photos by richard

It helps when learning to use your new digital camera to also know what some of the more common terms mean. To find out what many of these camera terms mean, check out the full article at New Photo Articles.

While some of the least expensive digital cameras have only automatic focus, meaning the camera does all the work on bringing your subject into the best possible focus, most SLR digitals offer three different focus modes:

• manual
• single auto focus
• continuous auto focus

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I tried to use a Canon 40D at a hockey game, using sports mode. I chose this as it is supposed to follow the action with regard to focusing. The camera would only go as high as ISO 400 which resulted in 1/250 second. Not fast enough for my desire. I had the manual with me and it did not help.

When I got home I did some searching, and my concern is not uncommon. I found some answers, which are summarized here.

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Digital cameras come with many features, and one is the ability to try black and white photography. Some cameras come with settings for black and white photography, and most photo editing software comes with the option to change color photographs into black and white. Black and white often adds an element of mystery to a photo that color cannot capture. Photos in black and white are especially popular for portraits and candid shots of young children. Black and white photography adds an intimate feel to a photo that you may not find in color. Black and white is also a great alternative for nature photos. A photo of a single flower or a tree can be stunning in black and white. For a unique photograph, you can then take that photo and add color to just one part of the photo using your photo software. If you aren’t convinced you should give black and white photography a try, do some experimenting. Take some of your existing photos and turn them to black and white using photo editing software.

If you love to take pictures, but never thought of it as anything more than a hobby, you might want to think about going to school to become a photographer. Even as an amateur photographer you can display your creations to any of the many photo albums online.

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Here is a good starting point for an equipment checklist for a digital camera owner going out on location. We will develop a more extensive one for those of you becoming very serious amateurs, or junior professionals.

• camera

• camera how-to manual (just in case you forget how some obscure process works)
• camera bag
• coins (I always have some loose change in my camera bag)
• lens hoods and lens caps
• extra batteries
• battery charger(s)
• extra memory cards (formatted)
• lenses
• lens cases
• cleaning kit
• tripod
• remote shutter release cable
• external flash
• batteries for external flash
• documentation for all equipment (in case you traverse a national boundary, or lose equipment to theft; also good if you need to verify you have everything when re-packing)
• memory card reader and USB cable (in case you need to leave copies of photos with another person)

• label your rechargeable batteries with the purchase date

• if your camera needs multiple batteries, use a set of similar age and usage
• do not drop batteries
• follow manufacturers recommendations for charging
• avoid leaving batteries in extreme conditions (cold/heat)
• replace batteries in sets, not individually
• avoid transporting batteries loose; pick up a small plastic container at a dollar store
• find a recycling centre near you for old batteries

• never open the memory card compartment when the power is on

• most cameras have a small indicator that flashes when a photo is being saved to your memory card; never turn your camera off while this indicator is flashing
• memory cards are not affected by current airport security scanners
• avoid leaving your memory cards in extreme heat and cold, or high humidity (the original packaging should mention limits)
• store your memory cards in the small plastic holders that they came with
• avoid changing cards when in a hostile environment (especially blowing dust)
• if a card becomes wet, leave it to dry thoroughly, and then test it with a low priced card reader (cheaper to replace than your camera if something goes wrong)
• buy a card reader for transfering photos to your computer; it saves wear and tear on your camera
• before you take advantage of awesome deals on large capacity cards (> 2 GB) make sure your camera can use them (read the manual)
• more is better - it is better to own two 1 GB cards rather than one 2 GB card (what if a card fails or is damaged)
• if you have multiple cards, devise a technique that allows you to know quickly whether a particular card has already been used on the current outing
• format a new card in the camera before use
• consider formatting a card on a periodic basis (this process will determine if part of the card is failing)

Finding the right replacement battery to match your digital camera or equipment can be difficult, so no matter what kind of camera you need; a traditional film camera, an automatic 35 mm camera or a digital camera you need to know not only about the camera, but the camera battery as well.

You want to choose a camera that has a battery that is easy to find and cheap to buy. This is especially important before you buy any camera, whether it is for you or it is a gift. Continue Reading »

• turn off the flash when it is not needed (only use fill flash when truly needed)

• keep the LCD monitor on the back of your camera off as much as possible
• if your camera came with an AC adapter, use it when you are at home transfering files
• buy a small memory card reader (use it to transfer files, rather than the camera)