Camera phone/webcam Point and Shoot SLR (Single-Lens Reflex)

Resolution, AKA Megapixels (MP) 2 or less – cell phones, cheap

webcams. Useless for print, but okay – barely – for Web use. Get something better ASAP.

Resolution, AKA Megapixels (MP) 2 or less – cell phones, cheap

webcams. Useless for print, but okay – barely – for Web use. Get something better ASAP.

3-5 – small point and shoot cameras. Gives decent prints up to 8 x 10, good starter level.

Resolution, AKA Megapixels (MP) 2 or less – cell phones, cheap webcams.

Useless for print, but okay – barely – for Web use. Get something better ASAP.

3-5 – small point and shoot cameras. Gives decent prints up to 8 x 10, good starter level.

7+ – better point and shoot, basic SLR digital. Approaching pro level, nice to have.

Digital vs optical zoom Optical zoom actually zooms; digital

zoom crops the image. Higher optical zoom is better; higher digital zoom is (essentially) meaningless.

Built-in flash versus external Most P&S cameras will have built-in

flash; many SLRs have the option as well.

The built-in flash is convenient and okay for most general use.

An external flash has better control and range, but costs extra.

Other features to consider: Variety of settings LCD Screen size Type of batteries Type (and size) of memory card

Memory cards: Resolution helps determine size. Get the biggest you can afford.

4 MP: at least 256 MB 5 MP: at least 512 MB 6+ MP: At least 1GB Having two memory cards and keeping

one empty is a good idea.

Read the instructions. Use the viewfinder – it uses less battery

and it’s steadier. (Use the LCD when doing macro closeups)

Try out features to learn how they work Make a cheat sheet of how to find the

features you use most. Get a tripod

Rule of thirds – divide the photo into 9 equal parts; the picture will be more interesting if the main elements fall along the lines, especially at the junctures of the lines.

Framing – using elements to frame the main element makes the picture more interesting.

Simpler is often better; one subject and a simple background is better than a cluttered photo.

Leave space in front of a moving object to draw interest into the photo rather than out of it.

Use leading lines to pull the eye into the picture. The lines can be obvious, such as a fencerow or buildings, or implied, such as a series of similar objects. (People, cars, etc.)

Use geometric shapes (triangles especially) to make pictures more interesting. You can often find shapes by changing your angle of view so that you aren’t looking at the subject squarely.

Use balanced arrangements of the visual elements to keep pictures from looking lopsided.

Watch for background elements intruding into the foreground.