Digital portrait photography is a very popular choice for many budding photographers.
Taking photographs of your children, family, pets and even co-workers can be a very enjoyable pastime, yet capturing imaginative and/or stunning portraits can be extremely challenging.

Image by Ilya Khoteev

Whether you are a beginner or advanced photographer, below are a number of tips to help improve your digital portrait photography.

1. Arranging groups. People in groups work better when they are naturally involved with each other, rather than assembled solely for the photograph. When posing groups of people, remember that odd numbers work better than even ones, which tend to create difficult symmetrical compositions.

2. No Posing Please. Most of us like to get our subjects to pose and smile, “say cheese” is a favorite saying. But quite often these pictures can look somewhat unnatural, and can hide rather than reveal their personality when the picture is staged. Try photographing your subject whilst they are doing something they enjoy, and you will find that the picture will look more pleasing and natural. This works especially well with children.

Image by Yogendra

3. Change your Perspective. Most photographers take portraits of their subjects at around eye level. However changing the perspective will give your picture a totally different look. Try getting as close to the ground as you can and shoot up, or get up high and take the photo looking down. This will create much more dramatic and interesting photographs.

Image by Jesse Millan

4. Eye contact. Portraits tend to be taken with the subject looking directly at the camera. This is fine but isn’t always the most interesting way to take a picture of someone. Ask your subject to look either to the right or left as though they were looking outside of the frame. This often creates a feeling of candidness and also creates a little intrigue and interest, as the person viewing the picture wonders what the subject is looking at.

5. Fill in Flash. If you are taking a portrait photograph outside, switch on the camera flash. This will fill in any dark areas on your subjects face. Also never take a photo under direct sunlight as the picture will look very harsh, and also your subject will be squinting in the strong light. Try taking the photograph under a tree as this softens the light and makes the picture look more natural.

I hope you have found these digital portrait photography tips useful.

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2. 3 Great Kids Digital Cameras for Christmas
3. Compact Digital Camera Reviews

The Canon Powershot S90 is aimed at the photo enthusiast who is looking for more control over their photography, yet still require a lightweight compact camera. It has also been designed for a DSLR owner looking for a backup or second camera that is pocketable.

What I really like about the Powershot S90 is that it comes with an exceptionally bright f/2.0 lens, which lets in twice as much light as an f2.8 lens making it ideal for lowlight photography.

The Canon S90 also has a 10-megapixel sensor coupled with Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor, and a Dual Anti-Noise System. Pardon, in non techie terms this means that this camera produces spectacular images, with less noise than many other compact digital cameras. Also blur and camera shake are reduced using Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology.

The Powershot S90 also gives you full control over your images and has nine modes including program, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual and a single custom mode, plus separate smart auto, low light, scene and video modes.

This camera is a little powerhouse and has many features to keep you coming back for more. Take a look below.

• Wide-angle 3.8x optical zoom (equivalent to 28-105mm)
• Large 3.0-inch PureColor System LCD
• Improved low-light image performance, plus a Low Light scene mode for ISO settings up to 12,800
• Customizable control ring for easy access and operation of manual or other creative shooting settings
• RAW + JPEG shooting and recording modes; capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards
• 18 Pre-programmed creative scene modes for specific shooting situations
• 0.9fps burst capture of Large/Fine images
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and Face Detect Self-timer mode
• Evaluative, Center-weighted or Spot metering options (fixed to the center or linked to the AF frame)
• Auto pop-up flash unit, is hidden inside the body when not in use.
• SDHC/SD/MMC/MMC Plus compatibility

If you are looking to buy a pocket-sized camera for everyday use with more advanced settings. Or a longtime professional photographer who is tired of carrying around anywhere from four to ten pounds of photographic equipment, simply to get a few shots while out on a trip then I think the Canon Powershot S90 could include everything you need.

If you are wanting to buy the Powershot S90  I have found that Amazon are the cheapest online, what’s more they offer  free shipping, take a look.

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People today want thinner and slimmer gadgets, for example mobile phones, LCD TVs, computer monitors, to name but a few – and digital cameras are no exception.

These cameras are mainly designed for entry level users who just want to point and shoot, and are not really interested in Depth of field, shutter speeds or aperture values. However there are some ultra thin cameras in the shops that have more features for the creative snapper.

Sleek and slim digital cameras are great for adults, and teens alike.

A number of compact digital cameras have recently hit the market, and choosing a light, thin digital camera is pointless if all you end up with is poor quality photos. So which one should you choose?

Below we have picked the top 3 most popular slim digital cameras out there, saving you time and frustration of trying to find the best camera for yourself.

1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is a 12MP camera and the first digital camera to be waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and also feature AVCHD Lite High Definition (HD 720dpi)  video recording capabilities. This camera comes in first place as it is packed with a host of features that you will love, yet is very easy to use.
Below are just some of the Lumxi DMC TS1 features:
* Waterproof to a depth of 10 feet, shockproof from falls up to 5 feet, and dustproof
* 4.6x MEGA image-stabilized optical zoom
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
* Records AVCHD Lite HD video
* Face Detection which automatically detects a face in a frame
Normally taking a camera or camcorder to the beach is a definite no no, however some of the best family photo opportunities can be taken here. I have on a few occasions damaged my camera as the sand has managed to enter the lens. Costing me a small fortune.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 camera changes all that, and is great to take in the water, on the beach and even snorkeling.
Panasonic have also listened to consumers and added a 28mm lens rather than a 35mm lens, great for landscapes or just to get more of what you love in the picture.
This camera is not the smallest in our group test but still very compact and comfortable to use.
The camera does have some drawbacks for example the power button can be a bit frustrating to press, and the batteries drained quite fast. But overaul the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is the best in its class.
For more information click here.

2. The Samsung DualView TL225 is a 12.2 Megapixel Dual LCD Digital Camera with a 1.5 inch front touch LCD screen, and a 3.5 inch high resolution touch screen on the back. If you don’t like touch screens then this camera is possibly not for you, but I love the idea of touching these screens to bring up all manner of menus and images.
Up front is a 27mm-equivalent wide-angle lens, with a 4.6x zoom which makes it great for portrait and landscape photography. The Samsung DualView TL225 has very few buttons, only the shutter release, power, play back button and a rocker switch for the zoom. The rest is all finger touch, with one of the best interfaces that I have seen. If you don’t like a lot of menu options then this camera may not suit you. To use the front screen simple point the lens at your face, touch the screen (your image will be shown) and the camera will focus on your face and take the picture. Gimmicky or not you will find this irresistible to use.
The camera uses a micro SD card for storage which can be a bit fiddly to get in and out, but Samsung apparently use this memory card to keep the camera as small as possible.

Features:
* 13 modes to choose from, including a Child mode that starts an animation playing on the front screen in an attempt to get their attention.
* Haptic vibration response, as used on mobile phones
* 14 different preset modes
* Wide-angle Schneider lens with 4.6X optical zoom

The bad: Adapter needed for HDMI output; micro SD card is required; touch-screen interface not for everyone; battery charges in camera; whole screen not used for framing shots at full resolution.
Summary: Excellent image quality, which uses a unique front-facing LCD for self-portraits, and a big, high-resolution touch-screen making the Samsung TL225 one of the best touch screen slim digital cameras on the market.
For more information click here.

3. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 is a very compact and slim 10 megapixel camera, which features both Sonys 2.4G lens and their back illuminated “Exmor R”cmos sensor. With the two combined this lets in twice as much light as a typical compact camera lens, allowing you to take better pictures in low light conditions without a flash. This digital camera also boasts a fast image processor which lets the photographer take 10fps (frames per second), which is fantastic for capturing sport or action shots.

Sony have managed to cram a lot of technology into this tiny camera and although this camera delivers fast performance and takes some very good photos, those expecting extraordinary results equal to its features will likely be let down.
Saying that this compact camera is worthy of 3 rd place, just take a look at some of its features:
* Anti Blur motion – Capture cleaner and sharper images, even when your subject is moving
* HD Movie Mode (720p)
* Sweep Panorama mode – Seamlessly stitches many photos together, and it works very well although a little slow
* Smile shutter technology – automatically takes a photo when someone smiles
* 24mm wide-angle f/2.4 bright G lens for ultra sharp pictures, brilliant for landscapes or just when you want to cram more of the image in
* 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus display
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 is a fun camera to use but I found some of the photos of mixed quality.
Overall this camera is well designed, worked very well in low-light and was quick.
For more information click here.

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2. 3 Great Kids Digital Cameras for Christmas

Kids digital cameras are available in a variety of vivid and more subdued colors depending on the child’s age. Manufactures are allowing kids as young as three, to enter the world of the digital age with their fantastic offerings.

If it is your childs first camera, realize that durability is really important as they will carry it around everywhere, and the camera is going to be dropped on hard and soft flooring. But don’t worry as most kids digital cameras are designed to be hard wearing and are often waterproof.

Kids digital cameras are available at various prices, which are targeted at different age groups. As your child grows they can start to transition from a kids camera to more sophisticated model.

Okay so where do you start, which digital camera is best for your child?
To be honest there aren’t that many good digital cameras for kids, many of them on the market are very poor quality so watch out! Below are the top 3 kids digital cameras which will go down a treat with your kids this Christmas.

1. Vtech Kidizoom Plus digital camera 
(for ages 3 – 7) is very rugged and easy to use, with grips on the sides and large buttons which are great for kiddies little fingers and hands. The Vtech Kidizoom Plus camera has a 1.8 inch color screen, and a two eye viewer for taking photos.
What is really great about this camera is that not only can kids take photos, but also shoot video footage and the camera includes five challenging and fun games. The camera has a built in flash, which makes it easier for your child to take well lite pictures. The Vtech Kidizoom Plus image resolution is only 0.3 megapixels, which means the picture quality is not the best. But this camera is aimed at mini photographers between the age of 3 and 7, and for them its more than enough for exercising their creative urges, and documenting the wonders of everyday life. The camera has 256MB of built-in memory allowing for around 500+ photos or ten+ minutes of video.
One great feature that your child will enjoy is that they can connect the camera directly to the TV, using the included A/V cable which will enable them to view their movies and photos on the big screen.
As you can see from the picture above, the camera comes in blue and pink.
This kids digital compact cameras is highly recommend, click here for more information.

2. The Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera (for ages 3-7 y),  has been one of the best selling kids digital cameras for sometime. It’s tough, waterproof, has big rubberized grips and large buttons perfect for little hands. When I say waterproof,  I mean that it can be be dropped in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes, and still come out ready to snap away.
This camera will survive drops, falls, throws, and every other sort of kid damage.
When taking pictures kids can either use the live view on the 1.5-inch color LCD preview screen, or look through the two-eye viewer.
The Fisher-Price Kid-Tough Digital camera has a built in 64 MB memory chip, which will store up to 500 pictures. If your child wants to take more photos then a SD card can be inserted.
Two image resolution settings, 0.3 and 1.3 interpolated mega pixels let the kids take plenty of pictures, and make 4 x 6-inch prints. Like the Vtech Kidizoom Plus camera the image quality is not the best, but as I mentioned earlier this camera is aimed at mini photographers between the age of 3 and 7, and for them it’s more than enough. The Fisher Price Kids Tough Digital camera comes in Blue and Pink.
Unfortunately the kids cannot view their photos on the TV like the Vtech Kidizoom Plus camera, but the kids can still easily transfer the photos to a computer via the supplied USB cable. Another downfall is that this camera eats the batteries, so rechargeable are advised.
It’s a great camera but I do prefer the Vtech Kidizoom Plus camera, as it has better features than the Fisher Price camera.
For more information click here.

3. Nikon Coolpix L19 8MB digital camera can be used by children 8 years old and over, and is one of the best selling 8MB cameras on the market. Nikon have always been renowned for quality, and the Coolpix L19 is no different. This is the camera that my daughter uses, and even though she is only 7, takes some great photos with it. However,  I would really only recommend children 8 years old and over using this camera,  if they have never used one before. This camera is light, very easy to use and the quality of the pictures are excellent.

The Nikon Coolpix L19 has some great features including motion detection, which automatically detects subject movement and adjusts the shutter speed and ISO to compensate for camera shake, and minimize image blur. The Nikon Coolpix L19 will also automatically fix red eye, has a built in flash, will detect faces then fire the shutter when your subject smiles,  it will even warn you if they blink. The camera has a bright 2.7 inch led screen at the back. If the budding photographer wants to be more creative, then the Coolpix L19 has many other exposure modes including Landscape, Portrait mode, and Close-up to name a few.  At the moment my daughter just leaves it on the auto mode, which means all she has to think about are which pictures she wants to take.
Below are more features of the Nikon Coolpix L19:

* 8.0-megapixel resolution for photo-quality prints up to 16 x 20 inches
* 3.6x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens
* 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD screen
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

The Nikon Coolpix L19 is the next step up from the cameras above, and will take kids images to another level. Whether your child is 8 or 12 years old, they will love messing about with this camera.
For more information click here.

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There are a plethora of compact digital cameras on the market to choose from. Picking the right one for the job can be a daunting task, after all there are some great compact digital camera reviews out there, but beware as some cameras sacrifice features for size.
Compact digital cameras are slimmer and trimmer than their Digital SLR counterparts, but still come packed with features such as large touch screen displays and video recording to mention a few.
Depending on what type of pictures you want to take, and what features you’ll most likely use, will have a big influence on which compact digital camera is best for you.
Do you want to take mainly landscapes, portraits, flash or macro photography? Are you after a camera that is rugged, hard wearing and a little heavier, or something slim, light that looks good?
Are you after a camera that is versatile and one button does everything?

Many people think that the more megapixels a camera has, the better the camera or picture will be, but here on Compact Digital Camera Reviews we know that this is not necessarily true. A 10 megapixel camera may produce sharper, crisper and brighter pictures than a 12 megapixel digital compact camera.
The great thing about compact digital cameras is they are very discreet, sleek and easily fit in to your pocket or purse.
If you are looking for superb picture quality, ease of use and performance, then you can be sure that there will be a compact digital camera out there for you.

So where do you start?
That’s our job here on the Compact Digital Camera Reviews website. Whether you are after the smallest, slimmest, or most popular compact digital camera, we are here to help you make the right choice.
We will do the research so that you don’t have to.

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