EDITORS NOTE: Although there is good information in this article it was originally written in the 90′s. Because of the rapidly progressive nature of camera technology those looking for a digital camera would be better served reading on Digital Cameras or seeing our DSLR Camera Comparison.

If you are in the market for
a new camera, still or video, because your current one seems dead, try this
first. Remove the batteries and clean all contacts with a pencil eraser. Then use
that pencil eraser to clean the battery connection posts inside the camera. Batteries
and connectors oxidize easily and you’d be amazed how often this simple cleaning
procedure will save the day.
I will not deal with digital
cameras here.  I will ignore them for now and talk about
them in another section…. DIGITAL CAMERA LESSON

Basically there are three
types of cameras: Large format (studio) cameras, medium format (2 1/4 and
35mm) and point-and-shoot (pocket) cameras.

All of the lessons provided
in this course deal with 35mm cameras …. usually a SLR (Single Lens Reflex) with
the ability to interchange lenses.

This is a good starting point, a Nikon SLR body with built-in
metering, two lenses (I would prefer three) and a hefty flash unit.  I do not
like flash units mounted to the body…. much prefer a unit like the Vivitar 283
with a cord so that I can direct the flash where-ever I want.  Lenses should
be a good wide angle (21-28mm), a normal (50-70mm) and a telephoto from 200mm
- 500mm.

Being a crotchety old pro,
I must say that I do not like the newer computerized, digital cameras. Period.
I’d much rather have an older optical-mechanical camera with manual control over
both shutter and aperture. And, if you are serious about making photographs, not
just taking “snaps” you’ll do well to go that route. To find out
why “Newer Cameras can make your pictures WORSE!” click
HERE

Having said that, the newer,
smaller still cameras are remarkably good, both technically and ease of use.
However, if you want to take photos of your kids’ activities, whether organized
sports or general play, or plan on using the camera for good coverage of any
event, then take a harder look at those cameras that offer a built-in zoom lens.
Of the three major camera makers, Nikon, Canon, and Olympus, most have very
fine small cameras with zoom lenses that are optically excellent.

When you buy that camera, get
at least one roll of 12 or 24 exposure film and run it through the camera immediately, before
you fill out the registration card for the camera. You do this to make sure everything
is functioning properly and, if it is not, you can take the camera back to the store
you bought it from and they will exchange it. If you have waited too long and/or
filled out the registration card, and something is wrong with it, you’ll have to
ship it back to the manufacturer and wait.

Video camera buyers should
try to get a model that has an “optical zoom lens” as opposed to a digital
zoom. Digital zooms are not perfected yet and the results of shooting at longer
focal lengths might prove disappointing.

If you’ll be using the telephoto
on either still or video you will definitely need some sort of support to stabilize
the whole camera. Tripods are good but if you will be covering any event that involves
moving around (sports, weddings, rock festivals, etc.) you’ll probably be better
off with a monopod. It is a one-legged, collapsible, and light weight support that
allows you great mobility and provides excellent support.

USING THE CORRECT FILM

First, and I’ll say this
only once, there are only two serious film makers. Kodak and Fuji. Both make
a 400 speed film that is superior in every way. Period. DO NOT … please do not,
switch films around every other roll. Don’t experiment. Pick one brand (and speed)
and stick with it until you really know how to use it properly.

And, in that same vein, don’t
change processors. Find one processor that is good and stick with them. I’ve found
that some of the major pharmacy chains are using up-to-date processing machines
that, if properly cleaned and tested DAILY, produce professional results
CONSISTENTLY.

If you change films and processors
constantly you will not have reliable feedback on how well you are shooting. Most
of your efforts to improve will have been wasted.

The whole idea here is to
eliminate as many variables as possible. Concentrate on doing that and the number
of good pics per roll will increase. I promise.

Finally, have your film processed
immediately after you’ve shot the last photo on the roll. Don’t let the film sit
around, for two reasons. The quality will deteriorate rapidly and you will have
forgotten how and why you took the pictures.