 Camera phone/webcam  Point and Shoot  SLR (Single-Lens Reflex)

 Resolution, AKA Megapixels (MP)  2 or less – cell phones, cheap webcams. Useless for print, but okay – barely – for Web use. Get something better ASAP.

 Resolution, AKA Megapixels (MP)  2 or less – cell phones, cheap webcams. Useless for print, but okay – barely – for Web use. Get something better ASAP.  3-5 – small point and shoot cameras. Gives decent prints up to 8 x 10, good starter level.

 Resolution, AKA Megapixels (MP)  2 or less – cell phones, cheap webcams. Useless for print, but okay – barely – for Web use. Get something better ASAP.  3-5 – small point and shoot cameras. Gives decent prints up to 8 x 10, good starter level.  7+ – better point and shoot, basic SLR digital. Approaching pro level, nice to have.

 Digital vs optical zoom  Optical zoom actually zooms; digital zoom crops the image. Higher optical zoom is better; higher digital zoom is (essentially) meaningless.

 Built-in flash versus external  Most P&S cameras will have built-in flash; many SLRs have the option as well.  The built-in flash is convenient and okay for most general use.  An external flash has better control and range, but costs extra.

 Other features to consider:  Variety of settings  LCD Screen size  Type of batteries  Type (and size) of memory card

 Memory cards: Resolution helps determine size. Get the biggest you can afford.  4 MP: at least 256 MB  5 MP: at least 512 MB  6+ MP: At least 1GB  Having two memory cards and keeping one empty is a good idea.

 Read the instructions.  Use the viewfinder – it uses less battery and it’s steadier. (Use the LCD when doing macro closeups)  Try out features to learn how they work  Make a cheat sheet of how to find the features you use most.  Get a tripod

 Rule of thirds – divide the photo into 9 equal parts; the picture will be more interesting if the main elements fall along the lines, especially at the junctures of the lines.

 Framing – using elements to frame the main element makes the picture more interesting.

 Simpler is often better; one subject and a simple background is better than a cluttered photo.

 Leave space in front of a moving object to draw interest into the photo rather than out of it.

 Use leading lines to pull the eye into the picture. The lines can be obvious, such as a fencerow or buildings, or implied, such as a series of similar objects. (People, cars, etc.)

 Use geometric shapes (triangles especially) to make pictures more interesting. You can often find shapes by changing your angle of view so that you aren’t looking at the subject squarely.

 Use balanced arrangements of the visual elements to keep pictures from looking lopsided.

 Watch for background elements intruding into the foreground.