Now that you've purchased a digital camera...

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your digital camera, no matter what brand you purchased or how experienced you are:
  • First, attach and use the wrist strap (or neck strap) that came with your camera. Even if your camera has a rugged metal body, it's really just a tiny computer and sensor. Dropped from eye-level, it can become an expensive paperweight. That wrist strap can prevent you from turning your camera into a doorstop.
  • Stabilize your camera. Most people hold their camera like a pair of binoculars, but out at arm's length. This invites camera shake. Instead, do this: make your left hand into the shape of a pistol (thumb up, index finger out). Point your hand to the right. Place the camera firmly in the corner where thumb and index finger meet. This helps support the camera better, and leaves your right hand free to press the zoom and shutter button.
  • Zoom with your feet. Almost every digital camera has a built-in zoom. But the longer your lens, the further light needs to travel to the camera's image sensor. If you take a few steps closer to your subject, light needn't travel as far. The camera will choose a higher shutter speed, and you'll get fewer blurry photos.

More later.

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