HowToDoThings.com Recent Cameras & Camcorders Articles

How To Buy a Digital Camera

rik — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:48:19 -0600

Most of us have taken a photograph at some time during our lives. Some of us have taken many thousands of pictures, but getting a good picture depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is having a camera with us at the time. In choosing a new camera, for most of us the choice is no longer which film camera to buy, but rather which digital camera to buy. It may not even be primarily a camera; many mobile phones and small palm-top computers are capable of good results. The days of a camera on a mobile phone capturing only a basic image with a pixel count under 1 million have long gone. So how can you compare digital cameras in order to decide which one to buy for yourself? Let's explore the factors that influence how a digital camera responds and provides us with an image.

How To Create a Windows XP Installation CD

bhattner1 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 15:39:49 -0600

There are many operating systems available today. Most recently, Microsoft has launched the new Windows Vista operating system. However, it’s going to be a long time before Vista overtakes XP as the most popular operating system. Users are much more comfortable with the Windows XP operating system and continue to use it.

However, the installation process can be tedious. During the normal installation of the Windows XP operating system, you need to customize various things like name, serial number, network, etc. And after the installation of Windows XP, you have to install various drivers like sound, graphics and other hardware drivers, which can take a lot of time.

You can save a lot of time by making a Windows XP installation CD in which all the required drivers are pre-installed.

How To Capture Digital and Stream Videos

waterskin — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:37:04 -0600

If you are a newbie digital video maker and are looking for a manual on how to create and stream those fascinating videos you see on You Tube, you have come to the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to capture, save, upload, and share your digital videos using the resources that you have.

What you need:

A video camera with fire wire ports.
A computer with fire wire ports (for the sake of discussion, a Windows PC is advisable).
Windows Media Encoder.
External microphone system.
Windows media services.

What you need to do:

How To Wrap Up Your Home Movie

waterskin — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:50:42 -0600

Anyone creating a home video should know that it isn't just a collection of videos they are making. Home video creations require a lot of technical things, but it is simply all about creating a story. All of the video footages as well as the still photos that are added to it are compiled to create a whole story.

Perhaps the best advice you can give a beginner in the home movie creation hobby is to make the video footage present images that build up to the climax of the story. Make every video and photo shot count by letting it help in building a good story that everyone will want to watch. Here are tips to wrap up your home video.

How To Capture Analog Video with a Digital Video Recorder

waterskin — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:39:59 -0600

There are two types of video - analog video and digital video. There is little difference when it comes to the quality of output created by these two types of video configurations. It is their format that makes them distinct from each other. The way you capture an analog video is also different from a digital video. And another point of difference is storage. Analog videos are usually stored on VHS, 8mm, and Hi8 tapes. Digital videos, on the other hand, are stored on VCRs, DVDs, or even on your computer's hard disk.

To capture digital video, you can simply add capture cards like Dazzle and ATI. But because these are additional cards, using them may not be an option for others. But there certainly is another way. You can certainly capture analog video using your good and steady digital video camera.

Generally, there are two ways to do it:

How To Record Fine Quality Audio for Your Home Movies

waterskin — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:33:59 -0600

When making home movies, it's so easy to record and film those unforgettable moments. But creating a good home video means a balance of video and audio. Audio is vital to producing an interesting and exciting video everyone will love. Recording audio haphazardly can result in a movie that isn't worth watching.

If you have mastered the video recording process, then it's high time to be skilled on the audio side. Planning may simplify everything. Lay down all your interesting shots and choose an audio which is coherent to the movie you are making.

Usually, recording audio comes last on the priorities of videographers but it should be remembered that music will play an important role in creating a good movie. Here are some of the audio tips that can help you create quality audio that is worth listening to:

How To Test an IR Remote Control with a Digital Camera

sunish — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:49:49 -0500

IR or infrared light is normally not visible to the human eye. However IR signals can be visible through a digital camera viewfinder. You can use the viewfinder of a mobile digital camera, too. However some cameras seem to block IR range and IR may not be visible.

Problems with IR remote control or other IR interfaces like mobiles, laptops or printers with IR can be very difficult to diagnose.

How To Take Better Digital Photos

Banjobarry — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 03:50:29 -0500

If you're looking to take better digital photos without upgrading to an expensive camera, continue reading below. These tips are aimed at users of point-and-shoot digital cameras, and others who are beginners in photography or looking to improve their skills and know-how when it comes to using inexpensive digital cameras.

How To Buy Camera Binoculars

Harry255 — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 13:25:00 -0600

We live in a high tech world. You can tell just how high tech we've become by the combination gadgets available to us. MP3 player phones, PDA/GPS units, fishing rods with fish finders? Well, add camera binoculars to the list. These are perfect pieces of equipment for watching birds or other wildlife, sporting events or just acting like a spy. BinoCams, as they are sometimes known, come in different styles with different specs. I'll try to guide you through a few things to look for when shopping for a pair.

How To Replace a Digital Camera Battery Charger

The2 — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 12:22:00 -0600

Your digital camera battery charger isn't even part of your camera, but without it you can't get your digital camera to work-or at least not for more than a few hours. It's a bit of a catch 22: you can't keep your battery charger with your camera at all times, it's just not practical; but you also need to have it handy in case your digital camera's battery needs a charge. For me, this means moving it all over the house to different wall sockets and even taking it with me on trips when I know I'll be using my camera a lot. All this shifting and moving about inevitably results in a misplaced or-when I'm finally ready to admit it-lost digital camera battery charger.

How To Buy Underwater Cameras

John187 — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 10:30:00 -0500

There are a number of reasons why you might want to buy an underwater camera. You might be planning a beach vacation, or perhaps you just want to be able to take family photos around the pool without worrying about the camera being damaged by a random splash of water. Regardless of the reason that you're wanting an underwater camera, you need to make sure that the camera that you buy will not only be able to withstand the water that it encounters but will also be able to take the pictures that you want to take. There are several things that you should keep in mind when looking at underwater cameras, so before you buy you need to stop and do the following:

How To Choose a Camera

Katina247 — Tue, 23 May 2006 09:58:00 -0500

There are many reasons to buy a camera. Some people want a camera to help capture their lives and the lives of their family members. Others make a little extra cash with photography, and need a camera with great versatility and a high level of user control. Photography can be a casual activity or a time-consuming art. Whatever reasons you have at obtaining a camera, it can still be a challenge to decide which camera is right for you. Here are some tips and guidelines to keep in mind when choosing a camera.

Type of camera: Choosing the type of camera is important. There are many brands of cameras but two basic types exist.
- The 35mm camera. This camera uses film to capture the images taken, usually offering the broadest range lenses, filters and other accessories. The disadvantage is the rising cost of film and film processing.
  
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How To Upgrade Your Digital Camera Memory

Brad276 — Sun, 21 May 2006 07:02:00 -0500

One of the nicest features of a digital camera is the ability to upgrade the memory; a very easy process, upgrading the memory enables the user to take more pictures with the camera before transferring the photos to another medium, such as a computer or CD. Each camera comes with a removable memory card (also known as a memory stick) which contains all of the necessary memory for your camera and digital pictures.

You first have to identify the compatible memory for your camera. Some of the most popular types of memory card are xD, SD, CompactFlash and Sony's brand-specific Memory Stick Pro and Duo Pro.

Refer to the owner's manual that came with the camera.
Inspect the camera itself. Most companies like to stamp the compatible memory type on the camera in order to avoid potential confusion.

read more

How To Buy Disposable Cameras

John187 — Thu, 11 May 2006 10:28:00 -0500

Cameras can be expensive...especially if you just want to take a few pictures of a specific event or trip. Buying a digital camera can set you back several hundred dollars, and even the film cameras that you can find are still priced higher than you might want to pay for just a few pictures. Do you really have to pay that much for a camera that you're likely only going to use every now and then?

Luckily, the answer to that question is a resounding "no." Before you spend that much money on a camera, you should consider buying a disposable camera that you can use, develop, and not have to worry about after it's developed. In order to make sure that you get the disposable camera that will best meet your needs, make sure that you follow these simple steps when shopping for your camera:

How To Buy Digital Cameras

John187 — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 20:34:00 -0500

It seems that just about everybody has a digital camera these days. They can be found on computers, in cell phones, and even on keychains (not to mention the cameras that actually look like real cameras). With all of the advances that have been made in digital camera technology in recent years, it's no surprise that there are a number of different options facing the consumer.

The problem with having so many digital camera options is that unless you know what you're seeking, you might not be able to get the best camera for your money. In order to find the camera that's right for both you and your wallet, it's important to keep a few things in mind when you go shopping.

How To Buy a Disposable Digital Camera

Brian197 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:18:00 -0500

Disposable digital cameras are a really cool new technology that sounds initially impractical, but works very well. These digital cameras are fully recyclable, and sell for about a $20 price tag. The best part about having a disposable digital camera, is that it comes equipped with an LCD screen, and the ability to delete pictures. Once you have filled up the camera with your 20 great pictures, you take it in, get it processed, and receive a CD with your photo's on them.

How To Buy Camcorder Batteries

Brian197 — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 09:40:00 -0500

If you have owned a video camera for a long period of time, you may have noticed your battery length slowly shortening over time. Fortunately new batteries have improved the length of many rechargable batteries. If your camera is out of date, you may have a harder time finding a battery that fits your needs, but they should still be out there if you look hard enough.

How To Edit a Home Video

Brian197 — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 19:04:00 -0500

If you are a first time movie editor, you already have most of the tools to get started and probably don't even know it. Fortunately, video editing has become a lot easier and is now orientated towards everyone, so that even the non-computer savvy can learn to edit a mean video.