Just like with normal photography, lighting plays an important role in digital photography. If your subject is too dark for your regular camera, it may be too dark for the digital one also. And unlike regular cameras, most digital cameras do not allow you to change shutter speeds directly. Digital cameras will usually select shutter speed automatically - be aware when your camera select a speed that is too slow to hold by hand and use a tripod. Digital cameras can also compensate for low lighting conditions by increasing the gain on internal electronics (it is like using a faster ASA film). But the increased gain will lead to an increase in noise and poorer color performance.

Many digital cameras have advanced auto-focus features to help you capture the best possible photo with the least difficulty. But sometimes the lighting or other conditions make it difficult for your camera to focus effectively. Here are some ways to make sure that the subjects of your pictures are as clear as possible:

Focus between the people
This often happens when you take a picture of two people. The camera will focus on a piece of background that is at the center of the picture between the two people. Try to focus on one person first and then frame the shot.

Low contrast, strong backlight, or bright reflections
If any of these conditions exist, focus on another subject that is about the same distance from you and lock the focus on that subject. Then return to your subject to take the picture. (See your camera's user manual for how to lock the focus.)

Multiple distances
If the subjects of your photo are at different distances from you, focus on the most important subject. If you focus on a subject in between your primary subjects, chances are that both subjects will be out of focus.

Too dark for the auto-focus to work
Some auto-focus systems do not work in low lighting conditions. When they cannot get focus lock, they stop the camera from shooting.

Digital cameras are very complex optical and electronic systems and everything is miniaturized. They need to be treated carefully. Avoid using your camera in wet or dusty conditions - you should be very careful on the beach for example. If your camera does get wet, absorb excess moisture with tissue paper and then dry the camera out carefully in a warm dry place before turning it on again. Although the lenses are small they can get dirty and they can be cleaned using special brushes and cloths available at photo stores.