Transcript Chapter 1

Getting to Know Your Digital Camera
 It
is important to know the features
of your camera, it will make taking
pictures (creating images) more
enjoyable and fulfilling.
Types of Digital Cameras
Subcompacts (pocket cameras)
 Compact (rangefinder)
 Superzooms (SLR like)
 Digital SLR (DSLR)
 Camcorders
 Cell phones, PDAs etc.
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Subcompacts (pocket cameras)
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Pocket size camera
They cost a bit more for the
same capabilities as compact
cameras
Come with compromises
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shorter battery life
no viewfinder
a zoom range usually no greater
than 3x
smaller controls
No manual controls
Compact (rangefinder)
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Mainstream bigger then pocket cameras
Simple to use and best for everyday events
Some don’t have manual controls
Can have limited zoom capabilities
Superzooms (SLR like)
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Super-zoom cameras are characterized by a very
long zoom range—10x or greater, which is good
for sports, travel, or nature shooting.
Some also have macro capabilities
Larger the pocket cameras
Viewfinder image is a direct electronic version of
what the lens is seeing
Have more controls to capturing the image
Digital SLR (DSLR)
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Single-lens reflex cameras are
for profession or serious
photographer
SLRs, the largest and heaviest
type
Including interchangeable
lenses.
A lot more control features.
Camcorders
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Many camcorders are
coming with the ability
to take photos and
store them on Media
cards.
Image controls are
based on the setting
for the video recorder.
Cell phones, PDAs etc
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Designed to take and
share photos on your
digital device
Very little image
control
Very little zoom
capability
Some image quality is
getting close to digital
cameras.
Lenses
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Three types
Fixed length
 In-Camera zoom
 Interchangeable
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Most people buy cameras with in-camera
zoom lenses.
Lenses
Zoom range how much can you magnify an
image. The more zoom range you have the
better image control you have.
 Zoom range can vary
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for 3X on sub-compact and compacts
 to 12X on Superzoom (SLR like) cameras.
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LCD Screen
In the days of film there was no real way to
know how the picture you took looked until
you had the film processed.
 With the LCD screen you can see
immediately how the picture you took
looked.
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LCD Screen
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Beyond just being able to see the picture
instantly you can
Determine if composition is good
 Determine if you have good exposure
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There are ways to set you LCD screen so
that you can immediately see the picture
you have taken before you take another
one.
EXIF Exchangeable Image File Format
Extensions to image file formats that hold
the camera settings used to take the picture.
 Most digital cameras support EXIF and save
the data in the file headers.
 Most software used to organize digital
images, like Picasa3 have the ability to
display this information
 This information is useful, photographers
can use the information so they do not have
to remember how the camera was set up
when the picture was taken.
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Digital Camera – Front
Microphone
Flash
AF Assist
Beam
Lens
Rangefinder
Digital Camera – Top
Shutter Button
Shutter Button
Zoom Lever
Speaker
Self Timer/
Burst Button
Off Button
Mode Dial
Flash/Mic Button
Mode Lever
Flash Button
Mode/Power
Dial
Digital Camera – Back
Zoom Lever
Speaker
View Finder
Omni Control
LCD Screen
OK Button
Digital Camera – Back (close-up)
Digital Camera – Sides
Right Side From Back
Left Side From Back
Digital Camera – Bottom
Batteries
Tri-pod
Mount
Digital Camera Cross Section
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The digital camera is a
complex device
The only part that is
the same as film
cameras is the lens.
Taking a Picture – Step 1
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Camera is aimed at the
scene
Light reflected from
the image passes
through the lens of the
camera.
The lenses in digital
cameras are different
form those used in film
cameras
Taking a Picture – Step 2
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The image is focused
on a device that is
sensitive to light.
The majority of
cameras us Charged
Coupling Devices
(CCD)
Some cameras use
CMOS devices.
CCD Sensors
Taking a Picture – Step 3
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CCD generates an
analog signal that
represents the image
Taking a Picture – Step 4
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The Analog to Digital
Convertor changes the
analog electrical signal
into digital information.
ADC
Taking a Picture – Step 5
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The Digital Signal
processor converts the
information into the file
output information.
ADC
DSP
Taking a Picture – Step 6
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The file information is
sent to the flash
storage media in the
camera.
ADC
DSP
Composing The Image
Composition, the act of composing the
image in the viewfinder, is a visual process
of organizing the elements and individual
details of a scene into a balanced and
pleasing arrangement.
 Good composition is essential in
photography. It allows you to convey
messages and emotions through the images
that you shoot.
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General Composition Rules - Framing
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Fill the entire photograph with your subject
Have a strong focal point
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Choose one main
subject for you
photograph.
The main subject can
be one object or
several.
Do not include
distractions that pull
people away from your
photo.
Rule of Thirds
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Divide you viewfinder
into thirds both
horizontally and
vertically
Place your subject
along the divide lines
between the equal
areas or at the places
where the these lines
meet
Leading Lines
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Leading lines help to
lead the viewers eye to
the important object in
the photograph
Be careful using
leading lines so they
do not lead away form
the important part of
the photograph
Angle of View
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Sometimes you will get
a more interesting
photograph by
changing you angle of
view.
Perspective
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Sometime it will make
a photograph more
interesting if you add
an object to convey
the perspective of the
photo.
Balance
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The correct
combination of colors,
shapes, and areas of
light and dark that
complement one
another