Useful Extras
Digital cameras have everything that a film camera has, like a flash for taking photos
indoors or where it's too dark, and a zoom that lets you close in on the details that
you're interested in.
But they also have lots of extra bits too. Most digital cameras have a little screen in
the back that lets you see what you're about to photograph without having to look
through the viewfinder.
This is great if you want to take a photo over people's heads, or if you want to be
absolutely sure that you've got everyone in the picture.
The same screen will show you your photo after you've taken it, so you can see
whether you've captured the moment or just taken a shot of someone's feet.
Then you
can get rid of the failed pics and try again. And again, if you're really not much good at
this sort of thing!
Some of the top-end digital cameras let you change all the photo settings, just like
using a posh film camera.
That means you can alter the speed of the shutter and change the amount of light you
let through the lens, or set the flash so that it get rids of redeye. Really expensive ones even let you change the lens you're using!
Camera memory
Before you start taking digital photos you'll need to make sure that there's some film
in the camera.
With a digital camera the 'film' isn't a plastic roll but some computer
memory, and it can get full of pictures just the same.
Most digital cameras will let you take twenty or thirty pictures before they fill up, and
once they do, you have to either get rid of some photos or copy them to your computer to
free up space.
Or, if your camera uses special computer memory like CompactFlash or a
Memory Stick, put in a new card. Don't forget to keep the old one safe.
You'll also need to check the batteries. Digital cameras use power, and if you've got a
camera that takes normal disposable batteries you'll find it eats them really fast.
Better to get rechargeable ones or - if you can afford it - go for a camera that has its
own rechargeable battery pack built in.
But whatever the power source, make sure that you've got enough juice for the party
or day on the beach.
| 
