Using your new digital camera can at first seem a little intimidating but it is easier than you think. Don’t let all of the buttons and menu options keep you from going out and taking those prize-winning photographs.
When you first turn on your new digital camera, it will probably ask you to set the current date and time. Just follow the prompts and it will go very smoothly. If you don’t get it right you can always go back into your menu later and reset this information.
The other options within your new camera were chosen at the time that the camera was built and are called the “factory default settings”. These factory settings are good to start with and you may never need to change them but as you become more familiar with your camera, you may eventually want to change some of the settings to better fit your particular style of photography. For this lesson we will stick to the default settings.
Even if you don’t have time to read the entire manual, I’d suggest spending enough time reviewing it so that you have a good understanding of your new camera. Most of the cameras come with a quick guide that lists the most used features which helps to speed up the learning process. Some come with a pocket version of a quick guide that can be very helpful when you have a question in the field. I carry my camera manual with me when I am out taking pictures so that I have it handy when a question arises. Some of the new cameras have a “help button” that you can activate to explain the different settings and how to use them.
The good news is that all of the digital cameras have an automatic mode that lets the camera do most of the work for you. Digital cameras have a “computer brain” or a processor. When you aim and focus your camera, certain information is sent to the processor to help your camera decide the best settings to use to take the picture. The camera is very smart and will make a good decision to produce a great image most of the time. So don’t be intimidated by your camera. Put your camera in “automatic” mode and go out a take pictures. And most important, have fun!
First steps to using your new camera:
Make sure all of the packing and shipping tape is removed from the camera after taking it from the box. Some of the shipping aids might interfere with the operation of the camera.
Properly attach the neck or wrist strap that came with your camera. It is very important that you attach and use the neck or wrist strap to help eliminate the chances of dropping your new camera. Repairs can be very costly.
If your camera uses rechargeable batteries, then charge the battery after reading the battery charging instructions that came with your camera. After the battery is fully charged, place it in your camera being careful to insert it in the right direction. Never use force when inserting the battery. If it doesn’t go in easily, then stop and make sure that you are inserting it correctly. If your camera uses standard batteries such as Alkaline AA, make sure that they are inserted in the proper direction (positive + and negative -). If they are inserted incorrectly, the camera will not turn on.
Insert the memory card into your camera. The card will only go in one way. Never force the card into the slot. If you are having trouble putting your card in for the first time, take your memory card and your digital camera to any Cord Camera store and ask one of the associates for assistance.
Turn the camera on and put it in automatic mode. You may have to read in your manual or quick guide how to do this because it’s different for every camera. This mode will let the camera do most of the work for you so that you can get right into taking some great photographs.
Take pictures and have fun.
Watch for “Using Your New Digital Camera Lesson #2 for more tips on getting the most from your new digital camera. During the next lesson, I will talk about some of the enhanced settings on your digital camera such as “Portrait”, “Landscape”, “Sports” and “Macro” modes.