• What do you plan to do with the camera? 
• Snapshots only-simple inexpensive point and shoot type.
• Creative, imaginative pictures- SLR camera with minimums of 6 megapixs.
• Where do you plan to take pictures? 
• General areas where lighting is good-point and shoot.
• Specific areas with soft lighting-6+ megapix SLR camera. 
• What size pictures are you planning to make from the image?
• No larger than 5x7 picture-point and shoot.
• Larger than 8x10-6+ megapix SLR camera. 
• How much time do you want to spend setting up your picture?
• Quick shots with no thoughts-inexpensive point and shoot.
• Artistic, mind-blowing pictures- 6+ megapixs. SLR camera.
• What kind of subjects do you plan to shoot? 
• General snapshots-point and shoot.
• Portraits, scenic, action or night pictures-6+ megapixs. SLR camera
• How much money do you want to spend?
• You get what you pay for in cameras!

• Check out the different stores for the best prices. 
• Talk to the salesperson and get them to explain the main functions of the camera. 
• Ask specific questions about the camera. If you don't like the answers,, move on to another store. 
• Take a photography class ( Learn to use the camera correctly. Many great cameras are on shelves because the owner did not understand how to use it correctly). 
• Read the directions that come with the camera.
• Practice using it (You may waste some film but in the long run you will be a lot happier)
• Check our chart   to help you decide what you want.

  More information can be found at:
  Digital Camera Buying Guide, Tips, Reviews and Ratings,
  Buying a Digital Camera Help and Tips, and 10 tips for buying a digital camera
  Steve's Digicams Review and information on digital cameras
  Check  out the web sites listed in camera manufacturers.

• Match your camera
• Number indicates capacity
• Speed indicates copy time
• Avoid off brands

Graphic File Formats,

Image file formats - TIF, JPG, PNG, GIF,

Graphics file format summary - Wikipedia,,

Digital image file types

• Buy only the type of battery that fits your camera.
• Buy nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.
• Buy rechargeable batteries (this will save you a great deal of money)
• Buy more than  one battery.
• Buy and use a portable recharge while you are on the road, charge one battery while you are using the other.

• The battery icon on your camera is the best power indicator,
• Insert the battery correctly into the camera.
• Limit shooting in freezing weather (cold will drain it quickly)
• Limit flash use (big drain on your batter)
• Turn off the monitor to save energy.
• Use an AC adapter.
• Use a small resolution JPEG or GIF.
• Shut down the camera for a short time if the indicator is flashing.

Digital Camera Shutter Lag Comparison Table,

ImpulseAdventure - Shutter Lag & Startup Time Comparison, and

Decreasing shutter lag

• Enhancing lighting or environmental conditions.
• Creating dramatic interpretive and artist pictures.

1. Manual Flash-The photographer determines the proper exposure by matching  the speed of the film, the distance from the subject and the light output of the flash. There is usually a chart or wheel on the back that will help you determine the proper setting.
2.  Automatic Flash-The proper amount of light is determined by the flash after you set the aperture using a calculator on the back. A light sensor will set the duration of the flash and thus insure the correct exposure.
3. Dedicated Flash-This flash uses the camera itself to determine the correct shutter speed, exposure and duration of the flash. It relies on  the cameras' metering system, TTL (through the lens) to determine what is suitable. It is an automatic system which can enhance your pictures and ensure better photographs. Many come with manual modes so you can override the flash and set different settings. Some flash units can only be used with particular types of cameras (Nikon for Nikon, Canon for Canon etc.), while others have switches that will set the flash to your particular camera.
   Additional information can be found at How to Buy a Camera Flash - eHow.com and Consumer Guide: Camera Flashes Product Reviews

• Never shoot facing the sun.
• Avoid shooting subjects with the sun in their face. (causes squinting)
• Avoid shooting pictures with a mirror or glass as a backdrop, (causes a spot of light).
• Check the picture completely before pressing the shutter release. Carefully scan the image from one side of the viewfinder to the other. Make sure everything is the way you want it before you push that shutter.
• Avoid taking a picture where something is bright red. The viewer will see the red and miss the rest of your picture.
• Shoot before 11 am and after 1 pm. Those times will give you the best shadows without glare.
• Check what is behind the subject. You might have a pole sticking out of your subject's head.
• Don't put your main subject directly in the center of the frame. ( This is called bulls eye) Try setting it to the right or left of center.
• Be patient. Many a great picture took time to create.
• In shooting low light, use a tripod, and set your exposure controls accordingly. (See Exposure controls in Resource)
• Be sure you have plenty of flash cards. Running out cards can be such a bummer.
• Be sure you check and change your batteries regularly. Put your batteries in the camera correctly after they have been checked. Remember digital cameras are power hogs and you should always keep extra charged batteries and a battery charger.
•  At first keep a running record of your pictures and compare the results with your records. Thus you know what you did wrong, ( Delete the terrible shots).
• Talk to professionals and advanced amateurs they can be a valuable source of information.
•  Read the manual, not all cameras, flashes and lenses are alike. Controls and capabilities can very from one unit to another. Furthermore practice with the camera before you shoot those pictures.
• The best way to learn how to take pictures is by taking pictures!
• Check the Photographic Tips page for further information.