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Buy it NOW
Summary: Buying a digital camera as a gift? Buy it NOW!! Read three reasons why getting a gift early will pay dividends.
If you plan to buy a new digital camera as a gift for someone or yourself this holiday season, do it now.
Here are three reasons why presenting the gift of a new camera ahead of time will pay big dividends.
Instruction overload
All digital camera manuals are complex in content and presentation.
With multiple features, shooting modes, file storage and workflow
considerations, a new camera owner should spend considerable time
acquainting themselves with their gift. During a gift exchange,
this could lead to unwanted distractions while others are celebrating.
With early gifting, the new owner will be able to master the camera’s
basic operation and be an active and attentive participant during the
gift exchange involving family and friends. Taking photos with a new
camera on the big day will outweigh the negatives associated with one
less gift to open.
Smart choices
As the gift giver, you may want to involve the recipient in the process
of choosing their gift. If you want to make the purchase as a
surprise, take an active role in inquiring about what features are
desired in a camera. Take a few notes and then visit a camera store
where you can talk with a knowledgable sales person as you make your
choice. Knowing how the camera will be used is the most important
aspect of making a purchase of a camera.
Spend wisely
Digital camera prices vary widely and are a considerable investment by
many. As an example, a Nikon D40X camera kit (lens included)
retails for $799. I found one online for just under $500.
With closer inspection it did not include a battery, memory card or
camera strap. The battery and strap and “bonus SD 256MB memory card”
and shipping could be added for $250.. That’s $750. Less than the
list price, but too impersonal for my taste.
It is best to vist the camera retailer in
person. I prefer stores that specialize in camera equipment where I can
hold the camera in my hands and talk with sales representatives.
Frankly, the big box stores like Costco, WalMart and Best Buy leaves a
lot to be desired on the knowledgable sales staff front.
Ask lots of questions and ask about in-store
deals and promotions. You have a right to feel good about your purchase
and have confidnece that you can come back to the store for advice
after the sale.
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
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Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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