Digital cameras 101

[Karen from Atlanta]

Every compact has its multipliers - for example, the Canon S2IS has a 6x multiplier; take the focal length number from the photo's metadata and multiply by 6 to find the equivalent number for a 35mm camera.  

But, am I right that the aperture setting doesn't have a multiplier?  So, outside of the characteristics of the camera (maybe a little +/- exposure, color emphasis), my S2IS photo at f/8, 200 mm should look like my buddy's digital SLR photo at f/8, 200 mm standing next to me?

[Mike54]

Hi Karen and welcome to the Q&A Board. You are correct that the aperture doesn't have a multiplier. Different cameras have different crop factors (multipliers if you will) based on the size of their sensor. Assuming your camera and your friends have the same crop factor and you've framed the same image   your pictures should be pretty much the same.

[Karen from Atlanta]

thanks, part of my self-imposed learning was to emulate someone else's photographs - try to take pictures like the ones I admire.

You have to make allowances (like, in Atlanta right now you will never have a clear skyline, too much haze!), and you try to get the same general lighting conditions.

Digital photography is great, past the initial investment you can take as many shots as you want.  Great for experimentation.

[Deb]

Digital photography is great, past the initial investment you can take as many shots as you want.  Great for experimentation.

That's one of the things I love about it too. You can learn about photography technique by experimenting. It's a great tool for getting an understanding of the way aperture affects depth-of-focus; using various shutterspeeds on moving objects; seeing how zooming compresses distance; etc.

Have a great time experimenting!