Frequently Asked Questions

Light Meter by Lisa K. Berton

Frequently Asked Questions will be a sporadically ongoing series. I encourage all of you to send in your questions by using the Comment submission form below.

1. What is a UV filter?
A UV filter is made of clear glass that is specially coated to absorb Ultra Violet rays. Filters are threaded to fit into the threading on the front of a lens. It blocks out UV rays which cause a blue/purple tint to photos. It also protects the glass of your lens from being damaged. Every SLR lens should have one. There are some point and shoot camera that can use filters as well. The filter size and lens cap size are the same. You can always look at the inside of the lens cap to check the size. It can also appear near the base of the lens or on the front. Look for the number beside a circle with a line thru it.

2. How long do batteries last?
Lithium-ion batteries in an SLR average 500 photos per charge. Lithium-ion in point and shoots should take 300 photos. Rechargeable AA batteries will take about 200 shots and alkalines can give out in as little as 10 minutes. As for how many months or years the batteries last can depend upon how they’re treated. Lithium-ions should last a few years just like your cell phone battery. If you let it drain completely before recharing it, it’ll live longer. Rechargeable AAs can be charged up to 100 times.

3. Will my memory card be ruined by airport security scanners?
No, they won’t be affected. Remember to pack your camera in your carry-on or in its own camera bag and to keep it with you at all times. Unfortunately, airport and airline employees do steal from checked luggage.

4. Why is part of my photo cropped out of the print? I can see the entire image on my camera’s LCD and my computer monitor.
Point and shoot camera sensors are smaller and proportioned differently than 35mm negatives. When you print 4×6’s, the top and bottom of a horizontal shot and the left and right sides of a vertical shot are automatically cropped out. In order to get the entire image you’ll need to print 4.5×6.

5. Why does it take so long inbetween photos?
Digital cameras have computer parts, including processors. These processors have to send the information to the memory card where the information is recorded, ie: your photo. They have gotten faster over the years. If you are using the flash, that needs to recharge as well. The LCD screen may go out for a brief moment while this is going on, too. Digital cameras require more power than traditional film cameras.

My personal comment is that I find it rather funny and interesting that people constantly complain about their cameras taking too long between shots when 35mm point and shoots take 8 seconds for the battery to recharge and I don’t recall nearly as much frustration from folks. Digital point and shoots take less time to recycle battery power and record the image. If you want zero lag time then you’ll need to purchase an SLR (Single Lens Reflex).

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One Reply to “Frequently Asked Questions”

  1. I am responding to the inquiry about lag time. I was frustrated when taking pictures with my digital point & shoot while photographing the parades & fireworks. So I bought an SLR. The only gripe with it is the cumbersome size. Now I have to carry around a bigger camera + backpack style bag instead of a little camera around my neck. If I get better photos, than it’s worth it. I gave my point & shoot to my niece, who by the way, knows it better than I ever did & she is 10. I bought the SLR for an upcoming Hawaii trip and just booked a mini solo WDW trip for early December. Cannot wait for both. Any tips?

    Lisa responds: My #1 tip is to keep your SLR safe from sand as best you can. Don’t change lenses on the beach, go indoors. Have a fantastic vacation.