Photography Supplies

Find Out Which One is
the Most Important One
And How to Choose it Wisely

Photography supplies can be like chocolate, irresistible and all-to-easy to get. And if you're not careful, you could end up with unwanted extra pounds (in your camera bag).

So before you take a trip to your local camera shop, or worse, cruise the net to stock up on photography supplies, let's make sure you choose the right camera.

SLR Digital or Point and shoot
When it comes to choosing a camera, there are a few things you should know. The first is that a point and shoot digital is every bit as easy as film (and in many cases better). The optics within both camera types are basically the same, and the lenses are very similar for the average user. Digital doesn't require a dark room (yours or anyone else's), and you can send out for prints or email or print at home.

Choosing the Right Camera can be
Confusing and Daunting
Unless You Know the Basics

P&S or SLR
Those are acronyms, of course, but what would an article about technology and equipment be without a few acronyms? These two stand for Point-and-Shoot and Single Lens Reflex.

Point-and-Shoot is as easy to understand as it is to use. These cameras are designed with the regular ma and pa in mind. The person who wants to take banging-good pictures, but doesn't want to fuss with separate lenses and camera pieces. For those of you whose crest has just fallen because you think you'll be robbed of all the fun gadgetry and photography supplies you were hoping to buy, take heart. There are always photo props, camera bags, batteries and more for you to buy or ask Santa to get you.

Now, if you're a serious photographer, or hope to be in a year or two, the SLR (Single Lens Reflex) is the way to go. Not for the weekend warrior, the SLR can be a serious investment ranging in price from $1500 to $10,000. And that's just for the body. The lens, which is the real difference maker, can be $500 to $10,000 itself. And be warned, every serious photographer I know (semi-pro or pro) has several lenses.

Name Brands Can Cost You
And they Don't Always Pay Off

Brand
When it comes to brand, I'll have to quote my eighth grade history teacher, "Do your homework, even if you don't want to." You'll be glad you did.

The key, again, is to be really honest with yourself about what your goal is as a photographer. If you're honest-to-heaven goal is to be able to stock your family photo album with top notch pics, just about any digital P&S camera will do.

If your goal is to make photography a money-making venture of some kind, then the digital SLR is for you. But I still offer that same sage advice. Do your homework. While there are a relative few high-end makers, you'll want to choose a camera that strikes the right balance of

• Flexibility
• functionality
• …and… 'fordability.

Make Sure Your Second Purchase
is a Smile for Me Toys Birdie

So be honest with yourself about your photo-taking goals and do your homework.

Then you will have done well with your first and most important investment in photography supplies. Now you get to go out and practice ‒ there's nothing more fun that capturing life's moments on film.

"The shortest distance between two people is a smile."‒ Author Unknown

Once you have your camera, the next items on your list of photography supplies should be the Smile for Me Toys™ Birdie , just out this year and ready for 2009!

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