What sort of camera should I use?

It depends on what you want to do with your images. If you simply want to take snapshots for your family album, an inexpensive point & shoot digital camera will work fine.

If you want to sell your images to stock photo agencies, for publication, or as fine art, you should buy the best digital camera you can possibly afford.

How many megapixels do I need?

Again, it depends on the usage. If you want to sell your images, you'll need a digital camera capable of producing large, high-quality files of at least 300 dots per inch - DPI. In which case you need a camera capable of at least 6 megapixels, preferably more.

What is the best lens for travel photography?

A good, all-around lens would be a zoom lens in the range of 18-200mm. These can be expensive, but the versatility they offer more than make up for the cost. You can buy a good, 18-200mm Sigma lens for about $450.

My pictures are fuzzy. What's wrong?

There are two reasons:

1. If the entire image is fuzzy, camera shake caused by using a shutter speed that's too slow is the problem. To rectify this, either increase the ISO to a point where you can shoot at a speed fast enough to eliminate the shakes, or use a tripod.

2. If just a section of the images is fuzzy, you have a  focus problem. Try using auto focus instead of manual focus.

How can I resize my images?

You must use image editing software such as Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. Check out Blair's article on the subject.

Do I Really Need to Use a Tripod?

Of course not, you can continue shooting mediocre images without one. Using a tripod whenever possible is just one way to improve your photography - OVERNIGHT!