The camera isn't nearly as important as your technique with today's camera. There are so many really great cameras that are unbelievably cheap. More money does not automatically translate into great pictures nearly so much as knowing exactly how to get the very most out of whatever camera you choose to buy. Any of the $300-$400 cameras have to potential to get you fantastic shots. The camera I use was "top of the line" three years ago when I bought it, but probably no better than the current $300 cameras available today. I use an Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom.

Learn how to operate the camera and how to set the white balance. The best photographs you see on line are mostly taken by people who have spent many hours playing with their cameras perfecting that art. The next most important thing is knowing what picture to bother taking. A shot of the animal all stretched out is going to make for a generally unattractive shot. The more compact the snakes position, the better potential for an attractive picture. The angle at which the picture is taken is important too. Look at people's photos and note what angle the best ones are taken at. That will help you. Next, I think the photo software you use is the next most important factor. I personally use Photoshop CS2. This is expensive software that can correct just about any mistake I or my camera make. Takes a while to learn how to operate it but it's great stuff. For instance I have taken shots that are way way too dark, opened them in "RAW" format in CS2 and brightened them up so you would never know the exposure was way off. I learned about taking photos in "RAW" format after talking with Ryan of "topnotchboas.com" fame by the way. Ryan is an accomplished photographer who, though he uses "top notch" equipment, would I'm sure would agree with most of what I post here for you. "Raw" images and a program that will work with them, is a beautiful thing if you can upgrade to that.

Finally, I would pay more attention to the quality of the lens that the megapixel count. Go to a really good camera shop and talk to the salesman that really knows what he is talking about. This rules out Best Buy by the way where the kid who helps you most likely knows very little about up close and personal photography. Get the advise of the expert at that fancy camera shop and buy your camera there. I did all three times that I have purchased a digital camera. I paid a higher price than buying it on line, but the salesman who helped me a great deal earned it. I have done that three times now each time paying the higher price for the expertise, and later assistance as needed vs. buying it from Amazon.com and saving 10%.

Just my 2 cents worth of advice that you can have for nothing, ... and worth every penny too I might add.


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