The scenario: You just bought a cool digital camera, or received it as a gift. You’ve used it in the “auto” mode (because the instructions and controls are way complex) and have gotten less-than-stellar results. Did the ads lie? Is the printing machine at CVS screwed up? Did you screw up? Well, possibly yes to all these questions.

The purpose of this article is to come to the aid of the first-time camera buyer who has no time (or desire) to learn how to take full advantage of this wondrous technological marvel, the digital camera. You just want to use it to document stuff– weddings, the dent in your car, that cool sunset.

Why did you think this new digital point-and-shoot would take all the guesswork out of taking pictures? Let’s look for a moment at this article courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com:

Look Ma, No Film! How Digital Cameras Work

Have you ever gone to pick up your photos and discovered that the ones from Christmas morning didn’t turn out? With a digital camera, you can see the results instantly and e-mail holiday pictures to your friends and family.

Marvelous. The digital camera is a magical device that flawlessly automates the picture-taking chore. Or does it? What happens when your new digital results are less than stellar?

In the “auto” mode, your camera may produce good results under certain lighting conditions. But take it out of its element, and it may demand instructions from you. For example, some cameras allow you to snap the picture under any lighting condition, which can produce terrible results. Some cameras prohibit you from snapping the picture if there’s not enough light, which can produce terrible frustration. Some cameras flash all the time in low-light conditions, washing put all the faces. This article will cover the basic things you need to know in order to start using your digital camera effectively. It will also provide a great starting point for you begin exploring its myriad features (if you choose to).