So, you’ve decided to make the brave leap into the realm of digital SLR photography. You’re probably one of the thousands of digital photography enthusiasts who have been using simple point-and-shoot cameras for years. One of the reasons people are so reluctant to move into the world of digital SLR photography, is an aversion to spending a lot of money for a camera. Well, if that’s the case with you then you should be pleasantly surprised to find that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good digital SLR camera these days.

As with all things digital, digital cameras have rapidly dropped in price over the last few years. With that means basically is that you can get a camera today with SLR technology that’s probably as inexpensive as you would have paid for simple point-and-shoot digital just a few years ago. One of the first digital cameras I purchased, going back every five or six years now was nothing more than a simple point-and-shoot Canon, but ended up costing me close to $1000. When I see what I can get today for thousand dollars in digital SLR cameras, it’s ridiculous.

Two of the better brands take a look at when you’re considering a digital SLR camera, would be Canon and Nikon. The Canon Digital rebel line of cameras has been one of the most popular for entry-level SLR enthusiasts in the past few years. It started with the XT, then the XTi, followed by the Xsi, the XS, and now the T1i. These cameras can generally be had for between 600 and $1100.

Nikon also makes a few good SLR cameras. If you’re looking to stay in the sub $1000 price range, and the D40 and the D60 from Nikon would be good cameras look at.

Getting the perfect camera, is never an easy thing, especially with the way digital technology is constantly changing. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites online, that can narrow down your search and help you find the camera with all the features important to you.

Digital Cameras FAQ:

Question: How do digital cameras work?
I really have two questions. One is about how digital cameras actually capture images and create image files. The other is about how cameras end up taking rectangular pictures. I mean, if you look at cameras. the lenses are circular, so how do they end up taking rectangular pictures, and why? Why are movies and photos always square, rather than circular?

Answer: Yes the LENS are circular but the object inside the lens that actually captures the photo inside is a square, rectangular shape. The lens are circular so that the camera could get a 360 degree look at the object that the camera is capturing.

Question: What digital cameras are the best to buy,if you want to make 8×10 pictures?

Answer: Any Digital Camera with an Optical zoom and at least 3.2 Mp’s will make a DECENT 8X10. Of course if you want a bit more detail, 4.0 Mp and higher. I have a 5, 7, 8, and 9 Mp cameras, and make many 8X10 prints.

Question: What makes dslr cameras better than normal digital cameras?

Answer: The sensor in a DSLR like the Sony A300 or Canon XSi or Nikon D60 is as much as 15 times larger than the sensor in a “point & shoot” digicam. A 6 megapixel DSLR will simply blow away a digicam in terms of image quality.

A DSLR offers you the luxury of interchangeable lenses. You aren’t limited to a slow permanently attached lens which often limits your creative abilities. You also have more control over f-stops and shutter speeds with a DSLR.

A DSLR has barely perceptible shutter lag so you never miss that important action shot. All digicams suffer from shutter lag – that frustrating time between when you press the shutter release and the camera actually takes the picture.

With a DSLR you are looking directly through the lens. You see exactly what the lens sees.

Question: Are there any digital cameras that compare to canon rebel t2?
I really want a camera for my birthday, and I fell in love with the t2, but I think it’d be much easier if I got a digital camera instead of a film camera. Are there any cameras that compare to the t2’s quality?

Answer: The Canon Rebel XTi is a near clone of the T2 that you fell in love with. If they were side-by-side, at first glance, you’d have a hard time telling them apart. There are some difference in any digital vs. film camera comparison, but their features are very similar as well.

Question: How is the performance of Vivitar digital cameras? I just wanna buy a digital camera for frequent use.

Answer: Vivitar was one of the first photo companies to produce digital cameras, it should perform satisfactory.

My camera uses AA batteries rather than a built-in battery pack. i use nickel metalhydride AA batteries that are rechargeable, and have several sets to replace them as they run down. Items which consume more power are the flash and CRT viewfinder, shutting those off may help get more battery life. You can change batteries and not lose the pictures already taken, they are on a storage card until deleted.

Question: Where can I buy multiple digital cameras with decent quality?
I work at a youth center and I run a photography club. My boss agreed to buy some digital cameras for the kids so I am looking for decent quality at a reasonable price? I will probably ask for 5 or 10 cameras.

Answer: Amazon generally has some pretty good prices. Or you can always try ebay.

Question: What is the correct posture in taking pictures using digital cameras?
I am used to taking pictures of cameras that are SLR types, the lens rest on the left palm in a holding position and the right finger (pointer finger) rest on the shutter. One time I was at a friends wedding, my friends laughed at the way I took their pictures using their slim type digital cameras, because I tucked my both arms to avoid disrupted images during pressing the shutter. Am I really making fool out of myself?

Answer: You are totally correct! You obviously know what you are doing and have been taught correctly. This is why people will ask you “How come when you take photos with my camera, they always come out so clear?”

This is just one of the many fine details a good photographers knows and worries about. Let your photography speak for itself.

Question: What digital cameras don’t have that stupid delay?
I have a great (big) old Sony digital camera that takes floppy’s and not memory cards but the best thing is there is no delay when taking pics. I have bought numerous new cameras, including Sony Cybershot and get driven mad as my 2yr old runs off before picture is taken. Do any new cameras have no delay? Why does it do this when my previous didn’t?

Answer: There are certain things that a digital camera has to do in order to prepare itself to take a photograph. Most of these activities are active by default.

If you configure the camera to switch off all the automatic functions (exposure, focus, auto-flash, white balance etc.) then it’ll be almost instantaneous operation. You must carefully read the manual.

Note that the cheaper the camera is then the fewer ‘manual’ functions there will be.

There are a lot of digital cameras available in the market nowadays. That is why it isn’t surprising to find that accessories for these devices are also abundant. As a person who is inclined (or maybe starting) in photography, you have probably heard about the different digital camera lens. You might have felt the need to try them out but you realized that that would be a waste of time, not to mention, money. So here is an guide that will let you understand which is the best digital camera lens for you.

1.Fold optics lenses

Fold optics lenses are the ones that fold sideways to the camera’s body. This kind of lens is very sleek and compact. Lenses of this type are very much protected by its built-in cover. Although these lenses are suitable for those who like compact devices, these models don’t support lens converters. Based on different reviews, these lenses produces lower optical quality despite its higher costs compared to that of external lens designs.

2.Fixed zoom lenses

Fixed zoom lenses are not retractable even if the camera is turned off. However, this kind of “flaw” has its own use since these lenses can magnify objects at an average of 18 times. Attaching lens converters to perform different kind of shooting would not be a problem with these lenses. Fixed zoom lenses are commended for business users and serious amateurs in photography.

3.Fixed focal length lenses

Snapshooters and budget buyers should take advantage of this kind of lenses. It doesn’t have an optical zoom to magnify objects. It is also very affordable. Cameras with fixed focal length lenses always have easy and quick camera operations. Although these lens provide the lowest quality available in the market, they are very good for shooting wide angle views such as landscapes and group shots.

4.Retractable zoom lenses

Although cameras with these lenses do not support lens converters, they are still very suitable for budget buyers and snapshooters. These lenses are always paired with sleek and compact designs to give it a very light look. This type of lenses, however, is not suitable for people who like to manually set controls since its switches are always limited.

5.Interchangeable lenses

Only digital SLRS offer you the chance to change lenses. Interchangeable lenses are recommendable to serious amateurs who want to have flexibility in handling subjects and views. Cameras with interchangeable lenses will enable you to save money since you won’t have to buy new cameras for different kinds of photography.

Getting the perfect camera lens, is never an easy thing, especially with the way digital technology is constantly changing. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites online, that can narrow down your search and help you find the camera lens with all the features important to you.

Digital Camera Lens FAQ:

Question: If I have a 18-200mm digital camera lens is there any need to get a 50mm lens?

Answer: If it’s a 50mm prime I would suggest getting it. What zoom lenses gain in versatility they lose in quality. You’ll find that a 50mm prime takes much better pictures than the 50mm on your zoom lens. Also, it’s nice to have the 2.8 aperture for taking low-light photos or if you want good background blur. If you can afford it I say go for it.

Question: How do you clean digital camera lens?
My little niece found my digital camera and put her greasy little fingers all over including the lens.

Answer: DO NOT use regular glass cleaner, it can damage the anti-reflective coating on your lens!

Get a lens cleaning kit from most any camera store, electronics store, or even some drugstores with photo services. Eyeglass cleaner, if specifically designated for glasses with anti reflective coatings, can also work, but DO NOT use Windex or other ordinary glass cleaners!

Question: Does light (sunlight, UV torch, and lamp light) passing through a digital camera lens burn it?

Answer: Any hot or bright light source can harm a slr or dslr. The shutter curtain is made of cloth and the lens is… well, a lens, The magnification properties of the lens can concentrate the light and burn a hole in the curtain. But this can only happen if the lens is left pointing toward the light for at least a few minute, depending on the lens.

The bigger the lens, the bigger the aperture, the faster this can happen.

If you want to shoot pictures of the sun or a bright light source, you can purchase a neutral density filter that will allow you to do so safely.

Question: How to clear out dust in my digital camera lens?
I have a Canon SD450 and when I take night shots, I sometimes get these blurred spots on my pictures. It looks like dust got into my camera through the small crevices and through the retractable lens and is only noticeable while taking night shots.

Answer: Dust inside the lens will be visible in all images as dark spots or blobs.

If the spots are white and occur in flash shots, it’s the flash reflecting off particles in the air.

Question: Digital camera lens cleaner not available. What can I use as an alternative?

Answer: NEVER use alcohol on a lens. Unless you want to destroy it.

Just use a soft bristle brush to remove any dust and then use a lens cloth to clean the lens. If there are stubborn smudges just breathe on the lens and use the cloth.

A really good source of information on the care and cleaning of your camera can be found in the Owner’s Manual that came with it.

If your lens accepts filters you really should invest in a UV/Haze filter to protect the front element.

Question: Should I clean my digital camera lens, I have a Nikon Coolpix L18?

Answer: If it has dirt or smudges on it, then yes. Clean it. Take a clean micro-fiber cloth, breathe on your lens, and gently wipe in a circular motion to clean it.

Question: What digital camera lens is best to use for close up water drips on flowers and stuff like that? Also cost?
Any idea what a good lens would be for shooting drops of water on flowers and a bee on a flower and extreme closeups like that? Would it cost way too much for this unless you were a professional?
Also what would you recommend for zooming in on ballplayers at a ballpark?

Answer: The feature you need for shooting macro/close up shots is just that…. the Macro setting. Most all cameras have that setting… even the little point and shoot models. Now you might not get the type of quality the larger SLR digitals provide, but then you will not be paying the price for one. When you go shopping for your camera ask the sales rep if the camera has a Macro setting…. If he says yes, you are in business. Also try to get one that has perhaps a 12X zoom for those distant shots.

Question: What would be the best lens for taking close ups of lions and tigers at the zoo? I am currently using 70-300mm VR nikon and looking to take better quality shots. For some reason my images are being rejected reason being “too blurry when enlarged full size”

Answer: Rule of thumb: if your focal length is more than your speed, use a tripod.

So if you’re zoomed in to 300mm and you’re shooting at 1/125 or 1/250 of a second, use a tripod. A monopod may even help. VR can only do so much.

Alternatively, get closer to the animal. Of course, that may be really dangerous. Use this technique only on things like turtles.