digital photography from scratch          photography techniques for beginners

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A kiwi leaf in my back garden, of all places...
a waterfall in the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, London, UK
A stork in the plains of Hungary, on a lampost

Digital camera buying guide

Choosing a digital camera is difficult, so here's a digital camera buying guide to help you. The articles go into detail, and the rest of this page gives an overview.

I recommend reading the articles if you're planning on buying a digital camera.

Quick digital camera buying guide

What kind of photography?

Do you need a digital slr or a compact camera? Different types of camera let you be more creative: an slr gives you far more control over settings required to take dramatic, creative photos.

How many megapixels?

You won't need more than 10MP. Don't think that a camera with more megapixels for more money is better than one with fewer megapixels.

Confused by digital camera lenses?

Just get the kit lens. It'll be more than enough to start with and cheaper, too. There'll be plenty of time to get plenty of better quality lenses once you've out grown the kit lens.

Which digital camera brand?

It doesn't matter. I'd go for Canon or Nikon as they're the most established and respected, but the most important thing is how each camera feels to you. Go shopping and play.

Digital photography equipment

Don't go mad. It's easy to go into the shop and buy everything you could need. Save your cash and wait until you know you need something before you buy it.

Digital camera memory cards

Anywhere between 512MB and 2GB will be fine to get you started. Remember, you can always get more.

Digital camera prices

Expect to pay at least £300 (approx $500). You can save money by keeping extras to a minimum and not getting the newest model. For example I have the Canon 400D but the 450D an 500D have been released too. That means the 400D is cheaper if you can get it and still a great entry-level camera. Once you've decided what you want, have a look on eBay or Amazon for deals.

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Mission Statement

Why does the internet need another website about photography? How is this one different?

The learning curve for getting into photography is steep - I had to buy books. My mission is to make the subject as understandable and accessible as possible.

And ultimately, I want to make it fun. This is a photography website with a personality.

About the author

I have just completed a physics degree and am now studying for a Master's degree in environmental technology.

When I was about 11, I went on holiday with a compact film camera. One day I pointed the camera and clicked over and over again, just to make the sound "a real camera makes".

I've been hooked ever since.

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