Excellence in photography
If you consider yourself more than a casual observer of photography and all that goes into producing great photographic outcomes
This may explain to some extent, why camera users are generally classified as hobbyists, novices, and professionals; but to whichever of these categories you may belong, it is suggested that you consider, and seek to utilize, the following basic information about digital cameras
1) Categories of the camera – Can be grouped as follows:
- Ultra Compact – with no flash mode;
- Prosumer or Compact – for hobbyists;
- Digital SLR Cameras
– equipped with lenses, tripod, and external flashes, used primarily by professionals.
Photographic mastery
If you want to master the art of photography
2) Mega pixels – Can be classified as follows:
- 3 Mega Pixels – used for basic snapshots;
- Between 3 and 5 Mega Pixels – used for images with good print quality;
- Between 5 and 7 Mega Pixels – used for images that can be easily manipulated in the sense that larger print sizes can be made.
3) Zoom – Usually categorized into two parts as follows:
- Optical Zoom Factor – used to make distant objects appear closer by magnifying the light entering through the camera’s main lens.
- Digital Zoom Factor – used to magnify the resulting image.
Quality photographs depend mostly on the optical zoom factor!
4) Storage media – Encompasses some common storage formats, a few of which follows:
- Compact Flash – used with compact and DSLRs;
- Sony Memory Stick – used with other Sony appliances due to compatibility;
- Smart Media.
More about the mastery
Note that storage sizes normally range from 64 K, which can store 3 dozen mega pixel images; 1G can store about 500 images with the same mega pixels
5) Carrying case – Intended to keep the camera and its accessories in place.
6) Tripod – Can be used when setting the timer mode on and keeping the focus stable.
7) Lenses and Filters – Used with some digital cameras that allow additional lenses
- Macro lens – This feature is used to allow a user to get closer to objects like insects and flowers;
- Wide-angle Lens – used for capturing landmarks, as well as large and wide sceneries;
- Telephoto Lens – used to allow longer zooms that let the user get close to objects that are considered unsafe.
Filters can also be used to…
- Soften the effect of an image;
- Provide blurring on the edges for portraits with sensitive moods;
- Add light flares for the image to be more dramatic
- Reduce glare so that pictures appear more saturated, crisp, and vivid.
Proficiency
Take a look at the following basic strategies that can be used to capture an image:
- Holding the camera – You should hold the camera steadily and keep your spare fingers from interfering with the lens. This skill usually takes a few practices.
- Focusing – To keep the camera from shuddering, it is better to half-press the camera until you are able to lock your view on the focus before completely pressing the button of the shutter. You may also use a tripod for better focusing.
- Previewing – Take and retake pictures, if necessary, after previewing them in your LCD screen.
- Archiving – It is recommended that you keep an album of your best photographs so that you can refer to them as you keep working your way to being a great photographer
Once you become proficient is the use of your simple compact, and especially digital SLR cameras, you can certainly capture photos using other cameras with great ease and what can perhaps be described as photographic perfection
