‘Digital Photography’
Classic Photography vs Digital Photography
Even though digital photography is a revolutionary new way to take pictures, it is very much based on traditional photography and uses many of the same principals.
How a Digital Camera Works
Digital cameras are quite similar to traditional cameras in their operation. They both have a lens to focus the image, a shutter to allow light inside the camera, and an aperture to control the amount of light which enters the camera.
Advantages of Digital Photography
Digital technology is finding a place in almost everyone’s lives. From digital music to digital movies we are constantly exposed to images and sound that have passed from the traditional analog domain into the new digital formats. Digital photography is one of those formats and is becoming more popular every year.
Digital Camera Buying Guide – Part One
Are you ready to take the plunge into the world of digital photography? This series of articles will help you choose the best camera for your needs.
Digital Camera Buying Guide – Part Two
The simplest digital cameras are point-and-shoot cameras — simply aim them and push the button. They are very easy to use and are suitable for people who simply want to take family or vacation snapshots.
Preview Screens and Viewfinders
Traditional cameras use viewfinders which allow you to set up your shot and, in the case of Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras, focus your subject.
Lenses for Digital Cameras
There are two major components of digital cameras that play a big part in image quality – the image sensor and the lens. Get the best you can afford — good quality lenses are essential for getting the most out of digital photography.
Aperture
Digital photographs are the result of light hitting the image sensor. Too much light and the photograph will be washed out. Too little light and the photograph will be too dark.
Shutter Speed
A camera shutter is a mechanical device which permits light to enter the camera body for a specified period of time. The longer the shutter is open the more light enters the camera.
Image Storage
Traditional photography uses film as a storage medium. When one film is used up, simply take it out and pop in a new one. The film is eventually developed and the stored images printed.
Using Flash
Automatic flash is a great tool for solving common lighting problems, but unless used with care it can create some problems of its own.
Batteries for Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are electronic devices so they need a power source of some kind. The most convenient way to power your camera is with batteries. Although some models can be connected directly to an AC outlet, this is impractical for anything but studio use.
Camera Tripods
Tripods are a necessity for anyone who wants to take the best pictures possible. They are useful for many different situations by helping to minimize camera movement which can cause an image to blur.
Color Balancing
The human eye can easily adapt to different light conditions so that objects maintain their ‘true’ color. If we look at a blue ball, for example, we see the same shade of blue indoors and outdoors and under cloudy or sunny conditions.
Lighting
A photograph is essentially a record of the light conditions at a certain point in time and space. We recognize the patterns of colours and shapes in a photograph because they resemble what we see in daily life.
Transferring Images
After you have taken enough photos to fill out up your memory cards you need to transfer them to a computer or printer. There are several ways to do this.
Imaging Problems
Many people have unrealistic expectations of digital photography. They may believe that digital photographs are ‘perfect’ in terms of colour and detail.
More Imaging Problems
Noise is the most troublesome imaging problem but it is not the only one. Other problems related to color, contrast, detail and sharpness may also be experienced.
Printing Digital Images
Digital photography has put the process of developing pictures into the hands of the consumer. This also includes printing — anyone with a decent printer attached to their computer can print out their own photographs.
Printing Digital Images – Part Two
Most people who own a computer have a printer that goes along with it, and this printer is most likely capable of printing out digital pictures.