This isn‘t a guide for the consumer who wishes to spend a ton of money. If you live on a budget, are a beginner, and have no aspirations of going pro, then this guide is for you.
To be truly frugal, the best way to go is digital. Why? Digital is basically free to view photos, once you’ve purchased the equipment of course. In order to learn, you must view tons of photos you’ve taken. With a 35mm, you must pay for film, processing, filters, etc. to get the feel of it. The dollar signs add up quickly. Going digital relives all that. Most cameras come with computer software that replaces the need of most lens filters and with instant viewing, you can decide now, or later, whether you like the shot or not.
Getting Started
The first thing on the list is to visit http://kodak.com/US/en/nav/takingPics.shtml. This is a great resource to take a peek at. Once you’ve perused the site, you’ll have a better feel for what you’re interested in and will better understand the need for further information.
Next, are a few books. Books are essential since websites are really just summaries of information.
Photography for Dummies is the number one best book to start with. The only problem here is it focuses on 35mm photography. Not frugal at all. However, digital is addressed.
Quick MegaPixel tip: The higher the MP, the higher the price. The lower the MP, the lower the quality. Higher Optical Zoom also increases the price.
So which would you rather have? Better quality or better price? If you plan on making 8x10s then you’ll need a higher MP, if you’re not planning on that, then you’re fine with a lower MP. I suggest a lower MP (2MP) if you’re not a pro. The 5x7s and smaller will turn out just fine.
FYI: Don’t expect to be able to later purchase all kinds of lenses to attach to your digital camera unless you want to spend thousands on a camera.
Two very important questions you should ask yourself when shopping are: Does it come with docking (hooking it up with your computer) equipment? Does it come with photo software? Does it have removable memory capability (see further below for an explanation)?
Be sure you know the answer to these. The removable memory isn’t an option and as I mention below, if it doesn’t have it, don’t buy it. I can’t stress that enough. If the answer is no to either or both of the other two, then you’ll need to add in the cost of purchasing these very necessary items.
In keeping with the frugal rule of “buy now, save later”, it is essential to get at least one good memory card. Photos eat a lot of memory and for you to shoot, view and compare photos you’ll need the memory and I suggest a 128 MB card to begin with. Hey, it’s better than photo processing 24 photos of the same waterfall. Right?
One thing to consider, make sure it’s compatible. Just like Mac vs. PC, there are compatibility problems with cards. How do you check compatibility? At Amazon.com’s camera product page, click on Product Specifications. Under Storage, look for Removable Memory. This will tell you the type of memory card you need to look for. If there is not removable memory, then look for another camera. You want removable memory, believe me.
The two most common cards for frugal cameras are CompactFlash (CF) and SmartMedia (SM).
Tip: Keep your camera at your fingertips. Great photographic moments last only seconds.
How many times have you taken pictures and have anxiously awaited the return of your photos only to find that little Jane’s pictures looked awful? You find yourself thinking you should have used a different angle, had better lighting, or perhaps moved the mirror out of the way. In any case, you wish you had done it differently. Now, you’ll have a chance to do it differently, in an instant, without having to pay for the pictures that simply didn’t work. Even an instamatic camera just doesn’t compare. You simply can’t beat it with a stick.
Not to mention, you’ll see how great a picture taker you really can be. Isn’t that the real point after all? We all have the creative photographer hidden deep inside of us. So, let’s bring it out!
There’s a whole world out there ready to be photographed. With the items listed here, you’ll be armed and ready to shoot.
Share with Friends
