Using a Digital Camera
LCD and Eye Level Viewfinders
Almost all digital cameras today have an LCD viewing screen on the back of the camera, and many include some type of eye-level viewfinder. Many cameras, especially compact models, have only a screen as the means of viewing your shot.
For most people, even those used to an eye level viewfinder, the screen provides a perfectly acceptable means of framing photos. Just hold it at a comfortable viewing distance from your eyes (usually half an arm length or so) and line up the shot. If the camera has a viewfinder, simply hold it up to your eye to compose the picture.
While a screen will serve you well in most situations, sometimes it can be a bit of a hindrance. The most common difficulty with and LCD screen occurs in bright, direct sunlight. Some cameras come with screens are easier to read in bright conditions, and as with all technology, this seems to be getting better all the time. In order to alleviate this problem a bit, you can always adjust the screen brightness (if so equipped) for better visibility.
Focusing
Almost all digital cameras have auto-focus, so it is important to know where and on what the camera is focusing. The view finder, whether it be at eye level or an LCD screen, will have some means of indicating where the camera will focus. Usually this is shown by means of a box or crosshairs, and is usually in the center of the frame.
Even if you don’t want the main subject to be in the middle of the photo, be sure to focus on it first and then compose the shot with the focus locked on the subject. This can be accomplished by holding the shutter button after focusing, then pressing all the way down to take the picture (see using the shutter button below.)
Photo Taking Assists
Today’s digital cameras offer a range of shooting aids, from blurry shot warnings to face recognition. Most cameras also offer some type of framing guideline or grid to help with composition and camera straightness.
Using the Shutter Button
This should be easy – just press the shutter button to take the picture, right? Not quite so! Digital cameras need to get a fix on the focus and exposure before taking the shot, or the results will be blurry and ill-exposed. Be sure to follow these simple steps to let your camera do its best work:
1. Make sure your subject is in the center of the frame (usually indicated by a square or crosshair.)
2. Depress the shutter button half-way and let the camera focus and set the exposure. It should indicate with a beep or a light when it is ready.
3. (optional) - Once the subject is in focus, move the camera to compose your shot while still holding the button down half-way. This will lock the focus and exposure even though the main subject is no longer in the center of the frame.
4. Press the shutter button down the rest of the way to take the shot.
Scene Selection
One of the most overlooked and underused features of the digicam is scene selection. Instead of just using automatic mode on your camera, give the scene selection options a try. They will use a range of settings tailored to the type of scene you select, including snow, beach, fireworks, and sunset, to name just a few.Zoom
Zoom
Last, but not least, is the zoom function. As its name implies, it lets you “zoom” in (or away) from the subject. As previously covered, there are two types of zoom on digital cameras: optical and digital. If possible, it is better to disable the digital zoom capability to prevent unintended use. Most cameras will allow you do this. In fact, many cameras these days have the digital zoom disabled as the default setting.
Optical zoom operates by moving optical elements in the lens thereby adjusting the focal length. The longer or shorter lengths make the subject larger or smaller, respectively.
Employing the zoom function varies from camera to camera, but is usually adjusted via a switch on the back of the camera or a lever surrounding the shutter button.