Whether you use your camera to capture vacation highlights, preserve family memories, or just take good shots, this book will help you improve your photographs. Autofocus cameras have made photography easier, but for the best possible results, you need to know how cameras work. Created for the beginner who is using a point-and-shoot camera or a 35-mm SLR camera, this extensive reference offers a wide range of information about the latest user-friendly cameras. Find out about the various autofocus and exposure modes and when it's appropriate to use them. See how aperture size and shutter speed affect the appearance of a photograph, and understand the importance of lighting. Develop a working knowledge of film, filters, and lenses. Experiment with alternative ways of taking great flash pictures and composing and photographing your favorite subjects. With this helpful guide, you'll become a master at using autofocus cameras, but more important, you'll master the art of taking better pictures.