People have lots of questions about digital photography. Here are some of the more common ones and answers to them.

1. Is digital photography right for me?
Only you can decide if switching to a digital camera will work for you. It all depends on what you plan to use your camera for. If you’re planning to shoot pictures of your family at home and on vacations, you can easily buy a simpler camera and be very happy with the results. Digital photography is much less expensive since you won’t have film and processing costs. Most digital cameras are also lightweight, making them not only convenient but fun to use.

2. Do I have to be a computer geek to use a digital camera?
The inner workings of a digital camera are essentially a tiny computer. And the process of downloading organizing and manipulating the images is a computer process, so a basic knowledge of computer processes is essential. Using a digital camera without knowing how to operate a computer is like dancing without knowing how to walk.

3. Is digital photography expensive?
While you won’t have film and processing costs, you’re initial outlay will be for your camera and extra memory cards.

4. What’s the best way to get started taking digital pictures?
If you’re planning on shooting digital photos for fun, you should look at a compact or superzoom camera with a resolution of at least 10 megapixels.. The images produced by this size camera will allow you to easily produce 4 x 6-inch prints. You could also begin by taking photos with your smartphone if you have one.

5. Should I buy a digital camera now or wait until better ones come out or the prices go down?
Luckily, changes in digital cameras have begun to slow down. In fact, camera design and controls are beginning to level off and become somewhat standardized which means that you can buy a camera, confident that it will serve you well for several years.

6. Which digital camera should I buy?
You should buy the digital camera that first, will fit your needs, and second, will fit your budget. It’s easy to overbuy technology today, given the hype in advertising. If you’re an average person, a totally automatic, easy-to-use camera will be just right for you.

7. Are there any digital photography courses I can take?
Yes. While there aren’t a lot of good digital photography courses at the moment, there are some. If you do take a course, make sure you take one that’s longer than one session, like the ones offered by Bob Brooke at various locations in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. Digital photography isn’t easy to understand for the novice, and the knowledge and guidance of an expert will help you tremendously.

8. I want to share my digital photos with my family. How can I do that?
With family members living so far apart today, you can easily share your digital photos either by E-mail or by uploading them to online photo albums or social media sites. If you have a large number of digital photos, say from a vacation or a family reunion, the latter method is best.

9. Are media cards harmed by airport X-rays?
Unlike traditional silver-based film, digital storage media is unaffected by airport X-rays. However, since they’re computer-based media, any magnetic source will affect them.

10. Are digital cameras affected by extreme heat and cold?
Yes. Depending on the degree of extreme heat and cold, your digital camera may act strangely or not operate at all. Remember, the heart of your digital camera is its photo sensor. Being so, it, like other computer parts, it can be adversely affected if you use your digital camera in very hot or very cold weather. Also, don’t leave your camera in a closed-up car on hot or cold days.