Hints and Tips

Digital Photography

What is so special about it?

Digital cameras do not use film. Photos are stored on a memory card. The memory card is reusable, so unlike film you do not need to buy a new one each time it fills up. Instead, the pictures on the memory card can be transferred to a cd for computer storage; printed out; or both.

In addition, digital cameras have a small screen that enables the user to see the pictures that they have taken. Any pictures that they do not like can immediately be deleted so that only the best shots are kept.

How many pictures can I take?

This is dependant on two factors:

1.      The resolution of your camera – this is measured in megapixels (MP) and generally the more you have, the more defined and resolute your picture will be. As a rule, set your camera to the highest resolution possible so that photos will be recorded in high resolution and can be enlarged at a later date.

2.      The size of your memory card – this is measured in megabytes (MB). The more megabytes you have, the more pictures you can store. However, the greater the resolution of your camera is (see above), the more space will be taken up on your memory card by a more detailed image.

As a guide please consult the table below to get an idea of how many pictures different combinations of resolutions and card sizes will give you:

Memory cards can be purchased from a variety of sizes from 128MB to 2GB (gigabytes, 1GB = 1024MB). When digital cameras first came out, smaller size cards were offered from 16MB upwards. However, larger cards have greatly reduced in price and great deals can be found on photomarket.co.uk.

Where do I process my photos?

If you want to have your pictures printed out, simply bring in your memory card and you can either have the pictures printed out on our in-store minilab or select which ones you want from our in-store Kodak Photo Kiosk.

What is optical zoom?

This is the most important form of zoom. It functions like a telescope by focusing on the picture’s subject in greater detail to make it look like you are closer.

What is digital zoom?

Digital zoom enlarges each pixel, resulting in a shot that looks closer but is lower in quality. In all cases, if it is possible to use the optical zoom by going closer to the subject then do so. This will give you a much clearer picture, lending itself to stunning enlargements or canvas printing.

Equipment care

One of the most common issues with new camera users is the number of situations in which cameras are used. This can result in any of the following problems that can prove quite expensive to fix:

1.      Scratching and damage to the back screen on digital cameras. This can sometimes render the screen inactive or make it difficult to view pictures that you have taken.

2.      Broken lens cover or battery cover. This can cause your camera to stop functioning and can take a fair bit of time and money to get fixed.

3.      Lens not retracting – Another common problem caused by rough care. This can stop the camera lens from using the zoom function or even stop the camera from working alltogether.

4.      Liquid intrusion. Leaving the camera on a table in reach of children or in the pub can invite spillages to get inside and cause circuitry damage.

There are countless other common problems. The vast majority could have been avoided if the user had bought a case. This can provide immense protection when the camera is inside another bag or taken on a night out. Photomarket.co.uk stocks a wide range of cases and bags perfect for a night out on the town to a trip round the world.

Camera Shake

Unfortunately, camera shake is not endemic to just film cameras but digital as well (although certain new models do offer image stabilizers to minimise this risk).

It is a common problem that we have all experienced at some time. It usually happens for the most precious shots.

What is it?  

When a picture is taken, the shutter in the camera stays open just long enough to get a decent exposure. The amount of light available determines how long the shutter stays open. So, if it is a dull day or low light conditions, the shutter will stay open longer. When this happens, the smallest movement of the camera whilst it is being held by the user will creat a blurred picture.

What do I do?

There are a couple of things that we can all do. The most obvious is to swap your shaky hands for a tripod. Tripods are available in all sizes from the tiny (15cm high) to the massive.

The other option is to use the built in flash on the camera (if it has one). This will ensure that the image is frozen by the flash. Most new cameras with a built in flash will offer functionality to ‘force’ the flash on (most people leave the autoflash on).

Photo Display/Storage

One of the biggest criticisms about holiday snaps etc… is that they are just kept in the docket or on the computer never to be looked at again. Why!!!!! There are so many great ways of displaying these without clogging up your mantelpiece or your walls with endless bucket and spade pictures.

1. Albums – we have a large range of slip in and adhesive albums for a range of sizes and styles.
2. Frames – frames are available in many sizes and styles. They can be hung or stood up. Check our online range or pop in to the shop to pick out a frame. We also offer a bepoke framing service. Please email us or call for further information.
3. Canvas Prints – photomarket.co.uk offers a range from of canvas sizes from 8 inches to 36 inches. Looks great especially for those great moments like your wedding or reaching mount everest base camp.
4. Photobooks – another new product. The perfect way to commemorate those digital images that are currently just lying on the hard drive or worse still in a cd hidden under some cables. Just choose the type of book or calendar you want and then select which pictures you would like to have in the book along with what text you want. Please contact us for more details if you are interested.
5. Restoration – for those old or damaged photos, why not get them ‘fixed up’. We can get rid of those creases; pick out the parts of the picture you want; colourise a black and white picture; replace lost or torn sections of a photo. Don’t lose the old memories, they are part of our history!