Most people are now opting for digital cameras instead of a standard camera because of their versatility, including the capability to store photographs using a memory card instead of film.

In addition, photographs taken with a digital camera can be easily edited on a computer or right on the camera.

Sandhills Community College will be offering several courses during spring semester about digital cameras related to various abilities and interests.

In just one day of instruction, students can learn the common features found on most digital cameras, how to produce quality images and how to transfer photos to a computer.

"Getting to Know Your Digital Camera in a Day" will be offered several times during the spring semester. Classes will meet from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Students may select to attend this class on Jan. 8, Feb. 6, March 19 or April 10. The prerequisite for this class is "Computing for Beginners," and preregistration is required. The cost of the course for all is $30.

In just four sessions of instruction, students will be introduced or reintroduced to the settings on their digital cameras, how and when to change them, the intricacies of lighting and resolution, transferring images to a computer, and printing and sharing photos with family and friends.

"Getting to Know Your Digital Camera in a Day and Beyond" will be offered several times during spring semester. Classes will meet from 9 a.m. until noon. Students may select to attend this course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 12 through Jan. 26; on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 9 to Feb. 23; or Mondays and Wednesdays, April 12 through April 26.

The prerequisite for this class is "Computing for Beginners," and preregistration is required. The registration fee is $65 (waived for those 65 or older) plus a $5 tech fee payable by all. Students must bring their camera, cables and the manual to the first class.

Students can learn to create professional quality photographs using state-of-the-art SLR digital cameras.

"Shooting Pictures with Your SLR Digital Camera" will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 18, through March 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The prerequisite for this class is "Getting Acquainted with Your Digital Camera," and preregistration is required. The registration fee is $65 (waived for those 65 or older) plus a $5 tech fee payable by all.

Call (910) 695-3980 to register for classes or register in the Van Dusen Hall offices of Continuing Education at 3395 Airport Road in Pinehurst.

View the entire spring semester schedule at www.sandhills.edu.