Getting started in Digital Photography

There are some key reasons why digital can be better for a new photographer than traditional film photography.

1. Instant Results : Who likes to wait? Digital photography is a great way for someone new to photography to get started as it provides instantaneous results. It's encouraging to see your shots right away instead of having to wait for film to be developed.

2. Cost : Once you buy your camera, you'll have all you need to get started. Of course you can always elaborate on your set up, with new lenses and accessories, but you don't have to buy anything else to start taking photos. With film photography, you'll have to pay for film and to have it developed.

3. Visibility : Digital files are so easy to get in front of a large audience. Once they're downloaded to your computer, you can put them on the internet, burn cds, and send them to anyone very easily. With film you'd have to mail your shots around, or else have them scanned and digitized, which can cost big bucks.

4. Complete Creative Control : Sure, there are a heck of a lot of fantastic effects that can be achieved in a traditional darkroom. But these take enormous amounts of patience, time, precision and talent. Most of us only have one or two of these things, so we should stick to our digital darkroom - using programs like Photoshop. Our doors are opened to anything we can imagine through these programs. The sky is the limit! (And might I say, it just may be a green and red sky through photoshop..)

There are basically 3 different types of digital cameras to consider. Below I explain the differences and how to decide what kind will best suit you.

Point and Shoot:

P&S cameras are meant just for that - picture taking without having to mess around with a lot of settings. The newest models of P&S cameras are becoming more and more advanced. Many of them have such advances features they can take pictures of quality rivaling even some professional equipment. For most shooters, P&S cameras will more than satisfy the urge to take great photos. These cameras come in a wide range of prices, but a pretty good camera can now be had for several hundred dollars.

DSLR:

Standing for digital single lens reflex, these cameras are the ones with detachable lenses. These are often used by professionals or advanced amateurs because they are capable of producing very large, high quality images and they provide full control over camera settings. Since you can attach new lenses, you are able to get any shot you want for any situation and aren't held back by the limited zoom capabilities of most P&S cameras. These cameras are the most expensive, with bodies ranging from around $800 to several thousands. Quality lenses can be used for years to come, whereas most people will need to buy a new body after a few years.

Prosumer:

Prosumer cameras fall in between P&S cameras and DSLRs. These are midrange cameras that have more options than P&S cameras, but do not have removable lenses. These cameras are usually around $500 and offer advanced amateur shooters the ability to control their shots. The zoom capabilities are usually higher than P&S, and they have more abilities to achieve high quality shots in difficult shooting situations like low light or high contrast.

So which one is right for you? You should think about your shooting needs, your budget, and how far into photography you want to go. Remember though, it's not the camera that's going to take great photos, it's you. I did just fine using a very basic P&S camera for almost 2 years of serious photography interest and have gotten some shots I'm really proud of with it. So don't feel like you "have" to buy an expensive camera, go with what feels right for you.

If you plan on taking photos only for yourself or use on the internet, a P&S will most likely suit you very well.

If you plan on having photography as a serious hobby, look into a prosumer, and a professional without a DSLR won't be considered one really.