If you’re new to digital photography, you may have some questions that you’ve been too afraid to ask. Here we try to answer those questions.

Do I need a computer if I have a digital camera?

No. You don’t need a computer or computer skills. Digital cameras are the same as film cameras but they use ‘digital film’ instead. When you fill your memory card with pictures, you simply head to your local photo outlet and hand over the card, just like you would a roll of film. They will make prints from the pictures you select and then give you the card back. Be sure to have all your images burned to CD so you can clear your card and start again, but also have your valuable pictures available for future use.

How does the camera capture pictures?

Digital cameras use digital memory cards to capture their images. It’s like digital film. However, these cards are almost infinitely reusable and save you lots of money on film.

Is the quality as good as film?

A quality digital camera produces excellent pictures that are sharp and colorful. Comparing digital to film is not easy because they are different technologies. However, to the human eye, there is no difference in a standard print or medium size enlargement when it comes to quality.

How easily can I get prints made?

Prints from digital cameras are as easy to make as pictures from film. In the same way that you hand over a roll of film, you simply hand over your card. Your pictures are printed and your card is returned.

Can I lose the pictures?

Yes, digital cameras can lose information, especially if you don’t use quality digital memory cards. Be sure to talk to your photo specialist about the range of safe quality cards they sell. Be sure to always burn your images to CD when you have made prints from them.

What is a megapixel and how many do I need?

A Megapixel is equal to one million pixels. A pixel is one of the millions of coloured squares that form a grid that becomes your picture. How many megapixels you need depends on your budget and what size prints you normally make. Suffice it to say that you want the highest quality you can afford, but try not to settle for less than a 3 megapixel camera. This level of quality is enough for anything up to an 8×10 sized print for your home or office. Most digital cameras these days offer 8, 12 or more MP.

What is the difference between optical and digital zoom?

Optical zoom is the same as the zoom that you may already have on your family camera. It uses the lens to zoom in on your subject. Digital zoom actually crops in on the picture and enhances it from there. Digital zoom usually lacks the quality you may need for sharp, detailed images.

Is it different to taking pictures the way I always have?

No, not really. If anything, it could be argued that it makes photography easier in that you can see what mistakes you are making when you take your pictures and then correct them immediately.

What are the advantages of digital?

There are two distinct advantages to digital photography for family snappers. First of all, you can see your pictures immediately and you know whether you have caught the moment correctly or not. Secondly, you don’t need to wade through a pile of bad photographs to get to the good ones. Digital photography saves you money on film and processing.

Related:

Entry was posted on Sunday, December 9th, 2007 at 6:44 am under Tutorials.

Read more entries by Shelton Muller.