Camera & Photography Tips

Choosing the right camera

Photography continues to evolve and these days, people can take snaps on a whole range of devices and upload and share their digital images. They can also create photo books to showcase their favourite snaps. Being able to physically hold images and flick through them in a book like this is a completely different experience compared with viewing them on a screen.

Because of the wide array of cameras out there, consumers can choose cameras that perfectly suit their budgets, abilities and preferences.

Those after advice on the subject of digital camera selection can turn to the web. For example, Which? has offered some tips to help individuals find products that best suit their needs. It noted that consumers must think about how much they are prepared to spend on the items, as prices vary from around £50 for simple “point-and-shoot compact digital cameras” to over £1,200 for top-spec digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras.

The consumer campaigning charity also pointed out that there is no point in people paying for features they will not use.

According to Which?, individuals should think about what exactly they will use their cameras for. On this topic, it remarked: “Some cameras are small enough for your pocket, while others are much more bulky. Think about the type of photography you will use your camera for and where you will use it - from everyday snaps and travel shots to portraits, macro, sports and action shots. Different types of digital camera are more suited to different types of photography.”

Then there is the issue of control to consider. The organisation noted that automatic cameras choose the best settings for users. In contrast, manual versions require input to create the best images.

For some people, compact cameras are ideal. These are small and lightweight, meaning they are easy to carry around in pockets or bags. “This portability means you never have to miss those spur-of-the-moment shots,” Which? pointed out. Many of these products have fully automatic and scene modes, making them ideal for beginners. However, some models include semi-automatic and manual controls.

Another option is a bridge camera. These lie between compact versions and digital SLRs. Users cannot change the lenses on these products, but they can use manual controls. Commenting on the cameras, Which? said: “High-end compact bridge cameras have better sensors than you’ll find on a standard compact camera, so you should get better shots in low-light conditions. You also get manual controls in a camera that is capable of fitting into a large pocket. One downside is that zoom lengths can be rather limited on this type of camera.”

Meanwhile, digital SLRs offer advanced manual controls and, in the right hands, they can create the best quality pictures. They feature large image sensors and superior lenses.

Of course, lots of people now rely on their smartphones and tablets to take images, and the pictures produced by these devices are getting better all the time.

Whichever type of camera people use, they can gather the shots they take to make a photo book. This can really bring their snaps to life.

Tips for photography

1. Understand aperture

2. Aperture measurements

3. Avoid using aperture to compensate for poor lighting

4. Use a narrow aperture for landscapes

5.Filters and lenses

6. Don't forget about white balance

7. Avoid stacking up too many filters

8. Choose a manual lens over a powered one

9. Shoot slowly, zoom quickly... At the same time

10. Try a prime lens for more creativity

11. Use zone focusing

12.Lighting

13. Understand colour temperature

14. Make best use of available light with a sheet of paper

15. Don't be dictated by the sun

16. Get Basic Composition Down

17. Adjust Exposure Compensation

 18.Choose the Right Mode

 19.Think About Lighting

20.Use Your Flash Wisely

21.Be Selective

22. Exposure and focus come first, framing second

23. Look at the eyes, not around the eyes, look at the eyes

24. Use burst mode when shooting pets

25. Focus on the details

26. Replace your cards every couple of years

27. Focus on the action  

And finally...

28. Break all the rules