Digital Background – Digital Photography

The question we have to answer when asked by a newbie photographer, “What camera do I buy”, is almost as complex as the answer to the question of life. There are just so many factors that have to be considered, which is why it’s important to look at a few keys to buying the right camera for you.

1. Consider what you need

This question can only be asked by you as only you know what you really need. The advice of friends is great and input from a close relative helps, but, the bottom line is really what you need and how you feel about a potential purchase. Don’t ever be swayed but what someone else likes and thinks you should like. Be decisive about your first purchase. You will have to live with it for a while and not your friend.

2. Decide what specifications you want

The focus here is on what you want and not just what you need. Don’t always go for the bare minimum because that is what you need. If you can afford something a little better for just a little extra money then go for it, within reason of course. Now that you have an idea on specifications you can start looking around. Don’t forget to take any advice into consideration at this point as well.

3. Check out camera sites

See what is available within the specifications you have decided on. What the price range is and what features there are over and above what you’ve decided upon. These will be the cameras you’ll focus on and come to a final decision on. Don’t forget that they are each trying to punt their own particular brand so be careful. Don’t be swayed at this point.

4. Visit forums and discussion groups

Once you have an idea on what you like and you’ve narrowed down your choice to a few models, visit forums and review sites and find out what others are saying about the different cameras and models. This will give you an idea as to what should be excluded and which you have to make a decision on. Join a few forums and ask questions about the particular models you are interested in and find out from users. They have already bumped their heads and made mistakes you won’t have to make.

5. Download the manuals

Most cameras will have a manufacturers website that allows the download of a pdf manual for the camera that you’re interested in. Read it and take a good look at all the features and specifications. This will give you a precise understanding of what it can and can’t do. Once you have this information you are ready to make your decision and find the best store to purchase your camera.

6. Visit online auction sites

If you are brave enough to bid on a reputable auction site then go ahead and start looking. There are often reputable dealers who offer ‘buy now’ prices that are slightly higher but still good, before the auction ends. The key here is reputable. Sometimes you’ll pick up a fantastic deal if you are willing to take the risk.

7. Visit reputable stores

You’ll probably find that the best deal you’ll find will be online and the problem here is that you cannot tell by how the site looks if it is reputable. So do some research first and find out if they really are. Look at price comparison sites such as bizrate.com and pricescan.com. They will often have a star rating for their service and value for money.

8. Avoid grey market products

Grey market products are usually items that have been purchased outside the normal distribution channels of a county. This is usually from another country that has a cheaper price due to taxes and other factors. These products don’t carry the same range of serial numbers available in your country and will often not have warranties honoured locally.

9. Avoid extended warranties

This is where many manufacturers make a lot of money and you will often be pushed to take one. Unless of course you are fearful of a camera breakdown outside the warranty, don’t be pressured into taking one.

10. Optional extras

Watch out for a bunch of extras with a camera deal. Someone is paying for these and the most likely person is you. A bag, extra lens, cleaning kits and host of other little things all add up and somebody has to pay for it. Look at just the camera and add items you feel are necessary. You might even be able to buy a slightly better model without all the extras. Be careful of sales talk.

So there you have it. Follow these guidelines and you will stand a better chance of buying a digital camera without any regrets. Happy shooting!

Do you want to learn more about photography in a digital world? I’ve just completed a brand new e-course delivered by e-mail. Download it here for free: http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/. To learn how you can take your photography from ordinary to outstanding visit http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/21steps.htm.

Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography.

By Wayne Rasku

Canon has some really great igital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. In fact there are two excellent Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras to choose from. They are the Canon Rebel 450D XSi and the Canon Rebel 500D T1i.

Usually, they are referred to as Rebel XSi and Rebel T1i, OR Rebel 450D and Rebel 500D. The lower number – 450D – is the older of the two cameras, meaning it was released before the 500D. Canon came up with a numbering system for their Rebel line of cameras which began in 2003 with the Rebel 300D. Each successive camera has been named with the addition of 50 to the name.

OK, so what makes these DSLRs good gifts? Here are a few reasons to consider:

• Great image quality. This line of cameras has always been rated at the top of the entry level category for image quality. The quality is nearly as good as the much more expensive models.
• Inexpensive price. These are not Point-and-Shoot cameras, so you must expect to pay more than you would for compact digital cameras. However, prices have dropped way down below the $1000 price tag of the original Rebels.
• DSLR capabilities. What more can be said. Every budding photographer dreams of the day he or she will be able to switch camera lenses to get the perfect picture. Photographers are like golfers when it comes to gear – the newest gear will improve their “game”.

Which of the two Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras you choose is really dependent on only a couple of things.First is price – there is approximately $150 difference between the two cameras. The T1i is the more expensive model because of two very important considerations. HD Video and Creative Auto.

Second is HD Video and Creative Auto. No, this is not a typo. The two features that make the Rebel T1i cost more than the XSi are the reasons for buying the T1i rather than the XSi. If that does not make sense, consider this. Almost all point and shoot digital cameras have video capability, and they have an LCD screen with a preview of the photo that is about to be taken. Not all DSLRs have these two features. In fact the Rebel XSi does not, but the T1i does have them. Actually, Creative Auto is a lot more technologically sophisticated than a live view on the LCD screen, but suffice it to say that the photographer you are thinking of will really appreciate it.

Hopefully, this brief overview of Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras will be of help in your decision. There is much more detail at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

Nikon and Canon have always been competitors in the digital imaging race for the longest time and once again, these imaging giants have come up again with their latest entry-level offerings through Canon’s EOS 500D and Nikon’s D3000. These cameras are mainly targeted at consumers who are ready to switch from their compact digital cameras to a DSLR.

Canon’s latest entry-level model, EOS 500D has 15.1 megapixel imaging resolution using its APS-C sized CMOS sensor proves to be outstanding in low light and produces images with incredibly low noise. Nikon’s D3000 starts with a conservative 10.2 megapixel but with its CCD sensor gives very good results at ISO 800. At low light shoots, the D3000 can still deliver acceptable images at ISO 1600. New budding photographers must be reminded that images with higher resolution means higher MBs hence lesser pictures on your SD.

Another feature that is commonly considered is auto-focus. Consumers who recently switched from compact are accustomed to this function and might find manual focusing a bit of a challenge on certain shooting modes. The Nikon D3000 has a new 11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module giving the D3000 better frame coverage compared to previous entry-level models 3-point AF. Complimenting the AF feature is Nikon’s exceptional EXPEED image processor that accurately processes images. Meanwhile, Canon 500D has precise 9-point auto-focus systems for guaranteed high-accuracy in focusing and images are processed by DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor’s 14-bit A/D conversion that ensures images are processed without compromising fine details and accurate colour reproduction. An added-feature on the Canon is the capability to record videos. This is ideal for new switchers since this feature is similar to the compact digital camera. The EOS 500D offers video recording and playback in Full HD using HDMI connection. However, shooting at 1080p records gawky clips and it is recommended to use 720p which puts to waste the HD capacity.

Both cameras uses SD and SDHC compatible and they both have 3.0″ LCD displays. However, only Canon has a Live View capability making shooting in awkward angles easier. One advantage that Nikon offers with the D3000 is their on-camera guide which is highly recommended for new photography enthusiasts. This feature can be selected from the top Exposure Mode/Scene Mode dial and has three sections namely 1) Shoot, 2) View / Delete and 3) Set-Up which gives teaches the user on how to set-up and use the D3000.

Comparing prices, the Canon 500D’s suggested retail price of SGD$1,199 is for body only or SGD$2,099 for the EOS Kit II with 18-55mm lens while the Nikon D3000 with AF-S DX VR 18-55mm is more economical at SGD$988.

These two new cameras are both user-friendly and easy to use. So choosing between these two products can be a little bit tricky, either you look for features, you consider the price or whatever your preference is – choose Nikon or Canon.

More articles: http://www.getcamera.com

Digital Background

You’re blown away by the features of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i EF-S Digital SLR Camera – it’s a 15.1 MP Rebel and also records High Definition videos! But before you buy one, reading reviews is a must-do activity.

The Most Reliable Reviews
You can read Canon EOS Rebel T1i EF-S Digital SLR Camera reviews from camera experts, and ezine editors – paid reviewers. Would you believe the PAID reviewers over actual customer reviews? If your answer is “Yes,” go for it! Rely on their opinions for a major purchase.

If your answer is “No,” read this summary of customer reviews from Amazon.

Summary Of Amazon Customer Reviews For The Canon Rebel T1i
Customer Rating Percentages (5 stars is the highest rating)
74% of customers gave the camera 5 stars.
14% of customers gave the camera 4 stars.
6% of customers gave the camera 3 stars.
5% of customers gave the camera 2 stars.
1% of customers gave the camera 1 stars.

Read These Two Reviews First
You need to read “The most helpful favorable review” and “The most helpful critical review.” Why? Because 883 of 892 (99%) people found the favorable review helpful and 201 of 226 (89%) people found the critical review helpful.

The headlines say it all – “A wonderfully full-featured camera at an unbeatable price” and “Video Problems with some sdhc cards (especially Kingston), You may miss some good shots unless you use sandisk extreme lll.”

What Else Can You Check Out?
Read a few 1- and 2-star reviews – some may express worthless opinions, but others may contain valuable info. And remember, the camera will NOT meet everyone’s requirements.

Now you decide if the Canon EOS Rebel T1i EF-S Digital SLR Camera meets your needs!

More Help Here!

If you’re still undecided, another quick look at feature highlights can speed up decision-making.

Links to the Most Helpful Reviews.

Digital Background