If you are using a digital camera to capture special moments, the review of the Nikon Coolpix s8100 that you’re about to read my sell you on the camera. Not only is it a major upgrade from the previous model, it’s also durable, fast, creates top notch photos and video and so much more, including:

- a stunning 12.1 megapixel output and a 10x optical zoom with a wide angle Nikkor

As most beginners and amateurs will discover, there are some curious frustrations that come along. Of these, the most common are taking a photo on a bright day of something such as snow only to have it turn out too dark or taking a picture at night and having it turn out to bright. So, why does this occur?

Well, first of all it is important to note that because a lot of the time cameras reproduce more or less what we see with our eyes, it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we can just put the camera in fully automatic mode, point, shoot, and get a photo that looks just like what we saw. But this is not always possible, and it is because of the way your camera makes decisions when you press the button.

Unless you are using a fully manual camera, your camera must make the decision as to how much light to allow the sensor to be exposed to. If there is too little light, the subjects of the photograph may appear almost invisible, also known as ‘underexposed.” In reverse, if there is too much light allowed, areas of the photo may be completely white, also known as “overexposed.”

A camera will make these decisions based on the fact that most scenes, most of the time, are comprised of both light and dark tones that average out about the same. This average is commonly referred to as “18% grey.” This premise is what allows the camera to determine how much aperture and shutter speed should be utilized. However, in certain situations, this rule of thumb can break down.

A prime example to better explain this phenomenon is the classic photo of a polar bear in the snow on a bright sunny day. You will use your camera to reproduce this beautiful scene you viewed with your own eyes in a bright, perfect photo. However, because your camera is using its rule of thumb to determine the shutter speed and aperture, it is more likely your photo will depict the snow and polar bear as dirty grey.

The other situation is when you take a photo in dark conditions, perhaps a street at night lit by some streetlamps. Here you want most of the photo to be dark, with perhaps some lighter areas that were illuminated by the streetlights. Instead what you may get is dark areas that are dull brown rather than black, and lighter areas that are overexposed. Again, your camera has assumed this scene, like others, is 18% grey, and has exposed it accordingly.

To manage these situations, you will need to take over control of your camera. This means the camera will no longer be able to make its own decisions. One way to achieve this is to dial the ‘exposure compensation’ setting on your camera. A good rule of thumb to go by would be one stop forward for bright scenes and one dial back for darker scenes. An additional option is to turn your camera into manual mode. This will allow you room to play and experiment with settings as you view them in your LCD screen until you determine the exposure you are looking for.

Tobias Sterling is a keen photography enthusiast who loves to write and share his photography knowledge online. He does so by contributing his articles including Motor Sports Photography Blur and Understanding Photogrpahy Aperture to Clivir.com.

A common question for anyone shopping for a digital camera is: ‘Which digital camera should I choose?’ The sheer number alone makes the process of choosing a digital camera challenging at best. There are 100s of digital cameras currently on the market hundreds being introduced each year. Choosing the best digital camera for you really depends on what you’re looking for. Some buyers focus on the technical features, like resolution, and memory, while others focus on usability and design.

Here are some pointers for choosing the best digital camera for your camera needs:

1: Judge by the Results

One of the cheats ways to choosing the best digital camera is judge by the results. Organize a dinner party, and ask people to bring pictures from their summer holidays. At a glance, you’ll be able to decide whether the quality is there or not. This of course, wont interfere with the story swapping. Later in the evening, ask ever so casually the person who took the photos what kind of camera they used, and whether they wouldn’t mind showing you how to use their camera. The persons bound to take it as a compliment and say they’d be happy to.

2: Search on Youtube

Go to youtube.com and search for digital cameras or digital cameras best buys. You’ll have plenty of short consumer-oriented videos to choose from. You do want of course, to do a serious study of the features. For example, choose a 100% glass lens instead of a plastic lens. Compare zoom and flash modes. Ask about batteries and chargers. You can also use a camera price comparison website.

3: Think RAM and Resolution

You want maximum RAM because this determines how many pictures can be stored. And you want maximum high resolution, at least 2-3 megapixels, as this determines the quality of your pictures.

4: Buy Local

My brother-in-law attended a computer fair in China, and I asked him to buy me a digital camera because I knew that it would be advantageous price-wise. I was delighted with my new acquisition, until one day the shutter wouldn’t open. Nothing happened when I tried to pry the shutter open. And nothing happened when I changed the batteries. If you don’t speak Chinese, good luck problem-shooting.

Don’t forget to check the refund policy because its really only when you start using a technical gadget that you’re able to see if you’ve chosen well.

To learn more about how to buy the right digital camera be sure to check out our site today.

If you are into taking digital pictures, there is little question you’ve heard about Nikon CoolPix cameras. And little wonder. These small but strong digital cameras are getting popular comments.

As digital photography grows in popularity, more and more folks are out there looking for a digital camera that will suit their needs . And they have lots of decisions. In truth, some might feel they have too many choices.

Luckily, Nikon has come up with a line of cameras that may give almost any one what they are looking for. Whether you are someone that only pulls out your camera once in a while to snap a few photos at special events, or a semi-pro photography fan who never goes anywhere without your equipment, there’s a CoolPix camera that’s right for you.

However, while different models are designed to suit different wants, there are some things they all have in common.

Small, Compact Size

Gone are the times when cameras were so large they required their own carrying case. Now, cameras are so little you can easily slip them into your pocketbook and pocket. Unfortunately, with some cameras, a small size can mean sacrificing power, performance, and lots of the sophisticated features you’ve possibly gotten used to. But not with CoolPix. These fantastic cameras manage to be slim and trim without sacrificing performance.

Quick Response

Remember how, with many other cameras, you would sometimes have to wait a minute or two between pictures? Remember the great shots you missed, instances you may never be able to get back? Well the days of battling with cameras that have lethargic response times are a thing of the past. Nikon CoolPix cameras are fast. In fact, they are so quick that, with these cameras, you never have to fret about missing another get shot.

Unique Designs

When it comes to cameras, the quality of the photographs they take is the most important thing. But, well, there’s nothing wrong with having a camera that also looks fancy. And, if it matches your private style, even better.

CoolPix digital cameras are available in a number of swish and modern designs. And they’re also available in a variety of different colors. There had been a time when you didn’t have many color choices when it came to cameras. Your decisions were black, grey and, for some real excitement, a silvery, metallic finish. But, now, your color decisions are limitless. What’s your fave color? Pink? Red? Aqua? Purple? Whatever it is, you can a CoolPix digital camera in that color.

Designed to Keep True to Your Lifestyle

Understanding that different folk have varied photography wishes, Nikon made three different series of CoolPix cameras to fit those needs.

Do you want something that’s’s robust and takes great pictures, but is truly straightforward to learn how to use? Then you would like a camera from the L Series. Need something a little more advanced? Then you must probably select from the S Series. And if you’d like a sophisticated camera that is’s packed with additional features, a camera from the P Series is for you.

Do you want a electronic camera that’s’s trendy, straightforward to use, and produces high quality pictures? Then one of the Nikon CoolPix Cameras is the right choice for you.