Digital Camera Photography

In just a short space of time digital cameras have taken over the photographic market place. With numerous functions they do not need the complicated mechanical components of a standard film camera. A great advantage over the older film system is how easily the images can be stored using a computer or other mass storage device. Captured images are stored as bytes or binary information; ones and zeros to most people and are referred to as pixels.

These cameras still use lenses in much the same way that conventional cameras do. The only difference between a digital camera and film cameras is how they capture this light inside the camera itself. Images seen on good and more expensive models are captured using an alternative method of a charged coupled device commonly known as a CCD which you may have heard of. Images captured in what are considered to be the low-end cameras are using a CMOS device which competes directly with the CCD of the high-end variants.

By using the CMOS sensor, many models have become more affordable for those users that do not require such a high performance device. Whilst both the CMOS and CCD systems both capture an image using millions of solar cells to make up the whole picture, they perform this in slightly different ways Information to help you choose a suitable model of camera is mention in this review. Look for models with over 6 megapixels and you won't go far wrong as they will provide decent images; they can also provide prints that are larger without any degradation.

Unless your budget just won't stretch that far, don't buy a digital camera with only a digital zoom or you will find pictures that aren't very clear when you print them; even a camera with a three times optical zoom is worth having. Today's nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries are very powerful and last for around a 1,000 charges so always use these if you want to save money. Most models come equipped with some sophisticated software that can create interesting shots; just a few examples of functions to look for are shown here:

• Macro (close up shots)
• Web cam function
• Mosaic effect shots

If you're a photo freak, be sure that you have enough memory to take plenty of shots without worrying about storage. If you are a keen photographer then you will need a larger size storage card if you don't want to run out of space after a hundred shots so look for cards over 1GB.

If your camera is going accompany you wherever you go, then you will need to consider its size. There is no longer any need (even for keen amateur photographers) to carry around large, heavy models if you don't have to. There has only been room for a few basic hints and tips here but they should help with your choice of camera. With their range of features and ease of use, digital cameras are the future of still image photography.