Photography 101
Part 1 - Get the Equipment
Choosing a Camera and Equipment
Selecting a Camera
Digital vs Film
Types of Digital Cameras
Point & Shoot cameras
DSLR
Large Format Digital
Digital Video
Camera Options
MP (Megapixels)
ISO Range
Sensor Size – Imaging Chip
Crop Factor (x35mm)
Factors to Consider & Specifications (in no particular order at this time)
What will you be using it for?
Price Range
Available Lenses
Warranty (and extended warranty)
Gear You Already Own (Compatibility?)
Resolution & Multiple resolutions
Size & Feel (Ergonomics)…does it feel good?
Ease of Use
Image stabilization (built into camera or lenses?)
Speed
Focus
Between shots
Continuous shooting
Between flash
Burst Mode Speed
Battery type
Memory card type
LCD Size
Sensor Size
Durability
Dust Protection
Weatherproofing
Shooting Modes
Focusing system
Exposure modes
ISO Ratings - Low-light capability
Flash modes
Auto-flash
Self-timer
Sound
Video capability (movie mode)
Color control
USB Port
Optical zoom vs Digital zoom (P&S models)
Viewfinder vs Monitor (or both)
Optical or TTl (though the lens) viewfinder
Scripting capability
Watermarking capability
Video-Out port
A/C adapter
Power supply
Manufacturers
DSLRs -Canon, Konica-Minolta, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony
Point & Shoot - Canon, Casio, Fujifilm, Kodak, Konica, Leica, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Ricoh, Samsung, Sigma, Sony, OTHER
What Lenses Should I Have?
Intended Use
Types
General Types
Short vs Long
Normal
Wide-angle
Telephoto
Zoom
Macro & Close-Up
Optical vs Digital Zoom (pont & shoot)
Extenders & Converters
Focal lengths
15-20mm - ultrawide
28-35mm – scenic, group shots
45-55mm – “normal” lens
70-90mm – head and shoulders portraits
135-200mm – intermediate focal length
Over 200mm – wildlife, sports and action
Lens Quality
Vignetting
Barrel distortion
Color fringing (chromatic aberration)
IS (Image Stabilization)
Accessories
Filters
Types & Uses
Special Effects
Memory Cards/Film
Memory Cards
Types
SD – Secure Digital
CF – Compact Flash
Capacity (shooting mode)
Speed (see if camera can take advantage of)
Care and Use of
Film
Batteries
Flash & Lighting
Built-in Flash
External Flash
Exposure Meter
Studio Lighting
Tripods, Monopods and Heads
Camera Bags
Large
Small (holster or belt)
Lens
Filter holders
Shutter Release
Manual
Remote
Cleaning supplies
Reviews and comparisons
Try Before You Buy...where?
See & Hold
Test
Rent
Where to buy equipment
Local Retailers
Non-local Retailers
Amazon
E-Bay
LVPC’s Equipment for Sale
Other online sources
Caring for Your Equipment
Insuring Equipment
Protection Against the Elements
Water
Cold
The Future of Photographic Equipment
What’s in Your Bag (checklist)?
Camera Bag(s)
Camera
Back-up camera
Batteries for both
Flash
Memory cards (or film)
Cables for camera
Lenses and hoods
Filters
Tripod/Monopod
Blower/cleaning cloth
Multi-tool
Camera strap
Camera instruction book
Notebook and pen
Flashlight (mini)
Other options – suntan lotion, bug spray, good map, water
What you use that’s not in your bag
Battery charger
Card reader (optional)
Laptop and cables
Portable hard drive
Printer
Scanner
Software
