I've got my digital camera, now what?
By Zeff Photo, our sponsor

What are the main differences between a film camera and digital camera?
The biggest difference, and the real reason most people buy a digital camera is the LCD screen that lets you see the pictures as soon as you take them!

When I take pictures, do I use the LCD screen or the viewfinder?
Use the monitor for more precise framing. On some cameras, it swivels, making it easy to take pictures from over your head or at ground level. However, the eyelevel viewfinder is easier when shooting in bright light, it's better for moving subjects, and it conserves battery life.

What are the basic tools I need now that I have a digital camera?
First, you need batteries. Digital cameras gobble up disposable batteries like no other product. Your better choice is rechargeable batteries. You'll get more pictures per charge, recycle the flash more quickly, they're reusable, and cheaper in the long run. One set of rechargeable batteries might outlast 100 sets of disposable batteries.

Second, you'll need extra memory. Memory cards have gotten so inexpensive that you'll want to keep an extra card or two on hand. It's like having a couple of extra rolls of film.

Finally, you'll need a case for your camera. Not only does it keep everything together, it protects the LCD screen from scratching. You may also want to keep a mini-tripod on hand just in case.

What are some of the benefits of a digital camera?
• You can e-mail your photos to family and friends anywhere in the world
• You can check out your photos only moments after taking them
• You can make corrections to your camera settings right away because you have instant feedback
• You can edit photos later on using a variety of software packages

I don't have film, so I don't have negatives. So where are my pictures?
Every digital camera has some type of memory card. The memory card stores your images; and unlike film, you can use your memory card over and over.

How do I know what kind of card I need?
The sales associate will know what kind of memory your camera accepts. There are CompactFlash cards, SecureDigital (SD) cards, XD cards and Memory Sticks.

Why is there a delay when I press the button to take the picture?
It takes time to record, or "write" each picture to the memory card. Better cameras have more buffer devoted to holding images while the system writes. While most digital cameras are slower than film cameras, this is changing.

What is a pixel and how does that relate to photo size?
Pixel is short for Picture Element. The pixel is basically a building block. The more pixels in a photo, the more details you will see. You can print a larger photo from a five mexapixel camera than you can from a two megapixel camera.

Why can I take different numbers of photos depending on my settings?
Most cameras have settings, like "HQ" for high quality and "SHQ" for Super High Quality. When your camera is set for the highest quality image, the file sizes are large, fine detail is preserved, and there is little "compression." You get the best photos to print at this setting, but the trade-off is that you get fewer images on your memory card.

When your camera is set at "normal" or "basic" quality, you get many more photos, but at a lower resolution, so you lose fine detail. This setting may be o.k. for sending an e-mail, but may not work well for making prints.

How does the red eye setting work?
The icon of an eyeball means that red eye reduction is turned on. The flash will go off twice: one to make sure the subject's pupils contract, and once to take the picture. When you use this feature, make sure to tell your subject not to move after the first flash.

What is fill flash?
Sometimes, your subject looks dark, even in bright light. Your camera, seeing all the available light, is sort of tricked into thinking that your subject is properly lit. However, without fill flash, your subject may look too dark. Use the fill flash to "fill in" the light on your subject.

I took my photos, now what?
In the old days, you shot a roll of film, and then you got it developed. Today, 80% of digital photos are sitting on people's computers or burned on to CDs. Unless you print your photos, you'll never see those vacation photos, your kid's birthday party photos or the pictures you took at your best friend's wedding.

But before you do anything with your photos, you have to get them off your card. One of the easiest and fastest ways to transfer your images is using a card reader. You plug the card reader into your computer's USB port and put your memory card into the reader. It's much faster than connecting your camera to your computer, and it saves your camera battery.

So how do I print my pictures?
Since your photos are already on your computer, one of the easiest ways to get prints is to upload them to an online service, such as the one offered through www.zeffphoto.com.

You could burn your images to a CD, and bring the CD or your memory card to a quality photo lab. Or, you can purchase a photo printer, paper and ink to make prints at home. With some photo printers, you don't even need your computer. You can insert your memory card directly into the printer! But unless you make prints, you can't share your memories.

Remember: creating and sharing memories is what photography is all about.

If you have any more questions, or want to learn more about photography, consider taking a class at Zeff U, Imaging Education Center at Zeff Photo Supply. For information about classes, contact Casey McCormick, Education Coordinator. If you would like more information about any of the subjects or products mentioned in this article, call Zeff Photo Supply at 617.489.3311. Or better yet, come to the store! Our staff of photography experts will gladly take the time to answer your questions. Zeff Photo Supply is located at 11 Brighton St, Belmont, MA, just minutes from Fresh Pond. Visit us on the web at www.zeffphoto.com.