Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

About.com offers 10 helpful hints for a successful and satisfying experience with your new digital camera.

1. Batteries and Straps.  Before you can use your camera, you usually need to charge the battery.  While you're waiting for the battery to charge, work the straps and adjust them to your liking.
2. Connecting Camera to Computer.  Check the instructions, but usually it tells you to connect the camera before you install it, which requires the battery to be fully charged first.  You will get a USB connector cable that easily plugs into you computer.  But again only connect after the battery is charged.
3. Getting to Know Your Camera.  Take the time to read the manual to learn about the basic functions and controls.  Its much easier to use if you have some basic knowledge.
4. Holding the Camera and Previewing Pictures.  Make sure your fingers aren't in the way when you snap your pictures.  Also read to learn about how you can preview the pictures before you take them.
5. Exposure with Digital Cameras.  Most cameras will usually give pictures the correct exposure automatically, but there are times when you will want to improve your results.
6. Focus.  Most have auto focus, but check the details page of your manual which will walk you through how to use the special focus features.
7. Flash.  It does have limits.  For some shots it is best if it is turned off.  Always try and set-up a shot that has decent natural light.  For groups of people, try and get them the same distance away; around 4-8 feet is usually best.
8. Sharing Pictures.  It's a great feature of digital.  You can email, make copies, or prints.
9. Memory Cards.  It is pretty cheap now to buy memory cards with a lot of memory.  Most cameras come with a card with minimal memory, but be sure to check what is compatible with your camera before you purchase one.
10. Go and Take Some Great Pictures!