lights, CAMERA, action

I feel like I'm "ruining up" (kid quote) Joseph's high definition video camera taking stills. The problem is that a visit to the menu is required for each change in lighting, subject distance, etc. The button I have to press to run the menus is getting tired. I feel guilty because though this camera is far superior to our other (much older) digital camera, it is intended for video and it's wearing out without many videos to show for it. I prefer still photography, though I know next to nothing about it, so I don't bother with video very often. Usually only to answer the call, "Mom! Come take a video of this!"

My old camera is something like 3.2 Megapixels and even though this isn't always the best measure of a digital camera, in this case it does stop me up a little bit. I can't blow my photos up from that camera, even to a 5 x 7 size. In fact, even my phone's camera does better than that (outdoors, anyway).

I've spent some time reading today at this website:

http://www.dpreview.com

I started to read reviews of cameras when I was told that I might want to spend some time in the glossary. Um, yeah. I have a lot to learn and can't even read reviews written by photographers because of it.

I like reading reviews and once I'm educated, I believe I'll read quite a few. I have a pre-reading pick for a new camera. It will be interesting if I stick with that one (Nikon D40). I also really like hearing from people I know, so if you have a favorite camera, or if you've been oogling a new camera, tell me about it. What sells you on that particular brand and make (price is probably a heavy factor)? Also, do you have a favorite website for buying a camera? I've heard not to get trapped by supposed discounters which give you a killer deal on the camera and then catch you on all the extras.

Finally, who do you use to process your photos? I've tried Snapfish and Clark Labs online recently. I got some 11 x 14's made up and was very happy with how they turned out.