I just received an email from my teacher that instructs us (the Business 31 students) to create a second blog entry before tomorrow's class. I'm not feeling particularly inspired right now because I'm preoccupied with the facts that I haven't yet read chapters 1 and 2 of the textbook, nor completed the reinforcement exercises, and I still have to cook dinner, print some digital photos, get ready for work, and hopefully, watch some of the Academy Awards.
My instructor asked us to add a photograph to this week's blog and in the absence of any other ideas, the topic of this post is digital photography.
I've been using digital cameras since late 2001 and I absolutely love digital imaging! I can't ever imagine going back to using film. I'm on my second consumer grade digital camera (a Nikon Coolpix L1, 6.2 mega pixel, 5x zoom). It's pocket-sized but you can still get a good grip on it, uses SD media and all-in-all takes pretty nice photos. The price was right too, costing just over $200 delivered from Amazon.com. My only complaint is it doesn't perform well in low-level light conditions.
When a person is planning to purchase a digital camera, I believe he/she should give some consideration to a number of things so that the person will have a satisfying relationship with the camera. Here are some considerations I think are important:
Media: Digital cameras use different types of media (also known as memory) and normally the type of media is predicated by the brand of the camera. Sony, for instance, uses a propriety type of media, while Nikon uses SD memory and Olympus cameras use XD-picture cards just to give several examples. Many PC and notebook computers, as well as photo printers have media card readers that accept the most popular digital media cards. (Since Sony uses a propriety media card, I believe you have to use a Sony computer and printer for compatibility). I chose to purchase a camera that uses SD memory because I understand it is the most widely used and compatible digital memory currently available.
Batteries: Digital cameras are battery hogs! Battery type, life, and rechargeability are all important factors to consider when selecting a camera, in my opinion. If a person travels a great deal, especially to the back country on hikes and camping trips, or to third-world countries where access to a reliable electrical source to charge batteries is iffy, I would recommend purchasing a camera that uses standard, AA batteries. Your only limitation to the number of images a AA battery digital camera can take (provided you have ample media cards) is determined by the number of AA batteries your sherpa can schlep. It's kinda hard to plug in your proprietary nickle-metal hydride battery pack when you're on the back of a Yak at 18,000 feet elevation! If you're not straying far from home, rechargeable battery packs are fine. Also, when you head out on the road to those not-so-exotic locales where electricity is available, don't forget your battery charger!
Pixel Count: The imager of a digital camera is expressed in mega pixels. The higher the pixel count, the greater the resolution of the picture. Moms who just want to print 4 x 6 pictures of junior smearing his birthday cake all over his face don't need to invest big dollars in a high pixel count camera, whereas someone moonlighting as a wedding photographer needs the higher resolution so that the images can be enlarged and still look sharp. Higher pixel count equates to a higher purchase price.
Give a little thought to your needs before you buy your digital camera and I'm sure you'll make the choice that's right for you.
Now, to my photo: This is a digital image of a "fresh fish" sign that I took last October at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington. I really loved all the old neon signs that are still plentiful in Seattle. Pike Place Market has incredible fresh fish stalls, and I like to fish, so this sign particularly caught my eye.
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