digital photography

This time of year we always try to think of the year to come and possible expenses. We also try to jot down a list of wants and needs. So I’ve been thinking about what I would like to buy for my digital camera within the next year.

This year’s Christmas gift is already bought and being enjoyed, so my list might be more of a birthday or anniversary wish list.

One item I definitely want is a flash. The Canon Rebel does have a flash but I really would like a more powerful one. I bought a telephoto lens and it is recommended that you use a detachable flash with it since the barrel is so long. You can possibly have shadows from the lens if you just use the normal digital camera flash.

Other than the flash I would like a macro lens and a nice lens for everyday use. The lens that came with the camera works well but it would be great to have a little more range with it.

So my list is small but could be expensive. I’ve decided not to think about another digital camera until I know more about the one I have.

One very useful digital camera accessory is a tripod. They are especially handy during the holidays for those groups photos. But they can be very useful the rest of the year, too.

Using a tripod ensures a steady picture. For some instances like long exposure, a tripod is about the only way to ensure a good photo. There’s not much that makes up a tripod. Three adjustable legs, the platform for the camera, and the leveler are the main parts. I’m sure I used the proper, technical term, too. Yeah right.

When I’m setting up my tripod, the first thing I do is set up the height. Once the right height is reached, I check the level. Then I adjust to make the tripod level. I then add the digital camera to the mount. I remove the mount from the tripod and screw it into the bottom of my camera. I then place it back on the tripod. It’s just easier to remove it than to try to place the camera on the mount while it is attached.

I also have a tabletop tripod that has been quite helpful when it comes to close up shots. It’s especially useful for the eBay photos.

Tripods are not that expensive and really there isn’t a ‘one fits every need’ kind of accessory. So just because you have one doesn’t mean that you couldn’t find benefit from having another one. Take a look at the different kinds and don’t shrug them off just because you already have one.

My mom recently got a new digital camera. Since I helped her buy it, I purchased a memory stick for it online. It worked well for about a month but then it start giving her problems.

I’m not sure if the memory stick was corrupted by a magnet or if it was just a bad stick. Reformatting the disk a couple of times did seem to help with the issues. But using one that’s been corrupted is not a wise choice since it could leave you high and dry again.

It does make me realize the importance of removing pictures off your memory stick as soon as possible. I have a terrible habit of viewing them and leaving them on the memory card.

Also it’s a good reminder that a backup memory stick is a must have. Luckily mom’s memory stick didn’t mess up on a trip or some other photo opportunity moment. Sometimes it’s easy to find memory sticks but every once in a while they will be sold out. It’s best just to be prepared for anything.

Even though the memory stick was cheaper online, next time we will be buying locally as it would be easier to have it replaced and less worry that something happened to it in the mail.

While looking through some digital photos, I found a set of pictures I had taken last November at the Ren Fest. Sadly most looked like the one above. I had used my point and shoot camera so I really couldn’t do anything about light settings. But seeing these pictures makes me realize that I really should pick up a lens filter before this year’s festival.

Sure you can correct some lighting problems but when you are talking about hundreds of photos, then it becomes not a question of if you can but when you can since that will take a long time. It’s one of the cheaper accessories you can buy for a digital camera. I will definitely put it on the shopping list as I am tired of having washed out photos especially of events that only come once a year.

When I bought my Canon Rebel XTi, it came with a lens. So I really haven’t bought that many accessories for it like filters or hoods. Some experiences have made me realize that it might be important to buy a camera hood.

I bought my camera shortly after Christmas. Being excited about it, I took my new digital camera everywhere. It wasn’t long that I dropped it and was devastated. Luckily I had purchased the accidental insurance that covers everything. I took it back to the store where they replaced the whole camera outfit. Only the lens was bad but since it came with the camera, the whole unit had to be replaced.

After relaying this to my sister-in-law, who is a great photographer, suggested that I get a camera lens hood. She then had told me how a camera hood had helped saved her digital camera from disaster when she had accidentally dropped it. The hood didn’t survive but the camera and lens were unharmed.

So, I’m sold on getting one. Now I just want to find a good deal on one.

When my husband asked me if I would interested in a canoe trip, my first thought was, “Sure that sounds fun!” My second thought was, “I can’t bring my digital camera!”

I had checked into a waterproof case a few months ago for my DSLR but decided against buying one since it was a little pricey. Also at the time I thought I will never have a use for it. Never say never! Now, I could have bought one of those disposable waterproof cameras but I’m so spoiled to digital photography that film cameras just don’t appeal to me. I would have to get the film developed, and any pictures I would want to use online I would have to scan. So, I didn’t take a camera on our trip. I did see a few things that would have been fun to photograph. Since this was our first time canoeing, we spent most of our time concentrating on staying in the canoe.

But the next trip we will have a little more experience, and I am seriously considering buying a waterproof case for the digital camera. There were just too many photo moments that I missed.