When I first switched to RAW format, I found out how quickly a little 2GB or even a not-so-little 4GB memory card can fill up. I found out while on a family outing, of course, and with no extra memory cards. I’ve since learned the error of my ways, and I now go nowhere without an 8GB memory card in the camera, and a 4GB, 2GB and two 1GBs as backups. I’m a fan of SDHC, so if you were to open my camera or camera bag, those are the types of cards you would find.

I highly recommend investing in a few “standard” lenses. Get one for portraits, one for everyday shooting (action photos, photos of the kids, pets, whatever), and get a decent portrait one. The 50mm f/1.4 is an amazing portrait lens, but if you want something that is almost as good, without the high price tag, take a step down to the 50mm f/18.

But what about macro shots and long distance (telephoto) shots? They’re interesting, unique and fun, and they provide new perspectives and viewpoints of everyday objects and scenery, but how often are you taking those kinds of shots? If the answer is anything less than “all of the time” or even “often”, save your money on costly macro and telephoto lenses, and opt for lens attachments instead.

What are lens attachments? They’re spiffy filters that screw onto the end of regular lenses. There are macro filters, fish-eye filters and telephoto lens attachments, just to name a few. They provide the “close up” or the “telephoto” experience, while using your regular lens to compose the majority of the shot. The attachment simply provides the required angle, or viewpoint. They’re not nearly as expensive as regular specialty lenses. Take the Nikon 60mm f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor lens, for example: nearly $500! Then there’s the Opteka 10x Professional Macro Lens. Sacrifice a bit of quality (not noticeable unless you’re printing very large photos) for a savings of $450!

I can tell you from personal experience that lens attachments work perfectly. They may be slightly less convenient, since you have to configure both a lens and the attachment. But I’m pretty sure most people can agree that a slight inconvenience is worth a significant savings.

Flip MinoHD™: The World’s Smallest HD Camcorder

Every year digital camcorders are getting smaller even as they come with extra features and more functionality. This miniaturization has gotten to point where you can now carry a camcorder in your pocket, and this includes cameras that capture high-definition video. If you think it’s not possible, then we would like to introduce you the MinoHD, the world’s smallest HD camcorder.

Designed by Flip, this handy little camcorder that doesn’t just fit in your pocket, but also in the palm of your hand and it’s incredibly easy to use. The MinoHD camcorder weighs just 3.3 ounces and yet it can still capture 60 minutes of 30 frames per second of progressive scan video. With a video camera this size, don’t expect a large screen, but at 1.5″ it’s adequate in size while being clear and bright, so you shouldn’t have any viewing problems.

Not prepared to start filming? With this camera you’ll be able to start filming within 3 seconds after start-up, which is fast. You won’t be able to film an Oscar-winning movie on this Flip camera, but it does the job well with a moderate zoom 2X. It features a flip-out USB for connecting it to your computer, HD television or other digital device and it’s also mountable for standard tripod sizes.

You probably never thought that you could get an HD camcorder that fits in the palm of your hand. Well, the Flip MinoHD does just that and a lot more at the surprisingly affordable price of $230. If you want an HD camcorder, then the Flip should satisfy your needs, at least for the short-term. Click Here to buy the Flip MinoHD camcorder now.

Canon PowerShot SD950-IS Titanium 12.1 MP Digital ELPH

You can get a digital camera that is small with high resolution without forking over the money for an SLR. If you’re in the market for a new camera with a resolution that exceeds 10 megapixels, but can’t afford a top of the line professional camera then you might like what this Canon camera offers. With this PowerShot Digital ELPH you’ll get a staggering 12.1 megapixel resolution, which is so clear that you can have images printed clearly at 20″ x 30″. Along with the great imaging capabilities of this camera, you’ll also note that you’ll be able to achieve decent closeups thanks to the the 3.7x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom.

Although the PowerShot SD950-IS is small it still provides you with a well-sized 2.5 inch LCD screen for easing viewing of all your latest photos. Canon is known for making cameras with features like image stabilization and face detection that automatically focus to ensure blur-free shots and make faces look more natural even when using the flash in low lighting. You’ll also be able to make use of 18 shooting modes as well as 11 photo effects, so you can get creative with you picture taking. If you need to capture video, then you’ll appreciate the 5 video capture modes with audio in either 15 or 30 frames per second. This camera is just as versatile in its storage as its photo capabilities as you can make use of either SD or MMC memory cards for those times you need to snap extra photos.

Almost more astounding than its features is the price that you can have this camera; it’s available only online at Walmart for $339.47. So, if you’re looking for features and affordability in a digital camera then buy the Canon PowerShot SD950-IS Titanium Digital ELPH from Walmart today.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW – digital camera

Sometimes the best pictures are captured in less than perfect weather conditions, and for such occasions you’ll want a camera that’s durable. Although durability is an essential element, you’ll also want a camera that is more than just rugged; you’ll want a camera that will capture those amazing shots that are clear with the correct coloring no matter when the moment presents itself. You can be sure that Olympus has managed to produce a camera that rises to the moment, which is always ready for those ideal shots in less than ideal conditions. The Stylus 1030SW is truly a durable camera as it is shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof and dustproof so you’ll have no problem snapping pictures in cold wet, weather or dry, dusty conditions and it will keep on working even after jarring shocks. This Olympus camera was meant to be owned by those adventurous types or just the accident prone, and it’s always ready to get those once in a lifetime shots in amazing clarity with its 10.1 megapixel resolution. You can be sure to get decent close-ups with the 3.6X optical zoom and 5X digital zoom as well as photos in context with the appropriate shooting modes and programs. So, if there’s someone on your Christmas shopping list that needs an easy to use digital camera that can handle rough conditions while still capturing great images, then buy them the Olympus Stylus 1030SW.

Fuji Film FinePix Z200fd 10 Megapixel Digital Camera – Red

We all know that when it comes to taking photographs; it’s the picture quality that matters as much as the subject matter. A camera’s resolution in megapixels is an important part of capturing amazing images, so to is the camera’s ability to detect varying lighting conditions as well as compensating for slight movements that may blur a photograph among other features. Fuji has worked tirelessly to add as many of these easy-to-use features into this sleekly designed digital camera that makes taking great pictures fun as well as easy. With the FinePix Z200fd digital camera you can be sure that any concerns you had about your photographic abilities will soon be eliminated faster than an out-of-focus picture. When you have a camera that is as compact as this Fuji that packs powerful features along with a 10 megapixel resolution and a 5X optical zoom, you can be sure that snapping clear and colorful photos is easy. Having preset modes such as Blog and Auction allows you to capture images that are designed for specific internet functions, and as this camera has 54 MB of internal memory and more with memory cards you’ll have plenty of room for tons of photos. When you’re in need of a camera that makes it easy to take clear photos for any use, then you’ll appreciate what the FujiFilm FinePix Z200fd has to offer for every level of photography.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G1 Digital Camera

Digital cameras have come along way since the early days in performance and price. Every year you’re able to get a camera with better resolution, more storage and better features at an ever lower price, which makes it easier to snap better quality pictures more often. If you’re constantly on the lookout for a newer digital camera that provides great value for your money, then you may like what Sony has to offer. Sony has always produced some very high quality cameras with the features and functionality that can make just about anyone a better photographer. Even if you’re not the best at picture taking, the Cyber-Shot DSC-G1 has exactly what you need to let you hone your photography skills. This 6.0 megapixel camera comes with a massive 2 GB of internal memory that can store up to 7500 images, that allows you to snap pictures without worry. You won’t have to worry about the lighting situation as this Sony Cyber-Shot automatically adjusts the settings with a 9-point auto focus so you’ll be able to capture great images in various lighting conditions. Even though this camera is small and sleek, you’ll still be able to view your pictures on a large 3.5″ XtraFine LCD screen. Along with all of the standard features like image stabilization and video capture, you’ll also benefit from the music playback and wireless photo sharing with built-in microphone & speaker. You’ll also find that this camera has everything both the beginner or experienced photographer needs, including optical and digital zoom, shutter speeds and video modes for remarkable image capturing. The DSC-G1 has all of the features you need to make the most of any photo opportunity. When you’re ready for a camera that gives you the features and ease of use you need for developing your photography skills by snapping more photos, you may consider buying the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-G1 digital camera.

New member’s offer: Get 50 free 4×6 prints and Free Standard Shipping on your first 
order when you join Shutterfly.

We’re approaching that time of year when holidays and special events come in rapid succession including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve among others which calls for lots of photographs. Even in this modern era of digital photography it’s always nice to have photo prints of the good times, especially with really amazing or funny photographs. If you thought that moving to a digital camera meant that you would do away with photo prints, then you would be wrong because digital photography gives you the option of only printing the photographs of your choice. If you’ve yet to sign up with a quality photo printing service like Shutterfly, then now’s your chance to take advantage of the special offer available to new members. When you sign up as a new member at Shutterfly.com you’ll get 50 free 4″x6″ photo prints and standard shipping on your first order. If you haven’t yet signed up with a photo printing service, but look forward to capturing photographs of you favorite moments and people this holiday season that deserve printing, then make sure you sign up Shutterfly to get 50 free prints and standard shipping as a new member.

Pentax Optio A40 Black 12 MP Digital Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom & Face Recognition

You don’t have to buy a big and bulky expensive, professional camera to get amazingly high quality photographs in a high resolution camera, because Pentax has an inexpensive solution in an inexpensive, small and easy-to-carry digital camera. With the Optio A40, you won’t have to compromise on quality images, because you’ll be able to snap high resolution photos with this 12 megapixel camera. You’ll get all the features that make capturing sharp images easy, including image stabilization for blur-free shots and facial recognition to capture your subjects in crisp detail. This digital camera works great in low lighting conditions and integrates auto focus and auto exposure for clean pictures with almost every shot. Like many other digital cameras, with the Pentax Optio A40 you’ll be able to capture MPEG-4 video as well that you can view on the 2.5″ LCD screen. Close up shots are a snap thanks to the 3X optical zoom and the 6X digital zoom, and you’ll have plenty of storgae possibilities with the SD card slot and the 21MB internal memory. So if you’re ready to take some high-resolution photos and video, but are looking for a camera that’s small and inexpensive then buy the Pentax Optio A40 12 megapixel digital camera for everything it does without the size and price.