Many digital cameras offer both digital and optical zoom. These two often confuse the average camera buyer, until you know what you’re looking at.
Optical zoom works much like the zoom lens on a 35 mm film camera. It changes the length of your camera’s lens and draws the subject closer to you.
The optical zoom keeps the quality of the picture. Digital zoom works differently. It simply takes the picture and crops it then enlarges the part that is left. It causes the quality of the photo to be reduced, sometimes greatly.
What this means in terms of output is you may have a larger view of an object with the digital zoom, but chances are your image will become unfocused.
Details will become lost. It is actually best to turn off the digital zoom feature of your camera if possible. This will prevent you automatically zooming in too close as the digital zoom is often an extension of the optical.
There are a couple of things you can do if you want a closer view of a subject but want the quality of your picture to still be good.
Try moving in closer when you take the picture. Often only a foot or two will do the trick. If this isn’t possible, you can set your camera to take a picture at its highest file size.
This will result in a photo that can be cropped to include only your desired subject, yet allow for an image that is still clear.
Digital zoom has its place. It can be used if the only destiny of your photo is the internet. Photos online can be a much lower quality in the camera and still appear acceptable when sent through e-mail or posted on a web gallery.
If your goal is printing, however, seek a camera that has a greater optical zoom and turn off the digital zoom. Your pictures will be better in the end, even if they are not as close up.
Focus Modes in Digital Cameras
While some of the least expensive digital cameras have only automatic focus, meaning the camera does all the work on bringing your subject into the best possible focus, most SLR digitals offer three different focus modes: manual, single auto focus and continuous auto focus. All three of these will be addressed here.
With manual focus, the camera stays out of the focus equation and you, the photographer, make all the decisions regarding this.
This is done by setting different buttons or actually using an attached focusing ring that rotates on the camera lens. For those who like to have complete creative control of the finished product, this is the best focus mode.
In single auto focus mode, the camera automatically focuses when you press the shutter button either all the way down to shoot a photo or half way down to lock the focus.
This mode is useful when shooting static objects.
In continuous auto focus the camera continuously focuses on the objects in the photo. In this mode the camera continuously corrects the focus as the objects distance from the camera changes.
This mode is useful when you shoot photos of moving objects such as a race car during a race or airplanes during an air show.
You can hold the shutter button half way down and continuously move the camera to follow the object.
The camera will continuously keep the object in focus.
Like any other feature automatic and manual focus modes have their pros and cons. The first step to using them to your advantage is to understand how they work and what they were designed for.
The next step is to experiment shoot photos using different focus modes and different types of objects and see how the camera behaves.
Once you have done that you will be ready to instinctively use the best focus mode for each photo situation.
With manual focus, the camera stays out of the focus equation and you, the photographer, make all the decisions regarding this.
This is done by setting different buttons or actually using an attached focusing ring that rotates on the camera lens. For those who like to have complete creative control of the finished product, this is the best focus mode.
In single auto focus mode, the camera automatically focuses when you press the shutter button either all the way down to shoot a photo or half way down to lock the focus.
This mode is useful when shooting static objects.
In continuous auto focus the camera continuously focuses on the objects in the photo. In this mode the camera continuously corrects the focus as the objects distance from the camera changes.
This mode is useful when you shoot photos of moving objects such as a race car during a race or airplanes during an air show.
You can hold the shutter button half way down and continuously move the camera to follow the object.
The camera will continuously keep the object in focus.
Like any other feature automatic and manual focus modes have their pros and cons. The first step to using them to your advantage is to understand how they work and what they were designed for.
The next step is to experiment shoot photos using different focus modes and different types of objects and see how the camera behaves.
Once you have done that you will be ready to instinctively use the best focus mode for each photo situation.
How Many Mega-Pixels Do I Need?
One of the confusing things in choosing a digital camera is deciding how many mega-pixels you should look for. The answer depends on what you plan on doing with the finished pictures.
First, you need to understand what a pixel is. In terms of digital prints, a pixel simply means a dot of color that makes up the image.
A mega-pixel is equal to one million pixels. The more mega-pixels a camera has, the greater the amount of information it records.
The easiest way to decide what to look for is to know what size prints you are likely to print from your camera. A one mega-pixel camera is fine for those who don’t plan on printing photos but rather just post them on the internet. A small print, say 4 x 6, will print acceptably from this camera.
A 2 mega-pixel camera will enable you to produce good quality 5 x 7 prints and fair quality 8 x 10 prints. When you reach 4 mega-pixels you can print out excellent quality 8 x 10 prints and acceptable 11 x 17 prints and a 5 mega pixel camera will allow you to print out high quality 11 x 17 prints.
Most families find a camera in the 3.2 Mega-pixel range to be the best choice. The quality of both 5 x & and 8 X 10 prints is very good yet the files on your computer are not so large you need worry about not having enough space.
Any camera over 5 mega-pixels is unnecessary for all but professionals in photography; even then, only those who have need for poster-size prints find that many mega-pixels worth the money. Most freelance photographers find 4 or 5 mega-pixels to be sufficient for excellent-quality prints.
The choice is yours. Look to what you plan on doing with your photos and then decide. In most cases spending the money for increased optical zoom and lower mega-pixels is the best choice.
First, you need to understand what a pixel is. In terms of digital prints, a pixel simply means a dot of color that makes up the image.
A mega-pixel is equal to one million pixels. The more mega-pixels a camera has, the greater the amount of information it records.
The easiest way to decide what to look for is to know what size prints you are likely to print from your camera. A one mega-pixel camera is fine for those who don’t plan on printing photos but rather just post them on the internet. A small print, say 4 x 6, will print acceptably from this camera.
A 2 mega-pixel camera will enable you to produce good quality 5 x 7 prints and fair quality 8 x 10 prints. When you reach 4 mega-pixels you can print out excellent quality 8 x 10 prints and acceptable 11 x 17 prints and a 5 mega pixel camera will allow you to print out high quality 11 x 17 prints.
Most families find a camera in the 3.2 Mega-pixel range to be the best choice. The quality of both 5 x & and 8 X 10 prints is very good yet the files on your computer are not so large you need worry about not having enough space.
Any camera over 5 mega-pixels is unnecessary for all but professionals in photography; even then, only those who have need for poster-size prints find that many mega-pixels worth the money. Most freelance photographers find 4 or 5 mega-pixels to be sufficient for excellent-quality prints.
The choice is yours. Look to what you plan on doing with your photos and then decide. In most cases spending the money for increased optical zoom and lower mega-pixels is the best choice.
Tips for Finding a Perfect Olympus Camera Bag
Camera bags are widely available in different colors, sizes, designs, shapes, functions, and materials.
This is an essential equipment for photographers as it makes their jobs easier, it allows them to have a place where they can arrange their equipment as well as protect them from the elements.
Not only are camera bags more stylish today, they also are integrated with the latest designs and materials allowing them to be lightweight and durable.
If you have photography as a hobby and you own an Olympus Camera, then it could help if you follow some useful tips provided by professional photographers.
1. Assess initial requirements. The design should be accessible and compatible to an Olympus camera to provide the proper fit and protection.
2. Give enough time on your selection process. There are important factors that must be considered to find the best variety of camera bag for you.
- If you are after the way it would be carried or transported, then you must choose from a wider selection of various styles: strap shoulder bags to carry it over your shoulders, funny-packs or belt-bags can be strapped around your waist, customized backpacks are designed to carry heavy photo equipments comfortably even in rough terrain, and there are photocases which are either hardcases, tropicalized, watertight, or even designs that are able to float.
Camera bags are considered ideal if it includes a fair, wide, and non-slip padded strap. The strap must encircle the camera bag rather than being attached on its toplid and can be adjusted to fit your body. The handle should be rugged enough for carrying it off your shoulders.
- Figure out the camera bag size by taking all the equipments and laying it on the table. Separate it according to the frequency of usage, "always or often used" and "less used". The first category will determine the bag's size. Most photographers will prefer the medium-sized bags approximately 14x8x10 inches (WxHxD). It could accommodate two cameras, flash units, several lenses, and few varied accessories such as cleaning kit, pen, notebook and others.
- If you are a beginner, start with a small useful design, however for larger Olympus camera models, choose the 10x8x8 inches capable of holding one unit of camera, 2 to 3 lenses, some useful accessories, and films. You can also consider the belt bag type which is more comfortable and easily accessible.
Two small or medium sizes of camera bags are appropriate rather than a large bag which can be difficult to carry when it's fully loaded. In this case, choose a backpack for carrying telephoto lenses. Dividers or partitions are also essential in organizing your camera bag, however avoid the cardboard partitions because it's not durable.
- Checking the materials used and its workmanship to ensure quality. Materials that are considered as premium materials are DuPont Cordura, and ballistic nylon. Other options could be canvas, and leather. Go for a minimum of 600 denier bags. ( Denier is the strength and thickness of the material)
The zipper closures must be protected from rain and the teeth are fairly made of metal. Its sliders have a two way opening for quick access. Examine if the seams are well-stitched and sealed from moisture having reinforced edges and bottom.
3. Review prices. Beginners are advised to keep away from camera bags with lower prices regardless of its expensive looks. Remember that its price can never meet the cost of high quality materials.
Keep in mind these helpful tips and enjoy your time in searching for a Olympus Camera bag which would perfectly meet your camera bag needs.
This is an essential equipment for photographers as it makes their jobs easier, it allows them to have a place where they can arrange their equipment as well as protect them from the elements.
Not only are camera bags more stylish today, they also are integrated with the latest designs and materials allowing them to be lightweight and durable.
If you have photography as a hobby and you own an Olympus Camera, then it could help if you follow some useful tips provided by professional photographers.
1. Assess initial requirements. The design should be accessible and compatible to an Olympus camera to provide the proper fit and protection.
2. Give enough time on your selection process. There are important factors that must be considered to find the best variety of camera bag for you.
- If you are after the way it would be carried or transported, then you must choose from a wider selection of various styles: strap shoulder bags to carry it over your shoulders, funny-packs or belt-bags can be strapped around your waist, customized backpacks are designed to carry heavy photo equipments comfortably even in rough terrain, and there are photocases which are either hardcases, tropicalized, watertight, or even designs that are able to float.
Camera bags are considered ideal if it includes a fair, wide, and non-slip padded strap. The strap must encircle the camera bag rather than being attached on its toplid and can be adjusted to fit your body. The handle should be rugged enough for carrying it off your shoulders.
- Figure out the camera bag size by taking all the equipments and laying it on the table. Separate it according to the frequency of usage, "always or often used" and "less used". The first category will determine the bag's size. Most photographers will prefer the medium-sized bags approximately 14x8x10 inches (WxHxD). It could accommodate two cameras, flash units, several lenses, and few varied accessories such as cleaning kit, pen, notebook and others.
- If you are a beginner, start with a small useful design, however for larger Olympus camera models, choose the 10x8x8 inches capable of holding one unit of camera, 2 to 3 lenses, some useful accessories, and films. You can also consider the belt bag type which is more comfortable and easily accessible.
Two small or medium sizes of camera bags are appropriate rather than a large bag which can be difficult to carry when it's fully loaded. In this case, choose a backpack for carrying telephoto lenses. Dividers or partitions are also essential in organizing your camera bag, however avoid the cardboard partitions because it's not durable.
- Checking the materials used and its workmanship to ensure quality. Materials that are considered as premium materials are DuPont Cordura, and ballistic nylon. Other options could be canvas, and leather. Go for a minimum of 600 denier bags. ( Denier is the strength and thickness of the material)
The zipper closures must be protected from rain and the teeth are fairly made of metal. Its sliders have a two way opening for quick access. Examine if the seams are well-stitched and sealed from moisture having reinforced edges and bottom.
3. Review prices. Beginners are advised to keep away from camera bags with lower prices regardless of its expensive looks. Remember that its price can never meet the cost of high quality materials.
Keep in mind these helpful tips and enjoy your time in searching for a Olympus Camera bag which would perfectly meet your camera bag needs.
Capturing the Little Things With a Digital Camera
Have you ever wondered how a photographer gets such clear, detailed photos of things like flowers or insects? Capturing such close-up pictures is most often done with a setting that comes as an option on many digital cameras--the macro setting.
What the macro setting on your camera essentially does is focus on a very small area. The background often appears unfocused to further bring out your intended subject.
Getting in close to capture all the detail of a small object is nearly impossible with the regular setting on a camera. Anything closer than about three feet becomes blurred.
The macro setting changes the distance your camera will be able to focus and often allows you to take clear pictures from as close as two or three inches.
This camera mode allows for a lot of experimenting. Try taking a picture of a bee sitting on a flower petal or a close-up of frost on the window.
You will be amazed at the details brought out. You will be able to almost feel the furriness of the bee and the ice crystals are beautiful.
If you are planning to sell at online auctions, a macro setting on your camera will help with taking better pictures--and better pictures help with sales.
You can take close-up photos of such objects as stamps and coins, show the engraving on an object or allow a viewer to see that a piece of jewelry is flawless.
Don’t save your photo taking for big events exclusively. Take a walk and notice the little things like the pattern on a tree trunk or an ant carrying a bread crumb twice his size.
There are interesting photos everywhere once you start to look, and the macro mode on your digital camera is the perfect tool for capturing them
What the macro setting on your camera essentially does is focus on a very small area. The background often appears unfocused to further bring out your intended subject.
Getting in close to capture all the detail of a small object is nearly impossible with the regular setting on a camera. Anything closer than about three feet becomes blurred.
The macro setting changes the distance your camera will be able to focus and often allows you to take clear pictures from as close as two or three inches.
This camera mode allows for a lot of experimenting. Try taking a picture of a bee sitting on a flower petal or a close-up of frost on the window.
You will be amazed at the details brought out. You will be able to almost feel the furriness of the bee and the ice crystals are beautiful.
If you are planning to sell at online auctions, a macro setting on your camera will help with taking better pictures--and better pictures help with sales.
You can take close-up photos of such objects as stamps and coins, show the engraving on an object or allow a viewer to see that a piece of jewelry is flawless.
Don’t save your photo taking for big events exclusively. Take a walk and notice the little things like the pattern on a tree trunk or an ant carrying a bread crumb twice his size.
There are interesting photos everywhere once you start to look, and the macro mode on your digital camera is the perfect tool for capturing them
What It Takes To Find a Camera Bag for Panasonic Brands
The manufacture of Panasonic Products focuses primarily on quality, innovation, and value for encouraging ideas to people in promoting life.
They ensure that millions of their consumers all over the world are satisfied with their products. That is why they continue to improve and work smarter to provide people with fruitful technological advances including the manufacture of cameras.
Panasonic is not only a renowned brand name. The name stands for diversity and depth of their research capabilities, product selection, and manufacturing expertise.
As consumers, it is also vital to protect such quality products.
High technology products like cameras are very sensitive that is why it should always be kept safe to prolong its lifespan. How? Use an appropriate camera bag.
Camera bags are very important. It can keep your photography equipments safe wherever you go. Nevertheless, it should be of normal weight and comfortable to carry.
A very simple way to find the right one is to carry your gear in a camera store and put it on your desired camera bag.
Do initial testing by lifting it and carrying it as if you are photographing and traveling. Make an assessment about the fit and feel of it within your body.
But it does not end there. You also need to examine the materials used in manufacturing it.
Maybe you are familiar with the bag padding technology which was first based on using cotton batting which surrounds cardboard sheets.
But now it was improved using foams and new plastics to make it lighter and much better. The layers should be carefully checked whether it is waterproof, a cardboard that absorbs water, or a closed-cell long-lasting foam.
The linings should never interfere with the opening and closing of the bag and it should be easily dried out when it gets wet.
If you are an adventurous photographer, then you better watch out for its construction. It should be closely and doubly stitched using durable thread, and provide reinforcement.
You don't want your gear to get messed up or crushed down when your camera bag straps has been broken under a strain due to poor stitching.
The internal and external details of the camera bags must never be taken for granted. The fabric on the sides and its dividers should have the same material. It must be soft enough to protect your camera and its lenses.
The bag must contain sufficient padding and sturdy dividers. The external fabric is durable and resistant, cordura or denier is more preferred, seams are also sewn throughout the way, pockets are very accessible, straps are adequately stitched, and it provides space for additional straps.
Both the interior and exterior systems of your camera bag should have maximum flexibility. The innards can be interchanged or removed to adjust onto your required needs.
It should grow along with your interests as a photographer.
Zippers are easy to open and accessible. This is very important for photographers when concentrating on their camera while accessing other accessories on their bags.
Clasps are made up of either metal or plastic but it should withstand heavy use.
The final decision is yours. There are numerous camera bags that will perfectly fit your Panasonic camera.
The selection can be overwhelming, and like shoes, you will perhaps own several camera bags before finding what you really wanted. Make sure that you go for tested brands to avoid regrets in the end.
They ensure that millions of their consumers all over the world are satisfied with their products. That is why they continue to improve and work smarter to provide people with fruitful technological advances including the manufacture of cameras.
Panasonic is not only a renowned brand name. The name stands for diversity and depth of their research capabilities, product selection, and manufacturing expertise.
As consumers, it is also vital to protect such quality products.
High technology products like cameras are very sensitive that is why it should always be kept safe to prolong its lifespan. How? Use an appropriate camera bag.
Camera bags are very important. It can keep your photography equipments safe wherever you go. Nevertheless, it should be of normal weight and comfortable to carry.
A very simple way to find the right one is to carry your gear in a camera store and put it on your desired camera bag.
Do initial testing by lifting it and carrying it as if you are photographing and traveling. Make an assessment about the fit and feel of it within your body.
But it does not end there. You also need to examine the materials used in manufacturing it.
Maybe you are familiar with the bag padding technology which was first based on using cotton batting which surrounds cardboard sheets.
But now it was improved using foams and new plastics to make it lighter and much better. The layers should be carefully checked whether it is waterproof, a cardboard that absorbs water, or a closed-cell long-lasting foam.
The linings should never interfere with the opening and closing of the bag and it should be easily dried out when it gets wet.
If you are an adventurous photographer, then you better watch out for its construction. It should be closely and doubly stitched using durable thread, and provide reinforcement.
You don't want your gear to get messed up or crushed down when your camera bag straps has been broken under a strain due to poor stitching.
The internal and external details of the camera bags must never be taken for granted. The fabric on the sides and its dividers should have the same material. It must be soft enough to protect your camera and its lenses.
The bag must contain sufficient padding and sturdy dividers. The external fabric is durable and resistant, cordura or denier is more preferred, seams are also sewn throughout the way, pockets are very accessible, straps are adequately stitched, and it provides space for additional straps.
Both the interior and exterior systems of your camera bag should have maximum flexibility. The innards can be interchanged or removed to adjust onto your required needs.
It should grow along with your interests as a photographer.
Zippers are easy to open and accessible. This is very important for photographers when concentrating on their camera while accessing other accessories on their bags.
Clasps are made up of either metal or plastic but it should withstand heavy use.
The final decision is yours. There are numerous camera bags that will perfectly fit your Panasonic camera.
The selection can be overwhelming, and like shoes, you will perhaps own several camera bags before finding what you really wanted. Make sure that you go for tested brands to avoid regrets in the end.
Five Ways to Make Money Using Your Digital Camera
Have you ever wanted to find a way to bring extra money into your household--yet don’t have a lot of time to spend on a full-time endeavor? The solution is as close as the digital camera sitting there in a drawer.
The following suggestions are only a few of the many ways you can make money in your spare time with your camera.
This way both parents and the child can be in more of the pictures all together, and the parents have one less thing to try and figure out.
The following suggestions are only a few of the many ways you can make money in your spare time with your camera.
- Pet photos - Most owners won't struggle to take a photograph with their pet all by themselves. You can be the one who makes it easy on them. Not only can you charge for the service and your time, but you can offer the photograph in it's digital form or as a print that you can mail to them later - either created by your own photo printer or by a photo processing service.
- Graduations - preschool, high school, or college graduations offer dozens, if not hundreds of opportunities to capture a significant moment in someone's life. If the family members of the graduate aren't located in as good a location or don't have as good a camera as yourself - you'll have even greater opportunity at getting the shots they couldn't.
- Holiday Family Postcards - offer your services to families that want their picture taken and put on a postcard that they can send to their extended family and friends.
- Photo Novelty Items - take photographs of people that want the pictures of themselves of their loved ones imprinted on coffee mugs, mouse pads, key chains, tee-shirts, and other items.
- Newborn photo service - parents of newborns are some of the busiest people in the world. Advertise your services on an on-call basis so that you can take informal snapshots for the growing family either before they leave the hospital, or after they get home.
This way both parents and the child can be in more of the pictures all together, and the parents have one less thing to try and figure out.
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