Sunday, June 20, 2010

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK!

Most point-n-shoot digital cameras have a macro setting that is normally ignored. By switching to macro or the flower on your camera, you will be able to take photos of unusual textures and patterns up close; like the weave of material or the bark on a tree. Experimenting with the macro setting can create a whole new dimension to your pictures. So next time you are snapping pictures, take a closer look; the real prize maybe hidden in the details.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

CHILD'S FIRST DIGITAL CAMERA

I was recently in search of a digital camera as a birthday gift for my granddaughter. I knew exactly what I did not want (one of the “kids” cameras), but was having difficult decided exactly what were my best options. So I compiled a list of criteria that I felt were necessary for the right camera and felt others might find it helpful when looking for their child’s first digital camera.

What to look for:

Designed for smaller hands
Easy to use but one they can grow with
Nice size LCD screen
Zoom capabilities
Rechargeable battery (unless you want to keep buying batteries for it)
Accepts SD memory card (most common memory card)
One that shuts off automatically after a set amount of time (this is a nice battery saving feature)
Compatible with your computer – USB interface (if you plan on saving and storing pictures on your computer)
Inexpensive (under $150) but well-made

What I considered “Easy to use”:

Simple to turn on and off
Completely automatic (with the option for advance modes)
Effortless shutter button
Obvious function buttons and icons
Face detection
Straightforward zoom controls (many cameras have this feature on the shutter button which I thought would be difficult for her at this age, so I chose one with a W/T bar button)
Sounds for the shutter that can be turned on or off (a great feature for children to identify exactly when the picture has been taken)

A few other things I would consider purchasing:

A camera case (look for one that will fit the model of camera you have bought)
An extra memory card (be sure to buy the correct type of memory card)
Extra batteries (if you did not purchase a camera that uses a rechargeable battery)

There are a lot of cameras on the market now, so spend time looking at all the features and models, and hopefully some of my suggestions will help you find the best camera for your needs.

Visit my website: arnoldwilsonphotography.com