This document provides information on different types of cameras and their specifications. It discusses camera resolution in megapixels and recommends a minimum for various uses like printing. It also covers optical versus digital zoom, built-in versus external flashes, and other factors to consider like memory card size. The document concludes with tips for taking better photos like following the rule of thirds and using framing, lines and shapes to make photos more interesting.

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

4.  Resolution, AKA Megapixels (MP)
 2 or less – cell phones, cheap webcams. Useless
for print, but okay – barely – for Web use. Get
something better ASAP.

5.  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.

6.  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.

7.  Digital vs optical zoom
 Optical zoom actually zooms; digital zoom crops
the image. Higher optical zoom is better; higher
digital zoom is (essentially) meaningless.

8.  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.

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

10.  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.

11.  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

13.  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.

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

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

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

24.  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.)

29.  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.

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

36.  Watch for background elements intruding into the
foreground.

38. http://photographymasterclass.com