I do not yet own a digital camera, although I use one in my part-time job on a "push & pray" basis. I am doing my best to learn as much as I can about this new and developing technology before I spend any money of my own. First, read the owner's manual with camera in hand, and step by step, manipulate the various controls and use the various modes and functions. Then I suggest that you peruse at least these four web sites, photo.net, dpreview.com, stevesdigicams.com and luminous-landscape.com. "luminous-landscape.com" has a set of tutorials and essays that are most informative. The average salesperson who tries to sell you a digital camera doesn't know much more than you do, but he or she has to be pretty good at getting you to spend money. Take your time and do the basic reading and fiddling; all the information to which I've referred is well within the grasp of a high school graduate who will read it carefully and think about what he or she has read and done. If you already have some expertise with conventional film photography, that helps. But it's not necessary. Remember it's your money, not the store's.
