Getting started with a new camera

It is usually very easy to take your first photo with a digital camera, but there are some things to beware of:

• Does the camera have a rechargeable battery? If so you will need to charge it before you can use the camera. It is best to leave it on charge overnight the first time, even if the indicator goes out or changes colour.
• Does the memory card need formatting? You did remember to buy a bigger card, didn't you? Most cameras do not require you to format their cards, but some do.

Switch the camera on, point it and press the shutter release. It's that simple, because the default settings for every camera that I've ever used make it so.

The automatic settings are designed to take a reasonable photograph of a static subject in daylight. We will discuss how to broaden the scope of your photography in a later blog, but for now go off and fill the card.