Donate your digital camera to charity or a school (this may be tax deductible - contact your accountant and/or charity for information).
- Sell your old digital camera, if it is in good condition, on an auction site such as eBay.
- Sell your old digital camera in your newspaper classifieds.
Don't throw away your old digital camera - here are some ways to get some use out of it.After purchasing a new digital camera, you may be considering what to do with your old camera that may have fewer megapixels, less zoom range, and fewer features than your current one.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Give your old digital camera to your parents or friends to introduce them to the world of digital photography (be prepared to spend time showing them how everything works!)
- Keep your old digital camera as a backup in case your main digital camera fails.
- Donate your digital camera to charity or a school (this may be tax deductible - contact your accountant and/or charity for information).
- Sell your old digital camera, if it is in good condition, on an auction site such as eBay.
- Sell your old digital camera in your newspaper classifieds.
Look for ISO 50 Support
Look for digital cameras with ISO 50 support for crisper, cleaner images.
While most digital cameras have ISO 100 as their lowest ISO setting, if you are looking for even crisper, clearer photos when you have lots of outdoor or artificial light, consider purchasing a digital camera that supports ISO 50. Pictures with this setting have even less grain (noise) than ISO 100 photos, but they will require lots of light otherwise the image will be underexposed. Also, due to the extended exposure times, you will mostly likely need to use a tripod or other stabilizing device.
While most digital cameras have ISO 100 as their lowest ISO setting, if you are looking for even crisper, clearer photos when you have lots of outdoor or artificial light, consider purchasing a digital camera that supports ISO 50. Pictures with this setting have even less grain (noise) than ISO 100 photos, but they will require lots of light otherwise the image will be underexposed. Also, due to the extended exposure times, you will mostly likely need to use a tripod or other stabilizing device.
Don't Expect a Camera to Come with Enough Media
Buying a digital camera? Be prepared to buy some extra media.
When you purchase a digital camera, unless it happens to be a package deal, don't expect the camera to come with enough media to handle your photography needs. Nowadays, most digital cameras, if they come with any media at all, will only be packaged with a 16 or 32 MB card. Though that used to be enough memory for a couple dozen pictures, high megapixel photos in fine, very fine, or raw detail can eat up that memory in just one or two photos. Prepare to spend money on at least one extra media card.
When you purchase a digital camera, unless it happens to be a package deal, don't expect the camera to come with enough media to handle your photography needs. Nowadays, most digital cameras, if they come with any media at all, will only be packaged with a 16 or 32 MB card. Though that used to be enough memory for a couple dozen pictures, high megapixel photos in fine, very fine, or raw detail can eat up that memory in just one or two photos. Prepare to spend money on at least one extra media card.
Two Considerations when Buying a New Camera
Consider these two items before buying a new digital camera.
Planning on buying a new digital camera? Among the many choices you have to make including megapixels, image quality, and zoom capability, here are two more things you should consider:Media Type: There are lots of media types available for cameras, such as CompactFlash, SecureMedia, etc. Because of my previous purchases of CompactFlash cards that I used in older cameras, if upgrading, I would not want to purchase a camera that used a different type of memory unless its other features far outweighed those of competing cameras. Memory prices are going down, but cards are still not cheap and I don't want to 'throw away' this media investment when upgrading.Some cameras are realizing that not everyone wants to use their manufacturer's proprietary media format. For example, the upcoming (at the time of this tip's writing) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 uses Sony's Memory Stick format, but this digital camera also supports CompactFlash and MicroDrives.Battery Type: If you currently use rechargeable batteries, factor into your purchasing decision whether or not your 'dream' camera supports the same types of batteries. I own six or seven sets of AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and would be very weary of purchasing a camera that had its own custom battery type. Of course, if the digital camera offered double the megapixels, a wider zoom lens, and better quality photos, I might reconsider (grin).
Planning on buying a new digital camera? Among the many choices you have to make including megapixels, image quality, and zoom capability, here are two more things you should consider:Media Type: There are lots of media types available for cameras, such as CompactFlash, SecureMedia, etc. Because of my previous purchases of CompactFlash cards that I used in older cameras, if upgrading, I would not want to purchase a camera that used a different type of memory unless its other features far outweighed those of competing cameras. Memory prices are going down, but cards are still not cheap and I don't want to 'throw away' this media investment when upgrading.Some cameras are realizing that not everyone wants to use their manufacturer's proprietary media format. For example, the upcoming (at the time of this tip's writing) Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828 uses Sony's Memory Stick format, but this digital camera also supports CompactFlash and MicroDrives.Battery Type: If you currently use rechargeable batteries, factor into your purchasing decision whether or not your 'dream' camera supports the same types of batteries. I own six or seven sets of AA NiMH rechargeable batteries and would be very weary of purchasing a camera that had its own custom battery type. Of course, if the digital camera offered double the megapixels, a wider zoom lens, and better quality photos, I might reconsider (grin).
Insert Media Carefully
Media can only get inserted into a digital camera one way.
Make sure to insert your digital camera media carefully, whether it's in a digital camera or USB memory reader. Insert the media as per the manufacturer's instructions. Don't force memory in - you may have the card backwards. Forcing memory to fit could break the card, rendering an investment useless and possibly making it impossible to recover photos stored on the card.
Make sure to insert your digital camera media carefully, whether it's in a digital camera or USB memory reader. Insert the media as per the manufacturer's instructions. Don't force memory in - you may have the card backwards. Forcing memory to fit could break the card, rendering an investment useless and possibly making it impossible to recover photos stored on the card.
Memory and Cold Weather
Most digital camera memory should work well in cold temperatures.
When taking photos in extremely cold weather conditions, you should not have to worry about your digital camera memory. Although not a guarantee, at least according to my research, most digital camera memory types, such as CompactFlash, Memory Stick, SD, and xD, should handle frigid temperatures with ease. It's everything else you'll have to worry about (the digital camera circuitry itself, your batteries running out quicker, keeping yourself from freezing, etc).Note that this may not apply to MicroDrives. Since MicroDrives are actually miniature hard drives, they contain mechanical parts that may be susceptible to extreme temperatures.
When taking photos in extremely cold weather conditions, you should not have to worry about your digital camera memory. Although not a guarantee, at least according to my research, most digital camera memory types, such as CompactFlash, Memory Stick, SD, and xD, should handle frigid temperatures with ease. It's everything else you'll have to worry about (the digital camera circuitry itself, your batteries running out quicker, keeping yourself from freezing, etc).Note that this may not apply to MicroDrives. Since MicroDrives are actually miniature hard drives, they contain mechanical parts that may be susceptible to extreme temperatures.
Purchase a Card Reader
Why purchasing a media card reader for your digital camera is a good investment.
Even though your digital camera may have cords so you can connect the camera directly to your computer, it's easy to misplace these connections. You may want to purchase an external card reader instead. These devices, usually anywhere from $15 to $25 (though advanced models can cost more), allow you to place your CompactFlash, SecureDigital, MicroDrive, or other type of media directly in them (make sure you get a card reader that can read your type of media!). Then, when these devices are hooked to your computer, usually via USB (some support Firewire), your digital media looks like another hard drive to your computer. With these external media readers, you can drag and drop files directly from your digital media to your hard drive, bypassing the potential use of proprietary camera media transfer software.
Even though your digital camera may have cords so you can connect the camera directly to your computer, it's easy to misplace these connections. You may want to purchase an external card reader instead. These devices, usually anywhere from $15 to $25 (though advanced models can cost more), allow you to place your CompactFlash, SecureDigital, MicroDrive, or other type of media directly in them (make sure you get a card reader that can read your type of media!). Then, when these devices are hooked to your computer, usually via USB (some support Firewire), your digital media looks like another hard drive to your computer. With these external media readers, you can drag and drop files directly from your digital media to your hard drive, bypassing the potential use of proprietary camera media transfer software.
Don't Use Alkaline AA - Use Rechargeables
Why you should use rechargeable batteries with your digital camera.
If your digital camera supports AA batteries, read the camera manual and check to see if it also supports a kind of battery called NiMH. These batteries tend to last much longer than most standard alkaline AA batteries - plus, they are rechargeable, so they can be re-used for quite a long time. Granted, the cost of four NiMH batteries plus a charger is more expensive than four alkaline batteries, but you'll more than make up the difference in costs once you recharge and use the batteries a few times.
Keep Extra Batteries Handy!
Got a digital camera? Always keep extra batteries handy!
Alright, this is a simple tip and it should be a no-brainer. However, I will mention it anyway, because, as the maxim goes, "common sense is not so common".Whatever you do, wherever you go, always, ALWAYS bring extra batteries when shooting photos! Cameras suck the power out of batteries quickly, even rechargable ones, so you should always carry extra batteries in your camera bag (you did buy a camera bag to protect your camera from the elements, didn't you?)
Alright, this is a simple tip and it should be a no-brainer. However, I will mention it anyway, because, as the maxim goes, "common sense is not so common".Whatever you do, wherever you go, always, ALWAYS bring extra batteries when shooting photos! Cameras suck the power out of batteries quickly, even rechargable ones, so you should always carry extra batteries in your camera bag (you did buy a camera bag to protect your camera from the elements, didn't you?)
10 Reasons to Buy a DSLR Camera
One of the most common questions I get as related to photography is "What camera should I buy?" Before I get into the reasons I recommend buying a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, I'd like to state why you should NOT buy a DSLR.
There is a saying among photographers: "The camera doesn't make the photo, the photographer does." The point is that no matter how expensive your gear is, it means nothing without someone who knows how to properly use it. A great artist can create masterpieces with ordinary tools.
I urge you not to buy that Canon EOS 30D or Nikon D80 or [insert other DSLR model here] if you plan to leave it on full automatic mode. DSLRs are expensive light-capturing tools that can help you create some amazing images, but only if you have the time and patience to learn what you are doing and be creative.
As a side note, I will link to some various websites below which I think are useful in the context of this article. Please note that we are not paid for endorsements by any of these websites. I'm simply sharing what I think are some very useful links for people who aren't already "in-the-know."
With my public service announcement out of the way, I present to you 10 Reasons to Buy a DSLR Camera:
1.Creative Control: This is probably the single most obvious advantage of DSLR cameras. These cameras have a multitude of settings that are just begging to be adjusted. Everything from shutter speed and aperture to white balance, in-camera sharpening and contrast, white balance and white balance shift, flash synchronization, and more...
2.Superior Sensors: DSLRs typically use a sensor that is approximately the same dimensions as an APS film negative (22.7 x 15.1 mm). In contrast, the 2/3" sensor size of an 8 Megapixel digicam is dramatically smaller, about the size of the tip of your pinky (8.8 x 6.6 mm). The larger sensor translates directly to higher image quality in terms of detail, color depth, and dynamic range.
3.Less Noise: Noise is the digital equivalent of film grain. The fact that DSLRs display less noise is at least in part a result of the larger sensor size mentioned above, however it is significant enough to warrant getting its very own bullet point. With your typical digicam, you will get noticeable noise which is detrimental to image quality at pretty much anything above the lowest possible ISO setting. Contrast that with your typical modern DSLR, where you can actually make acceptable prints even at some of the highest ISO settings. I should note that in the literal sense, DSLRs usually make MORE noise when you click the shutter than a point-n-shoot, hehe.
4.Accessories Galore: DSLR cameras can almost be considered upgradeable, they have so many accessories... There are lenses, filters, adapters, extension tubes, flashes, strobes, brackets, and the list goes on. For example, you can buy affordable general purpose lenses or high-end lenses with superior quality. Some lenses serve special functions as well, such as those with image stabilization, macro abilities, tilt-shift functionality, and soft focus. You get the idea. With a DSLR, you have a lot of compatible tools at your disposal which opens the door to new creative possibilities.
5.No Shutter Lag: Shutter lag is that awful delay between the time that you click the shutter on a digicam and the time that an image is actually taken. With DSLRs, there is virtually no delay between the time that you click the shutter and the image is taken. How many times have you missed a great photo opportunity because the camera didn't focus fast enough and then didn't take the shot fast enough once it was focused?
6.Instant Startup: Most DSLRs have nearly instant startup times. That means if your camera is hanging around your neck and in the OFF position, and you see a three-legged man riding a unicycle towards you, you can quickly turn the camera on and snap the shot. And the aforementioned lack of shutter lag will further help in getting the photo. With a digicam it will usually take several seconds to startup, and then you'll have to wait a second or so for it to focus, and then when you click the shutter there will be maybe another second before the image is actually taken - and the three-legged man will be gone.
7.Higher Build Quality: Most digicams are plastic, plastic, and more plastic. They feel flimsy and they're not all that hard to break. DSLRs are built to much higher standards, increasingly so as you get into the more expensive models of course. Some of the cheaper DSLRs are still going to have a lot of plastic in them, but overall they're more durable than a similarly priced digicam. When you get into some of the more expensive models in the $1,000+ range, bodies are ruggedized with largely metal bodies and nice rubberized grips. The ultra-high-end professional bodies are the most rugged and are weather-sealed so you can use them in the harshest environments without a problem. I don't think you'll find many war photographers using a rinky-dink digicam.
8.Viewfinder: This can be a plus and a minus, but mainly it's a plus. With a DSLR, you do not compose your shots on the camera's LCD, you do so through the viewfinder, and you're actually looking through the lens (that's what TTL stands for, though not to be confused with TheTechLounge). Looking through the viewfinder allows you to see more detail as you compose your shots with regard to what's in focus, and you won't have to worry about glare on an LCD interfering with composition. The only negative looking through the viewfinder really has is that if you are in a situation where you have to shoot from the hip or over your head, you have to sort of blindly shoot. By contrast, some digicams have swiveling and rotating LCD screens which allow you to compose such a shot without a problem. It's a small sacrifice. I suppose there's also the fact that it might be less comfortable to press your face against the back of the camera, but you get used to it.
9.Ergonomics: Back when I used to shoot with a small digicam, I would notice that my hand would cramp after a while of holding the tiny camera. DSLRs are larger and have molded grips which (to a varying degree) make holding the camera for long periods much more comfortable. The cheaper DSLRs are smaller and less comfortable, whereas the more expensive ones are usually larger and more comfortable. This is actually the main reason why I chose to purchase a Canon 20D over a Canon Digital Rebel XT - the 20D feels much better in my hand. And since I'm on the computer pretty much all day every day and I already experience occasional pain in my hands, I wanted a very comfortable camera to hold.
10.Price: DSLR cameras are practically affordable nowadays. The big two (Canon and Nikon) currently offer DSLRs for as low as $500-$600 (Canon Digital Rebel XT and Nikon D50) and they've been encroaching on point-n-shoot price territory more and more each year. Believe it or not, this is actually already cheaper than some digicams out there. Not to mention the fact that you can often find a great deal on a used DSLR at some major online stores such as BHPhotoVideo.com and KEH.com. Another great source for used equipment is the Buy & Sell forums (registration is required, but free) over at FredMiranda.com. Incidentally, FredMiranda is also a great site to learn from other photographers, and it's also a good resource for camera and lens reviews by the site's users.
There is a saying among photographers: "The camera doesn't make the photo, the photographer does." The point is that no matter how expensive your gear is, it means nothing without someone who knows how to properly use it. A great artist can create masterpieces with ordinary tools.
I urge you not to buy that Canon EOS 30D or Nikon D80 or [insert other DSLR model here] if you plan to leave it on full automatic mode. DSLRs are expensive light-capturing tools that can help you create some amazing images, but only if you have the time and patience to learn what you are doing and be creative.
As a side note, I will link to some various websites below which I think are useful in the context of this article. Please note that we are not paid for endorsements by any of these websites. I'm simply sharing what I think are some very useful links for people who aren't already "in-the-know."
With my public service announcement out of the way, I present to you 10 Reasons to Buy a DSLR Camera:
1.Creative Control: This is probably the single most obvious advantage of DSLR cameras. These cameras have a multitude of settings that are just begging to be adjusted. Everything from shutter speed and aperture to white balance, in-camera sharpening and contrast, white balance and white balance shift, flash synchronization, and more...
2.Superior Sensors: DSLRs typically use a sensor that is approximately the same dimensions as an APS film negative (22.7 x 15.1 mm). In contrast, the 2/3" sensor size of an 8 Megapixel digicam is dramatically smaller, about the size of the tip of your pinky (8.8 x 6.6 mm). The larger sensor translates directly to higher image quality in terms of detail, color depth, and dynamic range.
3.Less Noise: Noise is the digital equivalent of film grain. The fact that DSLRs display less noise is at least in part a result of the larger sensor size mentioned above, however it is significant enough to warrant getting its very own bullet point. With your typical digicam, you will get noticeable noise which is detrimental to image quality at pretty much anything above the lowest possible ISO setting. Contrast that with your typical modern DSLR, where you can actually make acceptable prints even at some of the highest ISO settings. I should note that in the literal sense, DSLRs usually make MORE noise when you click the shutter than a point-n-shoot, hehe.
4.Accessories Galore: DSLR cameras can almost be considered upgradeable, they have so many accessories... There are lenses, filters, adapters, extension tubes, flashes, strobes, brackets, and the list goes on. For example, you can buy affordable general purpose lenses or high-end lenses with superior quality. Some lenses serve special functions as well, such as those with image stabilization, macro abilities, tilt-shift functionality, and soft focus. You get the idea. With a DSLR, you have a lot of compatible tools at your disposal which opens the door to new creative possibilities.
5.No Shutter Lag: Shutter lag is that awful delay between the time that you click the shutter on a digicam and the time that an image is actually taken. With DSLRs, there is virtually no delay between the time that you click the shutter and the image is taken. How many times have you missed a great photo opportunity because the camera didn't focus fast enough and then didn't take the shot fast enough once it was focused?
6.Instant Startup: Most DSLRs have nearly instant startup times. That means if your camera is hanging around your neck and in the OFF position, and you see a three-legged man riding a unicycle towards you, you can quickly turn the camera on and snap the shot. And the aforementioned lack of shutter lag will further help in getting the photo. With a digicam it will usually take several seconds to startup, and then you'll have to wait a second or so for it to focus, and then when you click the shutter there will be maybe another second before the image is actually taken - and the three-legged man will be gone.
7.Higher Build Quality: Most digicams are plastic, plastic, and more plastic. They feel flimsy and they're not all that hard to break. DSLRs are built to much higher standards, increasingly so as you get into the more expensive models of course. Some of the cheaper DSLRs are still going to have a lot of plastic in them, but overall they're more durable than a similarly priced digicam. When you get into some of the more expensive models in the $1,000+ range, bodies are ruggedized with largely metal bodies and nice rubberized grips. The ultra-high-end professional bodies are the most rugged and are weather-sealed so you can use them in the harshest environments without a problem. I don't think you'll find many war photographers using a rinky-dink digicam.
8.Viewfinder: This can be a plus and a minus, but mainly it's a plus. With a DSLR, you do not compose your shots on the camera's LCD, you do so through the viewfinder, and you're actually looking through the lens (that's what TTL stands for, though not to be confused with TheTechLounge). Looking through the viewfinder allows you to see more detail as you compose your shots with regard to what's in focus, and you won't have to worry about glare on an LCD interfering with composition. The only negative looking through the viewfinder really has is that if you are in a situation where you have to shoot from the hip or over your head, you have to sort of blindly shoot. By contrast, some digicams have swiveling and rotating LCD screens which allow you to compose such a shot without a problem. It's a small sacrifice. I suppose there's also the fact that it might be less comfortable to press your face against the back of the camera, but you get used to it.
9.Ergonomics: Back when I used to shoot with a small digicam, I would notice that my hand would cramp after a while of holding the tiny camera. DSLRs are larger and have molded grips which (to a varying degree) make holding the camera for long periods much more comfortable. The cheaper DSLRs are smaller and less comfortable, whereas the more expensive ones are usually larger and more comfortable. This is actually the main reason why I chose to purchase a Canon 20D over a Canon Digital Rebel XT - the 20D feels much better in my hand. And since I'm on the computer pretty much all day every day and I already experience occasional pain in my hands, I wanted a very comfortable camera to hold.
10.Price: DSLR cameras are practically affordable nowadays. The big two (Canon and Nikon) currently offer DSLRs for as low as $500-$600 (Canon Digital Rebel XT and Nikon D50) and they've been encroaching on point-n-shoot price territory more and more each year. Believe it or not, this is actually already cheaper than some digicams out there. Not to mention the fact that you can often find a great deal on a used DSLR at some major online stores such as BHPhotoVideo.com and KEH.com. Another great source for used equipment is the Buy & Sell forums (registration is required, but free) over at FredMiranda.com. Incidentally, FredMiranda is also a great site to learn from other photographers, and it's also a good resource for camera and lens reviews by the site's users.
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For me, the above list represents 10 good reasons to buy a DSLR over a point-n-shoot digicam. However, I don't want to paint a picture that DSLRs are the perfect solution for everybody. There are some aspects which some would view as a negative of DSLR cameras. You definitely won't be able to put a DSLR in your pocket, it may not be convenient for parties where people are likely to bump into it or spill drinks on it, you'll definitely get more attention with a DSLR around your neck than with a tiny digicam, it's heavier to carry around for long periods, there is a steep learning curve, and it's also an addictive hobby that may get you spending more on lenses and other accessories than you initially planned. These are all compromises I'm willing to make, but only you can decide if a DSLR is truly right for you.
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