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Choosing the Right Digital Camera for You

Choosing the Right Digital Camera for YouWith so many digital camera options on the market today, how do you know which to buy? How do you choose what is the right digital camera for you?

The first step in choosing the best digital camera for you is determining what you expect the camera to do for you and what you expect to be able to do with the camera. That question is answered by knowing what type of photographer you really are.

Perhaps you are the “social” photographer who wants basic point and shoot capabilities to capture those candid moments of social gatherings and family events. Perhaps you are the “weekend” photographer who likes to explore the great outdoors for breathtaking wildlife and scenic views who needs the ability to manually adjust f-stops and shutter speeds.  Or perhaps you are the “sports” photographer who needs to capture fast and continuous action with precision and clarity.

Worry not. There is a digital camera for you; you just need to determine which one is right for you.

Digital cameras record images electronically and save them on removable memory cards used in conjunction with the camera. Modern technology allows digital camera users access to these photos from almost anywhere - a photo kiosk in a mall or drug store that allows you to print photos on the spot. Of course if you have your own printer, you can print pictures right at home.

Another great feature of digital cameras is the ability to upload your photos into your computer so as to share them online or via email with others without having to purchase any additional hardware. Not to mention with all the photo editing programs on the market today, you are allowed an amazing number of manipulations to your original photos right at your computer finger tips. These manipulations can range from subtle changes in color, red eye removal, image contrast and sharpness corrections, as well as combining multiple images together for one panoramic view of a city or hillside. No more settling for what your camera prints out as we had to do with film cameras. Today's digital cameras prove print quality that's usually equal to (and in most cases superior to) traditional 35mm film.

So now that you know what kind of pictures you want to take and what editing you would like to do with those pictures, which digital camera do you choose? What options are needed and which, if any, are too much, or a wasted expense?

Types of Digital Cameras:

The Basic Point & Shoot Digital Camera

The basic point and shoot (P&S) digital camera (perfect for memory making gatherings, parties, and trips) is ideal for someone who takes the majority of their pictures in automatic mode, but still wants some advanced features for environment conditions (such as snow, night shooting, fireworks, etc.) This is a great camera for someone who does not want to waste time with settings but still wants to capture that perfect shot. The basic P&S digital camera is typically more compact and therefore ideal to take just about anywhere: in a shirt pocket, your purse, or even the back pocket of your jeans.

Intermediate Level Digital Camera

The intermediate level digital camera offers multiple shooting modes and the ability to control different variables via manual manipulation as well as automatic manipulation in the same manner as that of a full digital SLR camera; however the ability to change out the cameras lens and flash is not available. You do have the option for both lens and flash add-ons (such as filters and hoods) which does allow you to maximize your cameras abilities. This level is great for the beginner photographer who has not developed a lot of manual photo taking abilities, but still wants a camera that would allow them the ability to learn.

Keep in mind that the add-on options are limited and one choosing the intermediate level digital camera versus the full DSLR camera should be aware of what those limitations are. All those advanced lenses and flashes you read about will not work with this camera so if that is something you want to advance to, you should consider the time frame involved and expense possibly saved in the long term by buying the more advanced camera now versus later.

SLR Cameras with Interchangeable Lenses and Flashes

Many beginner photographers have aspirations of producing the types of pictures seen on the pages of National Geographic or Sports Illustrated and often think that the right camera will produce these same pictures.  They are partially right, but in order to do so you need not only the right camera, but the right skills. The camera most able to do this is the entry level Digital SLR, and is it is also the camera most aspiring photographers typically purchase. 

The digital SLR cameras offers the user the option to change out the lenses and flashes for a vast variety of shooting conditions and modes, such as manipulation of f-stops, adjustment of shutter speeds, and altering the camera's ISO speed. Add-on photo filters and lens hoods, among other camera accessories, make the list of what you can do with a digital SLR camera virtually endless.

But what’s the most appealing and best part of the digital SLR camera? That would be its ability to shoot in either 100% manual or 100% automatic mode (or a combination of both) granting the photographer the best of both worlds. I might need to add however, that the Digital SLR cameras are not only the most expensive avenue of picture taking you can choose, but as well the most addictive.

So now that you know what to look for in choosing your ideal digital camera, the fun of actually choosing one comes begins and oh what choices there are! Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax…… only you can decide as all have remarkable qualities and a healthy following of photography advocates.

 
Canvas Printing

Printing on canvas is incredibly versatile and a great way to create a ready-to-hang image or artwork. Every canvas that we print  is protected with a UV coated acrylic finish to guard the print from dust, moisture and fading. Do you want your canvas stretched on bars or non-stretched? Framed or unframed? Customize the work to make it truly your own.

 
Art of Photography

Art of PhotographyPhotography is an amazing art form. A photograph album is a catalogue of life's history as seen through the camera. People, animals, nature, holidays, celebrations and even disasters are captured instantly and recorded as part of history. It is through the powerful presentations of photography that we better understand the progression of time and life. Hampton Photo Arts has over twenty years of experience working with photographers as they seek to capture and preserve the history of families and communities.

When families get together, both children and adults love to look through photograph albums. They enjoy seeing the childhood photos of older family members and compare themselves to ancestors who lived a hundred or more years ago. Photos are among the most important treasures of every family. They should not be faded and dull. They contain the smiles, tears and emotions of generations. The staff members at Hampton Photo Arts display excellence in the art of photography reproduction. They work with the highest quality materials. They know how to create family memories that will be just as beautiful one hundred years from now as they are today.

 
Learning to Paint Watercolors

Watercolor is an easy, fun medium for creating art.  Color theory, composition and design can be explored freely with watercolor paint, paper, and brushes.  Several techniques may be used with watercolors for varying effects including painting wet on wet, wet on dry, layering washes, and more.

Watercolor paper comes in cold press, hot press, and rough.  Rough paper has the most texture, and its hills and valleys can result in interesting effects when paint is added.  Hot press is the smoothest and has the finest texture.  Cold press has a moderate amount of texture and is the paper most commonly chosen by watercolor artists.

Watercolor paper comes in several weights ranging from 90 lb. to 300 lb. based on the pounds per ream of paper.  Most artists prefer to use at least 140 lb. paper.  Papers vary somewhat between manufacturers, so sampling different papers is advisable.  Paper can be purchased in pads, in blocks or in large sheets.  The large sheets are usually the most economical and can be torn into whatever size is desired.

 
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