Digital Photography. - Lessons Learned


Ok, I've purchased a Canon digital Rebel XT (350D). Now what do I do with it. Better yet, how do I make the best use out my camera. This page is what I have learned in my quest to better utilize my new camera. I plan to include some basic tips that I have uncovered regarding using your Digital photos on the web. You don't want to upload the file that is created by the camera directly to the web. For one thing the file will be too large for people who are using dial-up. Second If you leave it at the resolution that the camera created it at when you view it full size it will be huge. The first thing that I would recommend is to make copies of the graphic files that the camera created and work with the copies leave the originals alone so if something should go wrong with your editing you can always go back and make a new copy from the original. Then work on it again and hopefully avoid the mistakes you made before.

I'm a very technical person and I like to know how these things work and most people I've met don't really care how the computer works or what's the difference between a RAW file and a JPG file. I plan on explaining that in the future.

Questions I have

  • What is the best size and resolution for online use?
  • What resolution is best for printing the pictures I have taken?
  • White Balance? - How can I be most effective using custom settings over automatic settings. Is adjusting the white balance just for professionals?
  • What should I watch out for when using my digital camera? - color aboration, etc...
  • I'm used to a film SLR, what should I worry about when using my Digital SLR?
  • What are the common things to look for in choosing a good lens?
  • What are the benefits of using the RAW file format over JPG format? - It gives you much more flexibility with post processing of your images. Nothing is converted or adjusted to create the graphics format the image is saved in.
  • Should I make the adjustments with the camera or use a software package after I download the pictures to my computer?
  • Why should I be concerned about the 35mm equivalence for focal length?


  • Also, I've found no matter what your interested in Digital Photography, Macintosh Computers, ... it is always good to find a website(s) with a forum. The forums are a wealth of information. Most likely someone else on the forum has had the same problem you are experiencing. Digital Grin below is one such site.

    Links:

    Bob Atkins Photography - Reviews of digital camera equipment, including most of the Lenses that fit Canon Digital Cameras
     Digital Camera Resource Page - Reviews and forums.
    Digital Grin - Friendly Online forums about Digital Photography.
    Digital Photography Review - In depth reviews and the latest news.
    Low End Digital SLR - Blog site that has some excellent information.