Types Of Digital Cameras
When it comes time to choose a new digital camera, there is quite a range of types to choose from. You are often trading off size versus features. Pocket sized cameras usually don't have as many features as larger cameras, but they are much more convenient. The best news is that despite their great differences, most cameras will capture very high-quality images, especially when used to create snapshot-sized prints.
With kiosks everywhere, it's easy to shoot and then just print the images you want.
Point and shoot cameras usually have fewer controls than other digital cameras but many are also small, bordering on tiny. With a camera that fits into your pocket, you're more likely to have it when you need it.
Camera phone quality is improving rapidly with 8 Megapixel models already available in some parts of the world. In time these cameras may present real competition to point and shoot cameras.
The fastest selling point and shoot digital cameras are those built into camera phones. The problem with these cameras is that their image quality is improving very slowly and doesn't yet match that of dedicated cameras.
One-time-use cameras take surprisingly good pictures and some even have a monitor on which you can review your results.
Digital photography has already matured to the point where there are onetime use point and shoot versions.
Fixed lens cameras often have great zoom lenses and capture large images
High-end fixed lens cameras usually have a zoom lens and many of the exposure and focus controls found on SLR cameras.
DIRTY SECRETRemoving the lens from an SLR lets dust enter the camera and settle on the sensor. This dust creates dark spots in your images. You can remove the dust yourself but it's risky
One of the most popular camera types among professionals and serious amateurs is the single-lens reflex, better known as a digital SLR. These cameras are expensive but have certain advantages over other camera types:
You can change lenses.
You see the scene through the lens so what you see is what you get. (Fixed lens cameras with electronic viewfinders differ from SLRs in that they don't use a movable mirror to bounce light into the viewfinder).
You can select from a large variety of accessories, including powerful flash units.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Digital Cameras: Getting the Perfect Picture
Falling prices, higher-quality cameras, and educators' increased comfort with technology have ignited a digital photography revolution in schools. Here, the latest tools for joining the ranks of the clickerati.
Unlike their pre-digital parents and teachers, today's kids have known for quite some time that 35-millimeter film is definitely "old school." It's easy to see why they find digital cameras appealing: no more dropping off rolls of film at the local photo shop, fewer wasted shots, and perhaps most important, instant feedback-snap a picture and view the image almost immediately.
In my classroom, students use digital cameras in a variety of ways. One exercise we do is take photographs of objects such as leaves, trees, and birds, then upload the images to a computer where kids label the parts using graphics software. Digital cameras make it particularly easy to chart these objects as they change over time.
Nikon Coolpix 775
For example, my students document plant growth by taking a series of photographs once a week for four weeks; then, after uploading the images to the computer and comparing them, they generate a growth chart. In a recent architecture project, students took advantage of the cameras' digital capabilities to superimpose photos of themselves standing next to famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the pyramids at Giza. Needless to say, kids loved this new twist on virtual field trips.
According to Daniel Grotta, president of Digital Benchmarks, an independent digital camera testing firm, educators can expect the recent trend of falling camera prices accompanied by higher image quality (also known as resolution) to continue. Currently, prices range from $200 for "good enough" resolution to about $600 for megapixel models that include more advanced features such as manual focus and interchangeable lenses. "How good is 'good enough' depends on the user's purpose, budget, and level of sophistication," says Grotta. With those caveats in mind, read on for a collection of resources to help you determine which camera matches your classroom needs and budget.
Camera Considerations
Several factors will influence your decision as to what type of camera is best suited for your classroom or school setting. Here are some key questions to ask before you buy.
In which medium will the photographs be displayed? If the majority of your images are going to be viewed on a computer screen (on the Web or in a PowerPoint presentation, for example), a low-resolution (640 pixels x 480 pixels) camera is fine. For desktop publishing enterprises such as the school newspaper or yearbook, however, you'll want a higher-resolution (3-4 megapixels) model.
Where will the camera spend the most time? Make sure your camera has features that support your specific photography goals. For shooting fast-paced action on the playing field, for example, several digital cameras offer high-speed capture-the ability to take several images in rapid succession. If you plan to snap photos of school plays, other factors such as manual aperture control to compensate for low lighting will be important. If you take a lot of field trips, battery life is an issue to consider-keep in mind that the newer NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries last longer than alkaline batteries.
What are the image storage capabilities of the camera? The latest digital cameras store images to an inserted Memory Stick, SmartMedia, or CompactFlash card and easily connect via USB cable to computers for downloading images directly to the hard drive. If you don't have USB-enabled computers at your school, you can purchase card readers that will allow you to insert the memory card into a floppy disk drive.
Several teachers I talked to prefer the Sony Mavica line because users can save images directly to a floppy disk. This is particularly convenient in schools, where one student can save his or her photos on a disk, pass the camera to another student, and then get to work right away manipulating images on the computer. What's more, some of the latest Mavicas offer the additional option to save images to CD-Rs (CD-recordable), which are inexpensive and can hold many more images (up to 650MB of data) than any other storage medium that's currently available.
Should the camera have optical zoom, digital zoom, or both? Optical zoom is a true indicator of how much you will be able to use the camera's lens to zoom in on a subject. Digital zoom uses software interpolation to achieve a close-up image and is generally inferior in quality to optical zoom capabilities. Most digital cameras offer 3X optical zoom. Several models offer up to 10X optical zoom, allowing close-up images to be taken from very far away.
10 Digital Cameras
The following is a sampling of offerings from some of the digital camera industry's major players. For detailed product information, check out the Web resources cited on the next page.
Entry-Level
Canon's Powershot A20 is a 2.1-megapixel digital camera that offers 3X optical zoom, 8MB CompactFlash memory, and a 1.7-second shooting interval (up to 2.5 frames per second in continuous mode). For printing photographs on the fly, this model works well with Canon's new Card Photo Printer CP-10, which can connect directly to the camera via a USB cable. $283.
Kodak EasyShare DX3600
Kodak's new EasyShare DX3600 features 2.2-megapixel resolution, 2X optical zoom, 3X digital zoom, 8MB internal memory, USB interface, and the ability to capture up to 30 seconds of video with audio. Similar to the DX3600, the DX3700 model offers 3.1-megapixel resolution and 3X optical zoom. Both cameras cost about $300 each.
The Olympus D-370 is a 1.2-megapixel camera that includes USB interface, 2MB internal memory (accepts optional SmartMedia memory), and a QuickTime movie mode. The D-370 also comes with Camedia Master software for "stitching" up to 10 frames into a panoramic image. $199.95.
Sony Mavica MVC-FD75
Sony's Mavica MVC-FD75 is the most affordable Mavica available, featuring 350,000-pixel resolution, 10X optical zoom with auto focus, and high-speed image capture. Users can save snapshots to a floppy disk, a useful feature for schools with older hardware. $349.95.
Intermediate
The Canon Powershot S110 is a compact, 2.1-megapixel camera that features 2X optical zoom, 2.5X digital zoom, 8MB CompactFlash memory, high-speed image capture, and the ability to shoot 20-frame-per-second movie clips with sound. $429.25.
Casio QV-2900UX
The Casio QV-2900UX 2.1-megapixel model offers 8X optical zoom, 2X/4X digital zoom, CompactFlash memory, USB interface, plus a "best shot" mode that provides automatic exposure settings for different situations such as blue sky or night. $399.
The compact 2.14-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 775 camera with 3X optical zoom features seven "scene modes" that automatically set focus, exposure, and color balance for different lighting environments. Also included: ArcSoft Panorama Maker software, USB interface, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery. $399.95.
Sony's 1.3-megapixel Mavica MVC-FD87 has 3X optical zoom, 6X digital zoom, and supports several optional accessories usually available on more expensive models, including interchangeable lenses. Users have the convenience of saving images to a floppy disk or to Memory Stick media (optional adapter required). $499.95.
Advanced
The 4-megapixel Olympus Camedia E-10 is a good choice for serious teacher and student photographers looking for high image quality and a wide range of capabilities, such as spot metering, manual focus, wide focusing range, and the ability to use either CompactFlash or SmartMedia cards. $1,019.99.
With its ability to save up to 1,000 still images and 90 minutes of MPEG video to CD-R or CD-RW disks, the 3.2-megapixel USB-compatible Sony Mavica MVC-CD300 is great for situations where many images need to be archived and accessed over time. $999.95.
Unlike their pre-digital parents and teachers, today's kids have known for quite some time that 35-millimeter film is definitely "old school." It's easy to see why they find digital cameras appealing: no more dropping off rolls of film at the local photo shop, fewer wasted shots, and perhaps most important, instant feedback-snap a picture and view the image almost immediately.
In my classroom, students use digital cameras in a variety of ways. One exercise we do is take photographs of objects such as leaves, trees, and birds, then upload the images to a computer where kids label the parts using graphics software. Digital cameras make it particularly easy to chart these objects as they change over time.
Nikon Coolpix 775
For example, my students document plant growth by taking a series of photographs once a week for four weeks; then, after uploading the images to the computer and comparing them, they generate a growth chart. In a recent architecture project, students took advantage of the cameras' digital capabilities to superimpose photos of themselves standing next to famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the pyramids at Giza. Needless to say, kids loved this new twist on virtual field trips.
According to Daniel Grotta, president of Digital Benchmarks, an independent digital camera testing firm, educators can expect the recent trend of falling camera prices accompanied by higher image quality (also known as resolution) to continue. Currently, prices range from $200 for "good enough" resolution to about $600 for megapixel models that include more advanced features such as manual focus and interchangeable lenses. "How good is 'good enough' depends on the user's purpose, budget, and level of sophistication," says Grotta. With those caveats in mind, read on for a collection of resources to help you determine which camera matches your classroom needs and budget.
Camera Considerations
Several factors will influence your decision as to what type of camera is best suited for your classroom or school setting. Here are some key questions to ask before you buy.
In which medium will the photographs be displayed? If the majority of your images are going to be viewed on a computer screen (on the Web or in a PowerPoint presentation, for example), a low-resolution (640 pixels x 480 pixels) camera is fine. For desktop publishing enterprises such as the school newspaper or yearbook, however, you'll want a higher-resolution (3-4 megapixels) model.
Where will the camera spend the most time? Make sure your camera has features that support your specific photography goals. For shooting fast-paced action on the playing field, for example, several digital cameras offer high-speed capture-the ability to take several images in rapid succession. If you plan to snap photos of school plays, other factors such as manual aperture control to compensate for low lighting will be important. If you take a lot of field trips, battery life is an issue to consider-keep in mind that the newer NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries last longer than alkaline batteries.
What are the image storage capabilities of the camera? The latest digital cameras store images to an inserted Memory Stick, SmartMedia, or CompactFlash card and easily connect via USB cable to computers for downloading images directly to the hard drive. If you don't have USB-enabled computers at your school, you can purchase card readers that will allow you to insert the memory card into a floppy disk drive.
Several teachers I talked to prefer the Sony Mavica line because users can save images directly to a floppy disk. This is particularly convenient in schools, where one student can save his or her photos on a disk, pass the camera to another student, and then get to work right away manipulating images on the computer. What's more, some of the latest Mavicas offer the additional option to save images to CD-Rs (CD-recordable), which are inexpensive and can hold many more images (up to 650MB of data) than any other storage medium that's currently available.
Should the camera have optical zoom, digital zoom, or both? Optical zoom is a true indicator of how much you will be able to use the camera's lens to zoom in on a subject. Digital zoom uses software interpolation to achieve a close-up image and is generally inferior in quality to optical zoom capabilities. Most digital cameras offer 3X optical zoom. Several models offer up to 10X optical zoom, allowing close-up images to be taken from very far away.
10 Digital Cameras
The following is a sampling of offerings from some of the digital camera industry's major players. For detailed product information, check out the Web resources cited on the next page.
Entry-Level
Canon's Powershot A20 is a 2.1-megapixel digital camera that offers 3X optical zoom, 8MB CompactFlash memory, and a 1.7-second shooting interval (up to 2.5 frames per second in continuous mode). For printing photographs on the fly, this model works well with Canon's new Card Photo Printer CP-10, which can connect directly to the camera via a USB cable. $283.
Kodak EasyShare DX3600
Kodak's new EasyShare DX3600 features 2.2-megapixel resolution, 2X optical zoom, 3X digital zoom, 8MB internal memory, USB interface, and the ability to capture up to 30 seconds of video with audio. Similar to the DX3600, the DX3700 model offers 3.1-megapixel resolution and 3X optical zoom. Both cameras cost about $300 each.
The Olympus D-370 is a 1.2-megapixel camera that includes USB interface, 2MB internal memory (accepts optional SmartMedia memory), and a QuickTime movie mode. The D-370 also comes with Camedia Master software for "stitching" up to 10 frames into a panoramic image. $199.95.
Sony Mavica MVC-FD75
Sony's Mavica MVC-FD75 is the most affordable Mavica available, featuring 350,000-pixel resolution, 10X optical zoom with auto focus, and high-speed image capture. Users can save snapshots to a floppy disk, a useful feature for schools with older hardware. $349.95.
Intermediate
The Canon Powershot S110 is a compact, 2.1-megapixel camera that features 2X optical zoom, 2.5X digital zoom, 8MB CompactFlash memory, high-speed image capture, and the ability to shoot 20-frame-per-second movie clips with sound. $429.25.
Casio QV-2900UX
The Casio QV-2900UX 2.1-megapixel model offers 8X optical zoom, 2X/4X digital zoom, CompactFlash memory, USB interface, plus a "best shot" mode that provides automatic exposure settings for different situations such as blue sky or night. $399.
The compact 2.14-megapixel Nikon Coolpix 775 camera with 3X optical zoom features seven "scene modes" that automatically set focus, exposure, and color balance for different lighting environments. Also included: ArcSoft Panorama Maker software, USB interface, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery. $399.95.
Sony's 1.3-megapixel Mavica MVC-FD87 has 3X optical zoom, 6X digital zoom, and supports several optional accessories usually available on more expensive models, including interchangeable lenses. Users have the convenience of saving images to a floppy disk or to Memory Stick media (optional adapter required). $499.95.
Advanced
The 4-megapixel Olympus Camedia E-10 is a good choice for serious teacher and student photographers looking for high image quality and a wide range of capabilities, such as spot metering, manual focus, wide focusing range, and the ability to use either CompactFlash or SmartMedia cards. $1,019.99.
With its ability to save up to 1,000 still images and 90 minutes of MPEG video to CD-R or CD-RW disks, the 3.2-megapixel USB-compatible Sony Mavica MVC-CD300 is great for situations where many images need to be archived and accessed over time. $999.95.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
good things to know about digital camera
When you first start taking photos, it sometimes seems that there is too much to learn all at once. Here are some things you may want to know right off.
The first time you use the camera, or if the batteries have been removed or dead for an extended period, you should enter the date and time. The date and time will help you organize, locate, and identify your images later.
Always check camera settings on the control panel and in the viewfinder. Notice how many pictures you can take at the current settings and the status of the battery charge. Also, learn what the icons mean because it's not at all unusual to change a setting, then forget you have done so.
If an image is being stored when you turn the camera off, the image will be completely stored before the camera powers down.
Most shutter buttons have two stages. When you press it halfway down, the camera sets focus and exposure. When you press it all the way down, you take the picture. To capture action shots, hold the button halfway down while focused on the scene. When you then press the button the rest of the way, the camera shoots immediately because focus and exposure have already been calculated. On some cameras you can also press the shutter button all the way down in one action, but there will be a delay before the photo is taken and it may be out of focus.
If the viewfinder appears blurry, see if the camera has an diopter adjustment that makes it sharper.
To take pictures, hold the camera in your right hand and support the camera or lens with your left. Don't block the flash, autofocus port, or lens.
As you take photos, they are first stored in the camera's internal memory called a "buffer". When the buffer is full you'll have to wait until one or more of the images has been transferred to the memory card before taking any more pictures.
Don't open the battery or memory card access covers while an image is being saved. Doing so can not only damage the image being saved, it can also damage the card.
Some cameras will briefly display the image you just took as it is being saved. Usually you can turn this feature on or off.
You can usually adjust the brightness of the monitor. Make it brighter in bright light and dimmer in dim light.
Many cameras have a tripod socket so you can attach it to a tripod when you want sharper pictures.
Take as many shots of a given scene as you can think of; changing positions, distances, and angles. You may be surprised later at what works and what doesn't.
When done shooting, turn the camera off.
The first time you use the camera, or if the batteries have been removed or dead for an extended period, you should enter the date and time. The date and time will help you organize, locate, and identify your images later.
Always check camera settings on the control panel and in the viewfinder. Notice how many pictures you can take at the current settings and the status of the battery charge. Also, learn what the icons mean because it's not at all unusual to change a setting, then forget you have done so.
If an image is being stored when you turn the camera off, the image will be completely stored before the camera powers down.
Most shutter buttons have two stages. When you press it halfway down, the camera sets focus and exposure. When you press it all the way down, you take the picture. To capture action shots, hold the button halfway down while focused on the scene. When you then press the button the rest of the way, the camera shoots immediately because focus and exposure have already been calculated. On some cameras you can also press the shutter button all the way down in one action, but there will be a delay before the photo is taken and it may be out of focus.
If the viewfinder appears blurry, see if the camera has an diopter adjustment that makes it sharper.
To take pictures, hold the camera in your right hand and support the camera or lens with your left. Don't block the flash, autofocus port, or lens.
As you take photos, they are first stored in the camera's internal memory called a "buffer". When the buffer is full you'll have to wait until one or more of the images has been transferred to the memory card before taking any more pictures.
Don't open the battery or memory card access covers while an image is being saved. Doing so can not only damage the image being saved, it can also damage the card.
Some cameras will briefly display the image you just took as it is being saved. Usually you can turn this feature on or off.
You can usually adjust the brightness of the monitor. Make it brighter in bright light and dimmer in dim light.
Many cameras have a tripod socket so you can attach it to a tripod when you want sharper pictures.
Take as many shots of a given scene as you can think of; changing positions, distances, and angles. You may be surprised later at what works and what doesn't.
When done shooting, turn the camera off.
using your digital camera
Camera Controls & Creativity
Serious digital cameras give you creative control over your images. They do so by allowing you to control the light and motion in photographs as well as what's sharp and what isn't. Although most consumer digital cameras are fully automatic, some allow you to make minor adjustments that affect your images. Many cameras, including high-end point and shoots and digital SLRs, offer a wide range of controls. However, regardless of what controls your camera has, the same basic principles are at work "under the hood". Your automatic exposure and focusing systems are having a profound effect on your images. However, even with your camera on automatic mode, you can indirectly control, or at least take advantage of the effects these systems have on your images.
In this chapter, we'll first explore how you use the camera in various automatic modes and see what effect each of the settings has on your images. In the chapters that follow, we'll explore in greater depth how you take control of these settings, and others, to get the effects that you want.
Taking Photos in Automatic Mode
All digital cameras have an automatic mode that sets focus and exposure for you. All you have to do is frame the image and push the shutter button. You'll find that this auto mode of operation is great in the vast majority of situations because it lets you focus on the subject and not on the camera. Here's a brief guide to using auto mode on almost any camera.
Getting ready. Turn the camera on and set it to automatic mode—usually spelled out or indicated by a camera icon. To conserve your batteries, turn off the monitor and compose your image through the optical viewfinder if your camera has one. (Digital SLR cameras don't let you compose the image on the monitor and some point and shoots don't have optical viewfinders). If the camera has a lens cap, be sure to remove it.
Framing the image. The viewfinder or monitor shows you the scene you are going to capture. To zoom the lens to frame your image, press the zoom-out button or lever to widen the angle of view and the zoom-in button or lever to enlarge subjects. If using an SLR, you zoom by turning a ring on the lens. If the image in the viewfinder is fuzzy, see if the camera has a diopter adjustment you can use to sharpen it.
Autofocus. Cameras have one or more focus zones or areas, each of which is often indicated in the viewfinder with cross hairs, boxes or brackets. The part of the scene that you cover with one of these focus zones will be the sharpest part of the photo. Many cameras will focus on the center of the scene but others will focus on the closest part of the scene covered by any of the focus zones. How close you can focus depends on the camera and lens.
Autoexposure. The camera's exposure system measures light reflecting from the scene and uses these readings to set the best possible exposure.
Autoflash. If the light is too dim, the autoexposure system will fire the camera's built-in flash to illuminate the scene. If the flash is going to fire, a flash lamp usually glows when you press the shutter button halfway down.
Automatic white balance. Because the color in a photograph is affected by the color of the light illuminating the scene, a camera automatically adjusts white balance so white objects in a scene are white in the photo and other colors are free of a color cast.
Serious digital cameras give you creative control over your images. They do so by allowing you to control the light and motion in photographs as well as what's sharp and what isn't. Although most consumer digital cameras are fully automatic, some allow you to make minor adjustments that affect your images. Many cameras, including high-end point and shoots and digital SLRs, offer a wide range of controls. However, regardless of what controls your camera has, the same basic principles are at work "under the hood". Your automatic exposure and focusing systems are having a profound effect on your images. However, even with your camera on automatic mode, you can indirectly control, or at least take advantage of the effects these systems have on your images.
In this chapter, we'll first explore how you use the camera in various automatic modes and see what effect each of the settings has on your images. In the chapters that follow, we'll explore in greater depth how you take control of these settings, and others, to get the effects that you want.
Taking Photos in Automatic Mode
All digital cameras have an automatic mode that sets focus and exposure for you. All you have to do is frame the image and push the shutter button. You'll find that this auto mode of operation is great in the vast majority of situations because it lets you focus on the subject and not on the camera. Here's a brief guide to using auto mode on almost any camera.
Getting ready. Turn the camera on and set it to automatic mode—usually spelled out or indicated by a camera icon. To conserve your batteries, turn off the monitor and compose your image through the optical viewfinder if your camera has one. (Digital SLR cameras don't let you compose the image on the monitor and some point and shoots don't have optical viewfinders). If the camera has a lens cap, be sure to remove it.
Framing the image. The viewfinder or monitor shows you the scene you are going to capture. To zoom the lens to frame your image, press the zoom-out button or lever to widen the angle of view and the zoom-in button or lever to enlarge subjects. If using an SLR, you zoom by turning a ring on the lens. If the image in the viewfinder is fuzzy, see if the camera has a diopter adjustment you can use to sharpen it.
Autofocus. Cameras have one or more focus zones or areas, each of which is often indicated in the viewfinder with cross hairs, boxes or brackets. The part of the scene that you cover with one of these focus zones will be the sharpest part of the photo. Many cameras will focus on the center of the scene but others will focus on the closest part of the scene covered by any of the focus zones. How close you can focus depends on the camera and lens.
Autoexposure. The camera's exposure system measures light reflecting from the scene and uses these readings to set the best possible exposure.
Autoflash. If the light is too dim, the autoexposure system will fire the camera's built-in flash to illuminate the scene. If the flash is going to fire, a flash lamp usually glows when you press the shutter button halfway down.
Automatic white balance. Because the color in a photograph is affected by the color of the light illuminating the scene, a camera automatically adjusts white balance so white objects in a scene are white in the photo and other colors are free of a color cast.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Professional modular digital camera systems
Professional modular digital camera systems
This category includes very high end professional equipment that can be assembled from modular components (winders, grips, lenses, etc.) to suit particular purposes. Common makes include Hasselblad and Mamiya. They were developed for medium or large format film sizes, as these captured greater detail and could be enlarged more than 35 mm.
Typically these cameras are used in studios for commercial production; being bulky and awkward to carry they are rarely used in action or nature photography. They can often be converted into either film or digital use by changing out the back part of the unit, hence the use of terms such as a "digital back" or "film back." These cameras are very expensive (up to $40,000) and are typically not seen in the hands of consumers.
This category includes very high end professional equipment that can be assembled from modular components (winders, grips, lenses, etc.) to suit particular purposes. Common makes include Hasselblad and Mamiya. They were developed for medium or large format film sizes, as these captured greater detail and could be enlarged more than 35 mm.
Typically these cameras are used in studios for commercial production; being bulky and awkward to carry they are rarely used in action or nature photography. They can often be converted into either film or digital use by changing out the back part of the unit, hence the use of terms such as a "digital back" or "film back." These cameras are very expensive (up to $40,000) and are typically not seen in the hands of consumers.
Video camera
Video cameras
Video cameras are classified as devices whose main purpose is to record moving images.
professional video camera such as those used in television and movie production. These typically have multiple image sensors (one per color) to enhance resolution and colour gamut. Professional video cameras usually do not have a built-in VCR or microphone
camcorders used by amateurs. They generally include a microphone to record sound, and feature a small LCD to watch the video during taping and playback.
Webcams are digital cameras attached to computers, used for VC or other purposes. Webcams can capture full-motion video as well, and some models include microphones or zoom ability.
Video cameras are classified as devices whose main purpose is to record moving images.
professional video camera such as those used in television and movie production. These typically have multiple image sensors (one per color) to enhance resolution and colour gamut. Professional video cameras usually do not have a built-in VCR or microphone
camcorders used by amateurs. They generally include a microphone to record sound, and feature a small LCD to watch the video during taping and playback.
Webcams are digital cameras attached to computers, used for VC or other purposes. Webcams can capture full-motion video as well, and some models include microphones or zoom ability.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Digital Cameras: The Top 10 Things You Need to Know
Digital Cameras: The Top 10 Things You Need to Know....
1) Resolution is less important than you think
There is a popular misconception that more megapixels lead to better pictures. This is not the case.
Sure, higher resolution gives you the ability to crop more aggressively or print large pictures, but only a fraction of digital photographers will benefit from this ability. If you're a casual shooter who won't be printing pictures larger than 8x10" or doing extensive computer editing, then a camera with 5- or 6-megapixel resolution will be sufficient.
More advanced photographers will likely appreciate the flexibility of higher resolution, but a 10+ megapixel camera is by no means necessary to create stunning pictures. Choose a camera you can understand and afford, and don't be fooled by glitzy high-resolution specs.
2) Zoom is more important than you think
Whether you're shooting distant wildlife or close-up portraits, you can never have too much zoom. The majority of digital cameras have 3-, or 4x optical zoom, but you will never regret choosing a model with more telephoto power.
Fortunately the extended zoom camera category is growing rapidly, and there is a great selection of models with 8-, 10-, or even 12x optical zoom. For the ultimate in zoom control and quality, look for an extended-zoom camera with image stabilization, which will ensure that shots taken at full telephoto will be tack-sharp, even without a tripod.
3) Travelers should use cameras with AA Batteries
Digital cameras come in two varieties: those that use AA-size batteries and those that are powered by proprietary lithium-ion batteries. If you are a traveler, particularly someone who enjoys remote or rustic locations, choose a camera with AA batteries.
When a camera that uses proprietary batteries runs out of power, you have no choice but to plug the battery into a power outlet to recharge it. This requires an available outlet, a battery charger, and, if you're in a foreign country, a power converter. If access to an outlet is ever in doubt, or if you don't want the hassle of carrying cords and chargers, then the limitations of this system are obvious.
When a camera that uses AA-size batteries runs out of power on a trip, you can simply throw out the old batteries and drop in a new set of high-performance AAs like the Energizer E2 Lithium line. Two or three sets of such batteries can usually take you through a 10-day trip. If you're out of high-performance batteries, you also have the option of using standard alkaline batteries, which are available anywhere in the world, and make a cheap and convenient source of backup power (though they only offer a fraction of the life of high performance batteries).
Recent trips to Asia and Africa have borne this theory out—after my companions' cameras had been sidelined by dead batteries, I was still happily shooting away with my AA-powered Canon PowerShot.
4) Small cameras get shots that big cameras don't
Sure, that big, black SLR with the long lens may look fancy, but it won't do you any good if you're not carrying it. Never underestimate the importance of having a camera that is small enough to fit into your pocket—you'll be amazed at the spontaneous pictures you'll have the opportunity to take. While the photo quality produced by an ultra-compact does not equal that of a large SLR, the ability to whip it out and snap a shot while others are fumbling for their bulky cameras more than outweighs this drawback.
5) Canon makes great cameras
Canon digital cameras receive consistently great reviews, and for good reason: Over the last 2+ years, Canon has time and again proven itself capable of producing well-designed cameras that produce impressive results. From the EOS line of digital SLRs to the diminutive PowerShot ELPHs, Canon invests substantial time in the design process, and the results pay off—photographers of all abilities rave about their Canon cameras.
There have been some mistakes along the way—the Canon A70 was built with a design flaw that produces crippling error messages and black lines on the LCD, but newer models seem to be free of this problem. If you're looking for a great combination of features, price, and performance, Canon will almost always deliver. (NOTE: Digital Camera HQ is in no way affiliated with Canon, nor do we derive any benefit from recommending one brand over another).
6) Kodak makes great, easy-to-use cameras
When I bought my mother her first digital camera, I chose a Kodak, having read countless reviews that raved about their user-friendly controls. The reviews were right—Kodak's EasyShare digital cameras are remarkably easy to use: the menus are simple, the LCD text large and clear, and the controls largely self-explanatory. The results are just as impressive, with attractive, saturated colors and crisp definition. Don't be fooled into thinking that Kodak digital cameras are just for beginners, however—their simplicity aside, many of the high-end EasyShare models offer a full suite of manual controls for ambitious photographers.
7) Digital cameras can and will break
Whether it's due to accidental damage or simple wear and tear, digital cameras are not as durable as their film counterparts. Many photographers have film cameras that are ten or twenty years old—don't expect this kind of longevity from your new digital toy. Some cameras suffer from design flaws (like black lines on the LCD screen of the Canon A70), while others fall victim to the kind of mechanical breakdowns that effect every kind of electronic gear.
Does this mean that you shouldn't buy a digital camera? Absolutely not. A digital camera will so fundamentally change the way you think about photography that you will wonder how you ever got along without one. You must, however, be comfortable with the fact that one day your camera will cease to work.
For some, this knowledge may keep them from spending top dollar on a fancy camera; others simply accept it as the sole downside of working with digital. The most important thing is to do your homework before you buy—any fundamental design flaws will be quickly apparent in user reviews.
8) Don't put all your pictures on one card
After returning from a trip to Asia, I eagerly inserted one of my memory cards into a card reader to download my new pictures. For still unexplained reasons (likely a static electricity discharge), a card that should have held over 200 pictures was suddenly rendered blank. Two weeks and $250 later (thanks to www.drivesavers.com), I had recovered about 90% of my pictures, but the rest were lost permanently.
The moral of the story? Like any other technology, flash memory is not flawless. It is very rare to lose images, but it does happen, and the fact that I had spread my pictures between 5 memory cards protected me from the possibility of losing two weeks' worth of irreplaceable vacation memories. Given the choice between choosing a single 1GB memory card, or four 256MB cards, I will always choose multiple cards.
9) Find & use a simple photo editing program
Most digital photographers will never take the time to master expensive and powerful photo editing programs like Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro—these programs are too complex and time-consuming for all but the most dedicated photographers. Fortunately there are a variety of easy-to-use editing programs that even novice photographers can use to edit, improve, and organize their digital photos.
My favorite program is Picasa, and it is absolutely free at www.picasa.com. With Picasa you can perform all the basic editing tasks like sharpening, contrast correction, cropping, and straightening—most with just the touch of a button. Spend a few minutes on your best photographs and you will be amazed at the results. Picasa also make it incredibly easy to organize your best shots so you don't have to sift through hundreds of unwanted pictures to find your prizewinners.
10) Print and display your pictures
Far too many people take great digital images, only to have them languish in obscurity on their hard drive, never to be enjoyed by others. Don't let this happen to you.
Online image hosting and printing companies like Snapfish or Kodak Gallery can turn your digital images into high-quality prints of any size. You can simply upload your pictures onto the website. From there you can order prints of every size as well as photo mouse pads, calendars, t-shirts and other gifts. You can also send a link to friends so that they can view your pictures online and order their own copies.
If you want to see more of your own pictures, nothing beats using them as a screen saver on your computer. Simply right-click on your desktop, choose Properties/Screen Saver/Settings, and you can direct your computer to the pictures you wish to use. Set the screensaver to change images every 10 seconds and you'll have an instant slide show every time your computer is idle.
1) Resolution is less important than you think
There is a popular misconception that more megapixels lead to better pictures. This is not the case.
Sure, higher resolution gives you the ability to crop more aggressively or print large pictures, but only a fraction of digital photographers will benefit from this ability. If you're a casual shooter who won't be printing pictures larger than 8x10" or doing extensive computer editing, then a camera with 5- or 6-megapixel resolution will be sufficient.
More advanced photographers will likely appreciate the flexibility of higher resolution, but a 10+ megapixel camera is by no means necessary to create stunning pictures. Choose a camera you can understand and afford, and don't be fooled by glitzy high-resolution specs.
2) Zoom is more important than you think
Whether you're shooting distant wildlife or close-up portraits, you can never have too much zoom. The majority of digital cameras have 3-, or 4x optical zoom, but you will never regret choosing a model with more telephoto power.
Fortunately the extended zoom camera category is growing rapidly, and there is a great selection of models with 8-, 10-, or even 12x optical zoom. For the ultimate in zoom control and quality, look for an extended-zoom camera with image stabilization, which will ensure that shots taken at full telephoto will be tack-sharp, even without a tripod.
3) Travelers should use cameras with AA Batteries
Digital cameras come in two varieties: those that use AA-size batteries and those that are powered by proprietary lithium-ion batteries. If you are a traveler, particularly someone who enjoys remote or rustic locations, choose a camera with AA batteries.
When a camera that uses proprietary batteries runs out of power, you have no choice but to plug the battery into a power outlet to recharge it. This requires an available outlet, a battery charger, and, if you're in a foreign country, a power converter. If access to an outlet is ever in doubt, or if you don't want the hassle of carrying cords and chargers, then the limitations of this system are obvious.
When a camera that uses AA-size batteries runs out of power on a trip, you can simply throw out the old batteries and drop in a new set of high-performance AAs like the Energizer E2 Lithium line. Two or three sets of such batteries can usually take you through a 10-day trip. If you're out of high-performance batteries, you also have the option of using standard alkaline batteries, which are available anywhere in the world, and make a cheap and convenient source of backup power (though they only offer a fraction of the life of high performance batteries).
Recent trips to Asia and Africa have borne this theory out—after my companions' cameras had been sidelined by dead batteries, I was still happily shooting away with my AA-powered Canon PowerShot.
4) Small cameras get shots that big cameras don't
Sure, that big, black SLR with the long lens may look fancy, but it won't do you any good if you're not carrying it. Never underestimate the importance of having a camera that is small enough to fit into your pocket—you'll be amazed at the spontaneous pictures you'll have the opportunity to take. While the photo quality produced by an ultra-compact does not equal that of a large SLR, the ability to whip it out and snap a shot while others are fumbling for their bulky cameras more than outweighs this drawback.
5) Canon makes great cameras
Canon digital cameras receive consistently great reviews, and for good reason: Over the last 2+ years, Canon has time and again proven itself capable of producing well-designed cameras that produce impressive results. From the EOS line of digital SLRs to the diminutive PowerShot ELPHs, Canon invests substantial time in the design process, and the results pay off—photographers of all abilities rave about their Canon cameras.
There have been some mistakes along the way—the Canon A70 was built with a design flaw that produces crippling error messages and black lines on the LCD, but newer models seem to be free of this problem. If you're looking for a great combination of features, price, and performance, Canon will almost always deliver. (NOTE: Digital Camera HQ is in no way affiliated with Canon, nor do we derive any benefit from recommending one brand over another).
6) Kodak makes great, easy-to-use cameras
When I bought my mother her first digital camera, I chose a Kodak, having read countless reviews that raved about their user-friendly controls. The reviews were right—Kodak's EasyShare digital cameras are remarkably easy to use: the menus are simple, the LCD text large and clear, and the controls largely self-explanatory. The results are just as impressive, with attractive, saturated colors and crisp definition. Don't be fooled into thinking that Kodak digital cameras are just for beginners, however—their simplicity aside, many of the high-end EasyShare models offer a full suite of manual controls for ambitious photographers.
7) Digital cameras can and will break
Whether it's due to accidental damage or simple wear and tear, digital cameras are not as durable as their film counterparts. Many photographers have film cameras that are ten or twenty years old—don't expect this kind of longevity from your new digital toy. Some cameras suffer from design flaws (like black lines on the LCD screen of the Canon A70), while others fall victim to the kind of mechanical breakdowns that effect every kind of electronic gear.
Does this mean that you shouldn't buy a digital camera? Absolutely not. A digital camera will so fundamentally change the way you think about photography that you will wonder how you ever got along without one. You must, however, be comfortable with the fact that one day your camera will cease to work.
For some, this knowledge may keep them from spending top dollar on a fancy camera; others simply accept it as the sole downside of working with digital. The most important thing is to do your homework before you buy—any fundamental design flaws will be quickly apparent in user reviews.
8) Don't put all your pictures on one card
After returning from a trip to Asia, I eagerly inserted one of my memory cards into a card reader to download my new pictures. For still unexplained reasons (likely a static electricity discharge), a card that should have held over 200 pictures was suddenly rendered blank. Two weeks and $250 later (thanks to www.drivesavers.com), I had recovered about 90% of my pictures, but the rest were lost permanently.
The moral of the story? Like any other technology, flash memory is not flawless. It is very rare to lose images, but it does happen, and the fact that I had spread my pictures between 5 memory cards protected me from the possibility of losing two weeks' worth of irreplaceable vacation memories. Given the choice between choosing a single 1GB memory card, or four 256MB cards, I will always choose multiple cards.
9) Find & use a simple photo editing program
Most digital photographers will never take the time to master expensive and powerful photo editing programs like Adobe Photoshop or Jasc Paint Shop Pro—these programs are too complex and time-consuming for all but the most dedicated photographers. Fortunately there are a variety of easy-to-use editing programs that even novice photographers can use to edit, improve, and organize their digital photos.
My favorite program is Picasa, and it is absolutely free at www.picasa.com. With Picasa you can perform all the basic editing tasks like sharpening, contrast correction, cropping, and straightening—most with just the touch of a button. Spend a few minutes on your best photographs and you will be amazed at the results. Picasa also make it incredibly easy to organize your best shots so you don't have to sift through hundreds of unwanted pictures to find your prizewinners.
10) Print and display your pictures
Far too many people take great digital images, only to have them languish in obscurity on their hard drive, never to be enjoyed by others. Don't let this happen to you.
Online image hosting and printing companies like Snapfish or Kodak Gallery can turn your digital images into high-quality prints of any size. You can simply upload your pictures onto the website. From there you can order prints of every size as well as photo mouse pads, calendars, t-shirts and other gifts. You can also send a link to friends so that they can view your pictures online and order their own copies.
If you want to see more of your own pictures, nothing beats using them as a screen saver on your computer. Simply right-click on your desktop, choose Properties/Screen Saver/Settings, and you can direct your computer to the pictures you wish to use. Set the screensaver to change images every 10 seconds and you'll have an instant slide show every time your computer is idle.
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