Welcome to Peterborough Camera, Copies & More LLC, a camera store that offers not just equipment but also photography classes! The biggest mistake of any new hobbyist, be it painting, fitness, or photography, is the belief that once you get into it, you must spend a pretty penny gathering equipment and supplies. A new hobby can be summed up in the old English proverb “where there’s a will there’s a way.” Before you go on a spending spree, take a few minutes to read through the basics of a digital camera and understand you don’t need the most expensive equipment out there to get you started.
Keep Equipment Simple: Digital Camera Edition
When starting a hobby, consistency is key. Don’t panic too much about buying big-brand cameras just because a quick Google search told you to. Take time to read reviews, research fellow artists, and watch a quick YouTube video; it can go a long way as you learn the ropes with your specific camera. Just expose yourself to a world of content, and start with the primary goal of remaining consistent with the hobby itself. What you will want to invest in to help get you started is an SD card/memory card (depending on the type of camera you purchase, you’ll need a way to save your photos), batteries, and a battery charger. Unfortunately, you can’t skim through Amazon for a random battery and charger. You’ll need to do some research to find which brands are compatible with your camera, and if sold separately, be sure the charger you buy is compatible with the battery.
A Few Things To Know
Have Access To A Computer
Once your photos are saved to the SD card, you will then need to upload the files to a computer. Some computers have a built-in SD card reader so you can plug it into your laptop with ease. In other cases, you may need an SD card adapter compatible with your device.
Peterborough Camera, Copies & More LLC also offers printing. When your files are ready, feel free to check out our website for printing options using Photo Finale.
Plan For Disaster
One battery is fine, but you can never be too careful. Every photographer will have a nightmare story about their perfect shot ruined by a dying battery. Have your batteries fully charged before the shoot, bring the charger, and always have a spare.
Handheld VS Static: Will You Need A Tripod?
Handheld shots, photos taken without the use of a tripod or stabilizer, allow you more movement as well as quick and convenient shots. Some photographers prefer this method. While others like static photographs, photos taken with a tripod or stabilizer. Most modern cameras are designed with sensor-based stabilization, so whether or not you wish to purchase a tripod depends on your photography goals.
Shutter Speed, ISO, and Apertures
These are words you will come across often in your research. A camera’s specific settings are essentially the same but under a different name depending on the type of camera you’re working with. Here are some simplified definitions. Shutter speed is the length of time your camera sensor is exposed to light. It handles image brightness and motion. ISO essentially controls a camera’s sensitivity to light. You will alter this setting depending on whether you’re shooting indoors or outdoors. Aperture controls how much light reaches the sensor, playing a key role in a camera’s exposure and your image’s depth of field.
Peterborough Camera, Copies, & More | NH Camera Store
Explaining system settings and terminology can be a whole lesson itself, and if you’re unsure whether you’re ready to commit to photography, our camera store offers rentals and classes. It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed with information; luckily, our team at Peterborough Camera is here to help make the process easier. Feel free to give us a call today for availability and pricing!
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