Monday, July 30, 2007

Adding a Fish-Eye Lens Effect to Your Digital Photos

  1. Open an image that you want to appear as though it was photographed with a fish-eye lens.
  2. Select the Crop tool.
  3. Click at the top of the image and, while holding down the SHIFT key, drag the tool to the bottom of the image. When you hold down the SHIFT key, you constrain the cropping box to a square, which is perfect for a fish-eye look.
  4. Click the Commit button on the options bar (it looks like a check box). Alternatively, you can press ENTER or RETURN.
  5. Select the Elliptical Marquee tool and create a circular section that stretches from top to bottom and side to side, as shown next. Remember, to create a perfect circle, hold down the SHIFT key while dragging. Press the SPACEBAR momentarily to move the selection while creating it.

  6. Choose Filter | Distort | Spherize.
  7. Drag the Amount slider to 100, as shown here.

  8. Click OK to apply the filter.
  9. Choose Select | Inverse.
  10. Choose Edit | Fill to open the Fill dialog box.
  11. Click the down arrow to the right of the Use field and choose Black from the drop-down menu, as shown below.

  12. Click OK to fill the selection.
  13. Choose Select | Deselect. The following image shows an image with this effect applied.

  14. http://tech.yahoo.com/gd/adding-a-fish-eye-lens-effect-to-your-digital-photos/191761;_ylt=Ai1X6XnIJ8v6q5uUjcw6kuYvLZA5

Accounting for Aspect Ratio in Digital Photography

You may notice that your digital pictures have a different width-to-height ratio - or aspect ratio, in photography lingo - than pictures taken with a 35mm film camera. Digital cameras produce images that have an aspect ratio of 4:3, and 35mm film negative produces pictures that have an aspect ratio of 3:2.

Why the difference? Well, digital cameras were first envisioned as devices to produce images for display on computer monitors, which have a 4:3 aspect ratio (as do many television screens). So matching the monitor aspect ratio made sense.

Today, however, digital cameras offer resolutions high enough to produce excellent prints. But there's a hitch: When you print a digital photo at traditional print sizes - 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, and so on - you lose some of the original image area because of the aspect ratio difference. (If you've ever had your digital files output at a retail lab, you've probably already noticed this change.)

Figures 1 and 2 show the percentage of image area you can expect to lose when you print your picture at 4 x 6, 5 x 7, or 8 x 10 inches. The left image in Figure 1 shows you the digital original; the darkened areas in the three remaining examples represent the lost portion of each picture.

Figure 1: A digital image (left) loses a portion of its original self when printed as a 4-x-6-inch photo (right).

Figure 2: You also lose some picture area when the photo is printed at 5 x 7 inches (left) or 8 x 10 inches (right).

This issue isn't a digital-only phenomenon, by the way. Your print lab must similarly crop away part of your 35mm film photo when making a 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 print, too. The only print size where you don't lose part of your 35mm original is 4 x 6, which has the same aspect ratio as the film negative (3:2).

Whether you're shooting digital or film, the problem has an easy solution. Just remember to include a small margin of background when you compose your pictures, as in Figure 1. That way, you won't lose any vital picture elements if you decide to print your photos at the traditional sizes.

If you're printing your own pictures, you can alternatively choose to reduce the size of your images so that they fit entirely within the 4-x-6-inch, 5-x-7-inch, or 8-x-10-inch boundary. You'll have a blank border along two sides of the photo. For this image, the patterned areas along the left and right sides of the picture represent the percentage of border needed to fill out an 8-x-10-inch print.



http://tech.yahoo.com/gd/accounting-for-aspect-ratio-in-digital-photography/2526;_ylt=AhR0KDiQAnioLvEJxs5gub8vLZA5

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Digital Camera Shutter Speed - 3 Tips

Shutter speed is one of the most interesting adjustment to many photographers. A digital camera's shutter speed allows you to freeze action or use motion blur to create many interesting and stunning visual effects. Shutter speed is dependent on the length of exposure and is expressed in fractions of seconds.

High shutter speed, eg 1/1000 of a second, can even freeze the fastest moving subjects. But there are several things to take note of. Below are 3 simple tips you can use when you are "playing" around with your digital camera shutter speed.

1. Bright Subject
For you to capture pictures with high shutter speed, your subject must be brightly lit. This is because with such speed, your digital camera can't gather enough light in such a short timing for exposure. To overcome this problem, you can use a set to a higher ISO. But you need to be aware that noise will start getting into your shot if the ISO is too high.

2.Let Your Camera Focus On The Spot
Try to set up the shot so that your digital camera can focus on the spot where your subject is going to pass by. Such practice will enable you to concentrate on timing your subject's approach. By doing this, you will have a higher and much better chance to trip your shutter at the right time.

3.Create Blurring Lines
If you are shooting a non-moving subject, you can swing your digital camera in a circular motion to create blurring lines or colors. Your photos can turn out to be visually stunning and abstract. To produce such effect, low shutter speeds (1/8 to 30 seconds) can be used. The use of a tripod may be necessary to avoid creating unintended blur.

Most middle to high end digital cameras allow you to adjust your shutter speed's settings. Use them to your advantage and create better and more interesting photos. Different shutter speeds will have different effects on your pictures. Explore and enjoy it!

Johnny Sinclair is a digital photography enthusiast with more than 10 years of experience and has taught many beginners how to shoot their perfect pictures. To find out more on how you can access professional picture-taking secrets and capture the best digital images of your life, visit: http://www.DigitalPhotographySpot.com


http://ezinearticles.com/?Digital-Camera-Shutter-Speed---3-Tips&id=633665

Monday, July 23, 2007

Photographing Weddings in Vancouver

Mountains, beaches, lush greenery and great city skyline – what else does a wedding photographer need to make great shots? Vancouver is well known as one of Canada's most beautiful cities and anyone working here as a wedding photographer knows it.

Working in Vancouver does make my job easier – but even the most obvious locations – as beautiful as they are can become a bit boring and well over used. Although it's not a bad thing to include a mountain or ocean here and there – diversity is what keeps it interesting.

It's our jobs as wedding photographers to always be creative and to offer our clients something new and unique. It's what will separate us from everyone else in Vancouver and keep the work fresh and fun.

When deciding on a great location I look for vibrant colour, unique architecture (a great way to subtly suggest your location), interesting elements like reflective glass and unique light sources, graphic lines (curved walls, interesting shadows) and texture. An old rusty metal shed with paint pealing is ugly to most but can be a photographer's dream.

Wedding photography has changed drastically in the last few years and Vancouver's photographers have played a big part in that. There is a lot of great talent here and a lot of great photographers in which to take inspiration when creating amazing wedding images.

You can never go wrong when you look to do something different. It not only makes your daily job more interesting it makes brides take notice of your work.

Elizabeth Soergel is a Vancouver BC based wedding and portrait photographer with over 10 years of experience.


http://ezinearticles.com/?Photographing-Weddings-in-Vancouver&id=650468

Friday, July 20, 2007

The Digital Camera Usb Cable: How Your Camera And Computer Talk

Perhaps you’ve been a photographer for as long as you can remember, and been messing around in the darkroom almost as long as that. You know how to turn your photos into the sort of prints that you friends want gracing their walls.

But even you could not turn your back on the digital camera revolution. You have always had a bit of a moral dilemma because you know that your dark room chemicals are not the kinds of substances you want in the water supply, and you also know that, in spite of the snob appeal of the 35mm camera, your digital camera just as capable and much more fun. And you’ve learned the magic of digital camera photograph editing software, which lets you duplicate all the darkroom effects you took years to master, in less than an afternoon.

Or perhaps you have not made the leap from 35mm film to digital, and think it all sounds just a little too good to be true. But if someone can persuade you that going digital with your photography is within your non-PC literate capabilities, you’ll give it a try.

The secret to digital photography magic is that you can alter your photos in almost any imaginable fashion once you have them saved on your PC hard drive. Your digital camera will come equipped with a digital camera USB cable which allows you to do just that. If it doesn’t, you can pick one up for less than $5.

How The USB Cable Works

The digital camera USB cable establishes a communications channel between your camera and your PC. When you take photos with your digital camera, instead of being stored on film they are stored in digital form on a memory card, and eventually the memory card will be full. If you want to keep taking pictures you’ll have to get the existing photos off the memory card, and you do it by uploading the photos to you PC.

By putting your photos on your PC you’ll also be able to view them in normal size rather than as the tiny images on your camera’s LCD screen. And once they’re on you PC, you can even print them; your printer will become your surrogate darkroom. You can also use software to turn your favorite photos into a continually running slideshow or make your absolutely favorite photo into wallpaper. But none of it happens without the digital camera USB cable.

Your camera will have included a CD with photo transferring software; all you need do is slide it into your D drive and insert your digital camera USB cable into the USB port at the on your monitor. It should be clearly marked, but if you can’t find it, consult you PC manual. And don’t be surprised, if you have a lot of photos stored on your camera, if you have to recharge your batteries when the upload is finished.

Alternatives To The Digital Camera USB Cable

The battery depletion issue is one which has earned the attention of digital camera makers, and they are working on solutions, including supplying a power cord which will run from your camera to a wall socket. There is also a memory card reading device,; it is installed in the digital camera, copies you photos, and the removed and plugged into your PC’s USB port. The memory reader eliminates the need for a digital camera USB cable completely, and is almost certain to make it obsolete in the not-too-distant future.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/The-Digital-Camera-USB-Cable--How-Your-Camera-And-Computer-Talk/260589

Digital Camera Reviews – Sony Dsc N2, Dsc T100 And Canon Eos 400d

Another feature that adds to the attraction of the camera is the fact it has a manual exposure mode. This allows you to set the shutter speed and aperture you shoot at. This model is probably aimed at the more casual user who still wants the premium picture quality to boast at cocktail parties. There is some debate on wether the CPU, or ‘brain’, of the DSC is any better than the DSC N1, so that the extra megapixels may not be processed in a manner that makes the pictures any better. I would recommend trying one out in the shop before committing yourself to a purchase, and use a price comparison site such as Kelkoo or Shopping.com to compare the prices of the digital cameras.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Sony DSC-T100

The DSC-T100 fits an amazing combination of high-tech features into super-slim dimensions. It has high-resolution 8.1 MP imaging, a powerful 5x optical zoom lens and a huge 3.0" Clear Photo LCD Plus screen that lets you snap and share photos easily. This means that it can zoom in closer to distant objects with better clarity than the majority of the other brands that fit into a pocket. The optical zoom is the best feature of this camera, and would be very useful for images at concerts, wildlife photography or impressive holiday snaps. The size makes it very portable and I would recommend this one over the DSC N2.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Canon EOS 400D

The Canon EOS 400D is the latest member of Canon's extensive range of SLR digital cameras. It is now over three years since Canon released their first entry-level DSLR, the 6 megapixel EOS 300D, which kick-started the whole budget DSLR boom. An entry-level camera, the new Canon 400D has a hard act to follow as it attempts to build on the success of the 300D and 350D models. The 400D closely follows the general design of the 350D, having similar compact proportions to the older model, but it adds some new features to try and remain competitive in what has become a rapidly expanding sector of the photography market. This model is more for the budget professional, perhaps as a useful backup for the main shooter. That said, you can always rely on Canon to bring a functional and competent camera, and the styling of this model would feel at home in any paparazzi’s man-bag.

The Sony DSC N2 is a stylish digital camera with ten mega pixels and a three times optical zoom. The feature that sets the DSC N2 apart from just about all other digital cameras is its large 3" touch LCD screen. This cuts the number of dials and buttons the camera has to an absolute minimum, helping to accentuate its looks and style.

Another feature that adds to the attraction of the camera is the fact it has a manual exposure mode. This allows you to set the shutter speed and aperture you shoot at. This model is probably aimed at the more casual user who still wants the premium picture quality to boast at cocktail parties. There is some debate on wether the CPU, or ‘brain’, of the DSC is any better than the DSC N1, so that the extra megapixels may not be processed in a manner that makes the pictures any better. I would recommend trying one out in the shop before committing yourself to a purchase, and use a price comparison site such as Kelkoo or Shopping.com to compare the prices of the digital cameras.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Sony DSC-T100

The DSC-T100 fits an amazing combination of high-tech features into super-slim dimensions. It has high-resolution 8.1 MP imaging, a powerful 5x optical zoom lens and a huge 3.0" Clear Photo LCD Plus screen that lets you snap and share photos easily. This means that it can zoom in closer to distant objects with better clarity than the majority of the other brands that fit into a pocket. The optical zoom is the best feature of this camera, and would be very useful for images at concerts, wildlife photography or impressive holiday snaps. The size makes it very portable and I would recommend this one over the DSC N2.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Canon EOS 400D

The Canon EOS 400D is the latest member of Canon's extensive range of SLR digital cameras. It is now over three years since Canon released their first entry-level DSLR, the 6 megapixel EOS 300D, which kick-started the whole budget DSLR boom. An entry-level camera, the new Canon 400D has a hard act to follow as it attempts to build on the success of the 300D and 350D models. The 400D closely follows the general design of the 350D, having similar compact proportions to the older model, but it adds some new features to try and remain competitive in what has become a rapidly expanding sector of the photography market. This model is more for the budget professional, perhaps as a useful backup for the main shooter. That said, you can always rely on Canon to bring a functional and competent camera, and the styling of this model would feel at home in any paparazzi’s man-bag.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Digital-Camera-Reviews---Sony-DSC-N2--DSC-T100-and-Canon-EOS-400D/261712

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Basic Digital Photography: Getting The Light Source Right

Lighting is the single most critical factor in determining the quality of any photograph. Although with digital cameras you can edit after the fact, such features are limited and it is more effective to assure that you get the best exposure when taking the shot.

The amount of light on the image sensor, or exposure, is determined by the opening/closing of the aperture, the length of time that the shutter is open, and the amount of light present. For the purposes of this article, the discussion will be limited to working with and enhancing the light present for the shot.

When the light in a situation is not sufficient or when you want to create a different effect with highlights and shadows, an internal flash or external light source can be used. The happy news for the photography novice is that digital cameras have an auto flash feature in which the camera decides when lighting is insufficient and will activate the flash automatically.

One of the most important things to remember about using flash photography for the novice is that all cameras have a flash range. Beyond that range, generally no more than 14 to 15 feet, the flash is not effective. Flash is most often used when shooting indoors where there is generally less light. One of the pitfalls of using flash when photographing people and animals however is the infamous "red eye" effect which is created when the light bounces off of the back of the retina of the subject. This can be reduced by having subjects avoid looking directly into the camera or using the "red eye reduction" mode. This mode simply emits a tiny flash prior to taking the picture to help the pupil contract prior to the full flash.

Glare is another common problem encountered when using flash photography but can easily be eliminated by being sure not to point the camera directly into any shiny object such as a mirror or glass. Most digital cameras allow the user to have control of the flash function giving them the ability to disable it for use in situations where flash is not allowed or the user is striving to achieve a particular look in the picture. It also allows the user to set the flash so that it is always on, allowing the flash to be used even when the camera senses adequate lighting.

Flash can be used to deal with some lighting related problems outdoors as well. Sunlight can create shadows and cause the subject to appear dark and difficult to discern with the brighter, sunlit area around them. One option is to pose your subject in the shade. Taking photographs in the shade often provides images with better/truer color definition, no shadows, and subjects free from squinting.

When in the sunlight, use of the flash can be particularly helpful in balancing the light and reducing shadows. The fill-flash mode can be useful in any situation where the subject will be darker than the surrounding background whether they are shaded by a hat, a tree, or simply their own facial features. However, fill-flash mode should be used only when the subject is within 6 feet. Beyond this distance full power mode will be necessary.

Use of an external or auxiliary flash can give the user the control necessary to adjust lighting and create special effects. Just as the intensity of a light source influences the exposure in a picture, the direction of the light source can change an image through shadows and highlights.

A flash can be attached to a camera with either a "cold shoe" or a "hot shoe". A cold shoe is merely a plastic shoe that allows the flash to be physically attached to the camera but does not have any contacts that allow the camera to communicate or coordinate the flash activity. With a hot shoe, users can attach a flash sync cord, allowing them to move the flash away from the camera and choose the direction of the lighting. In addition, a hot shoe attachment allows the flash to be controlled by the camera's flash settings. With the external flash, there are various modes to control the flash function.

• The TTL setting allows the camera and flash to determine the best exposure based upon the focal length of the lens. This is possible when the camera and the flash are of the same brand.

• The Stroboscopic setting can produce multiple flashes within a single exposure to create special effects.

• The Manual setting allows the user to set the flash for full, half, or quarter power.

• The Auto setting allows the flash to determine the best exposure independently. This is used most often when the camera and flash are not of the same brand.

There are two primary types of lighting used in photography. A hard light is created from a single, bright source of light and it produces shadows, highlights and pronounced contrast in the resulting image. Soft light on the other hand is very diffuse, making highlights and shadows more subtle.

Hard light is preferable when detail and distinct color is desired, but soft light is best for a softer image. Light from a single source can be diffused in a number of ways. The flash can be covered with a thin material such as tissue or wax paper or it can be bounced off of another surface, such as the ceiling or a wall, rather than being shown directly onto the subject. Bouncing the light is obviously not effective outdoors and the distance of the reflecting structure should be no more than 6-8 feet. The color of the surface reflecting the light must also be considered. Any color on the surface is generally reflected onto the subject. For this reason, white is generally preferred although professionals use black to absorb light and darken shadows and shiny materials are used to harden the light.

As mentioned previously, the direction of lighting can also greatly influence the characteristics of a photograph. The use of an external flash gives the user the option of moving the light source in relation to the subject. Front lighting is the most common. When wanting to emphasize the detail of the subject, front lighting is the best choice. However, it can create a rather harsh image with shadows in the background, muted colors in the foreground, and red eye. The use of fill flash and red eye reduction when using front lighting can help to alleviate some of the negative effects, while diffusing the light can reduce harshness.

Back lighting can produce a very dramatic photograph but, if too bright, can cause the subject to appear only as a silhouette unless the object is transparent. Reducing the brightness of the light source and using fill flash to brighten the shadowed areas can improve the quality of a picture with back lighting. Providing lighting from an angle rather than directly from the front or back can be beneficial in either of these lighting situations.

Lighting can also be directed from the side, the top, and from under the subject. Side lighting gives the user the most options as far as angle and the ability to create a wide variety of effects. Side lighting is optimal for creating texture and a sense of depth to a photograph.

For the novice photographer, experimentation is key. Whether diffusing light for softer images, using fill flash outdoors to eliminate shadows, or altering the direction of lighting to create special effects, creating unique, quality images requires practice.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Basic-Digital-Photography--Getting-the-Light-Source-Right/155070

Digital Photography Introduction

With the acceptable image quality and the other advantages of digital photography the majority of professional news photographers have begun capturing their images with digital cameras. Digital photography has also been adopted by many amateur snapshot photographers, who take advantage of the convenience of the form when sending images by email, placing them on the World Wide Web, or displaying them in digital picture frames.

Also, one big advantage of digital photography is the instant review of pictures, with no wait for the film to be developed: if there's a problem with a picture, the photographer can immediately correct the problem and take another picture (up to hundreds of photographs on the same media device).


Digital cameras have also been integrated into many cell phones. The photographer is able to color-balance and manipulate the image in ways that traditional darkroom science cannot offer, although film users can utilize the same technology with a film scanner. But digital cameras also tend to be much more sensitive to moisture and extreme cold. For this reason, photographers who work in remote areas, such as those who work for National Geographic overwhelmingly favor film SLR cameras. Many digital cameras can deliver only JPEG files.

Another format that may be encountered is RAW, which contain unprocessed image data straight from the camera's image sensor. Compact digital cameras usually include zoom lens and flashes that cannot be changed, but digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR), operates on the same optical and mechanical principles as a film single-lens reflex camera, and offers the possibility to change lenses. Recent manufacturers such as Nikon and Canon have promoted the adoption of digital Single-lens reflex cameras (dSLRs) by photojournalists. Lenses can be Telephoto lenses, Wide-angle lenss or Normal lenss, used for landscapes, portraits and close-ups (macros). Digital anti-shake tools (also called Image Stabilisation) allow taking sharp hand-held pictures where previously a tripod was required. Digital SRLs work also with RAW images containing unprocessed image data straight from the camera’s image sensor.

Since the data isn’t processed on the camera the photographer will do so on the computer in order to get it into more usable formats like TIFF or JPEG. This method offers flexibility of the results regarding exposure, lighting, white balance, contrast, colours and saturation as well as greater creative control of the image.

From Canon, good compact cameras the Powershot A series, such as A520, A620, A700 and others, main difference between them being their megapixel image resolution and optical zoom. Canon PowerShot S3 IS is a type of camera that moves a step forward from compact to dSLR. As for the SLR’s and dSRLs, Canon comes with the Rebels: Digital Rebel XT, Canon EOS 200D, and Canon EOS 30D. Nikon is considered to be as good as Canon but sometimes cheaper: Nikon D40, Nikon D200, and Nikon D70. Other notable cameras are Olympus E-330, Fuji FinePix S9100, FujiFilm Finepix E900, Sony Cybershot DSC-W100, HP Photosmart R967 and many many others. Choosing a digital camera can be very difficult and the techniques are in constant progress so that these cameras get better and better, more and more powerful but still smaller, therefore some of them received the name pocket camera.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Digital-Photography-Introduction/158627

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Backing Up The Photos From A Digital Camera

A digital camera is a fantastic tool for capturing the images of the important people, places, and events in life. The cost involved in shooting pictures is very reasonable due to the lack of film, the ability to delete unwanted images, and the opportunity to share and enjoy images without printing when desired. The creativity allowed by editing images from a digital camera is also a boon to home photographers. However, there are some harsh realities that need to be considered by those who create and store these digital images.

Hard drives sometimes fail. Viruses can invade and wipe out all traces any files stored on a computer. Fire, flood, and other disasters can destroy the hardware in which precious photos are stored. For anyone who places significant personal or emotional value on the photographs they take with their digital camera, making a second copy of such images is the key to assuring that these memories live on for many years to come.
The hard drive on any computer is limited and files sizes of most digital images are huge so extended storage there is not really possible. Certainly the memory with a digital camera is extremely limited and the portable media often used is important but not often a good choice for long term storage due to their vulnerability to failure. Luckily there are other options that make a better choice for long term storage.

• External hard drives: A good external hard drive will have a significantly larger memory capacity than the hard drive on a computer and should not be exposed to as many risks when used exclusively for the storage of images from a digital camera.

• CD: Storage on a CD is a very affordable option. The discs themselves are inexpensive and most modern computers have a CD burner. The storage capacity of a CD is reasonable at about 700 MB per disc. When stored properly in hard plastic cases, the life of a CD should be a few generations at a minimum. Because these discs are a back-up, it is wise to store them in a separate location; perhaps in a fireproof safe.

• DVD: Storage on DVD is also an affordable option although many computers don't possess a built-in DVD writer. Stand-alone DVD writers are a good option in such instances. The storage capacity of a DVD is significantly greater than that of a CD; approximately 4.7 GB can be held in a single layer format while some offer a multi-layer format with even greater capacity. The drawback to multi-layer format discs is that because more images are stored on a single disc, destruction or failure can result in an even more catastrophic loss.

• Online Server: There are a number of services online that can store photos submitted by users for a very small fee. Obviously, if a fire, tornado or other disaster strikes home, these photographic images will not be affected. Flickr is only one of many such services. A growing number of home photographers now set up websites where they can store and share their photos providing even greater security from physical threats.

All of the above options are good methods for storing images captured with a digital camera. However, it is generally recommended that rather than employing a single strategy, two methods be used so that each is indeed a "back-up".

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Backing-Up-The-Photos-From-a-Digital-Camera/237819

Basic Digital Photography

The power of the computer revolution is simple: once you convert real-world objects into bits and bytes, anything is possible. Nowhere is this more apparent than in photography. Digital photography represents the latest step in a technological revolution that began almost two centuries ago with Louis Daguerre’s silver chloride prints. Daguerre amazed the world by fixing the light from a pinhole camera onto a piece of glass, thereby preserving a moment in time for an eternity.

Today an inexpensive digital camera can transform that light into electrical impulses with accuracy and brilliance that even film can’t match. It can store hundreds of images on a sliver of silicon no bigger than your thumbnail. Those images can easily be sent across the country in seconds, be shared with hundreds of people at once, and even be modified to create an utterly new reality. The tools and skills necessary to do all this are within the reach of nearly anyone. You hold in your hands the book that will unlock those skills for you.

It’s fitting that the author himself has traveled a similar path. Mikkel Aaland has worked as an itinerant photographer, making pictures much as his 19th-century counterparts must have, in a makeshift studio-on-wheels, capturing images of anyone with a few dollars to spare. After nine years on the road, the result was his 1981 book, County Fair Portraits. Shortly thereafter, another legend, Ansel Adams, told Mikkel that if he were beginning all over again he’d be shooting digital. Mikkel took the great man at his word and became one of the first to use, and write about, digital photography

When Photoshop was first released in 1990, a Michel reviewed it. In 1992, he wrote Digital Photography, one of the earliest books published on the subject, and he has written many more since. He has worked as a professional photographer, using top-of-the-line digital equipment, and as a proud husband and father he has captured his own life with the same consumer-grade cameras the rest of us use. He’s also been teaching digital techniques for the past several years on my TV, radio, and online shows. There is no better guide to the magical transformation of light and dark into bits and bytes

Photography, from the Greek for writing in light, has rewritten our notion of time and history. Digital photography is reworking our notion of reality itself. One of the great technological innovations of the 19th century is once again leading the way in the 21st. Here is your chance to be a part of the revolution—to start Shooting Digital.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Basic-Digital-Photography/235850

Single-use Cameras Capture The Moment

While a good picture may be worth a thousand words, it sometimes takes more than one camera to snap it. That's the word from many of the 60 percent of Americans who own digital cameras. A recent survey found that 90 percent of digital-camera users have kept a single-use camera handy to serve as backup should the batteries or memory fail on their more expensive camera.

Of course, there are other times when a single-use camera can be helpful as well. For instance, because the cameras are relatively inexpensive, you can hand them out to guests at events. More photographers means more vantage points and better pictures. Also, many parents would rather not hand their expensive digital camera over to their child to let him or her take pictures. But with a less expensive single-use camera, you can let Junior snap away.

New Technologies

Advances in technology have made single-use cameras better than ever. For example, the new Kodak HQ Maximum Versatility Single-Use Camera uses one of the best films on the market. Easy to use and portable, it delivers high-definition pictures in sunlight and in low light with complete clarity. Here are some other single-use camera ideas:

• A Day in the Life-Give kids a single-use camera and let them take pictures for grandma and grandpa. When you take the cameras to be developed, check off the box to get a Picture CD with all of your images. Then have your child use the CD to create a book, using either the prints or the digital images, with captions.

• A Night Out-Bring a handful of single-use cameras out with some friends and let everyone start snapping away. Then make plans for a picture swap the next week.

• Welcome to the World-Include a single-use camera in a baby gift bag to make sure new parents always have an easy to use backup camera to capture those first precious moments.

• Take it Outside-Take your kids to a nature preserve or state park and give each one a single-use camera.

• The Visual Family Tree-Hand out single-use cameras at the next family reunion and get the pictures developed before the reunion ends. Not only can everyone take prints from the day, but they can also use the CD to share the pictures online and create photo albums, calendars, mugs and posters.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Single-Use-Cameras-Capture-The-Moment/240176

Digital Photography No More Picture Processing

Digital photography is helping to revolutionize the way we view our pictures and the way we are able to capture the most breathtaking images.

Digital photography is becoming more affordable every year, and the technology to make fabulous photos is well within the reach of the average consumer.

Digital Photography is more than just using a digital camera; it also entails some post processing in an image editing software to the image you captured with your digital camera. Digital Photography is a process where pictures are taken to a computer disk or memory card rather than film.

Digital photography is one of the late 20th century s most innovative technologies. Digital photography is a radically different kind of photography, because the photographer can finally see what the film sees.

You waste nothing; there's no film required, and because you only print the pictures you need, digital photography is cost effective and environmentally friendly.

First of all, the general claim about digital photography is that it makes photography easier; and that's wrong already. And this is where it is getting interesting because, basically, the argument is that digital photography is better because you don't have to wait. Although the resolution of digital photos is not nearly as high as photos produced from film, digital photography is ideal when you need instant, low-resolution pictures.

For many people, the biggest advantage of digital photography is that it eliminates the need for picture processing. Almost all of the cost of digital photography is capital cost, meaning that the cost is for the equipment needed to store and copy the images, and once purchased requires virtually no further expense outlay. Lastly, digital photography is the future, there's no getting around that, and the sooner you start shooting digitally, the better equipped you'll be to evaluate and handle new technology as it comes out. After all, digital photography is just another tool of modernization showing the advancement of photography in an ever-changing world.

The age of digital photography is here and here to stay. With more than 64 million digital cameras sold last year alone, digital photography is more popular than ever. Once of the best of the long list of advantages of digital photography is the immediate ability to view the scene through the digital cameras LCD screen.

For me, digital photography is also the greatest gift ever and the best thing since sliced bread.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Digital-photography-no-more-picture-processing/241082
Digital cameras are useless when their batteries run dry. Battery technologies have improved a lot in the last years but batteries still have just a limited energy capacity. To get more out of your batteries you should understand what digital camera feature consumer more power and how to minimize energy consumption.

Not all camera elements consume the same amount of energy. You can save battery energy by minimizing usage of battery energy guzzling features. The following is a list of battery hungry battery features minimizing usage of those features will provide you with longer battery life.
The digital camera elements can be divided to electronic and mechanical. The chipset and the CCD for example are electronic while the lenses focus motors are mechanical. Generally speaking mechanical elements tend to consume more energy than electronic elements for the same amount of usage time. The exception is the LCD screen that is an electronic element but is also a battery hungry one.

Here is a list of three components that consume the most energy in a typical digital camera and some ideas for how to minimize their consumption.
The LCD screen: Digital cameras allow viewing of digital photos immediately after they were taken on a small bright LCD screen built into the camera. This allows you to review the digital photo composition and to decide if the digital photo is good or if you need to take more photos. LCD screens are also convenient when used as view finders. You can use the LCD to see a real time view of the picture the camera is capturing and then hit the shutter button when you got the digital photo you are looking for. The drawback of the colorful bright LCD screen is that it consumes a lot of energy. If you ever wondered why those LCD screen are turned off automatically by the camera it is to save energy as if they were left on all the time the battery would last a very short time. To save battery try to minimize the usage of the LCD screen. If you have an optical view finder use it whenever possible instead of the LCD. Manually turn off the LCD and only turn it on when absolutely necessary to either access some digital camera menus or to preview a digital photo.

The motors: The digital camera mechanical components are powered by electrical motors. For example an auto focus is implemented by motors that move the lenses in and out. Some digital cameras also include motors that let the photographer control the zoom factor with a press of a button. Motors are electro-mechanical components. They are high energy consumers. The bigger and heavier the lens, for example using high zoom telescopic lenses, and the optical elements that the motor has to move the more energy is consumed. To minimize battery consumption move the digital camera components manually whenever possible. For example if the camera supports zoom in zoom out buttons avoid using them and instead manually move the lenses ring to change the zoom. Try to focus only when you are ready to take a digital photo. Avoid using continuous focusing and holding the shutter button half way for a long time as the motors will keep moving and consume energy during all that time.

The flash: Flash is used when taking digital photos in dark scenes or as fill-in when there are shades on the objects. Flash is an electro-optical component. Energy is charged into a special electronic component and later on that energy is discharged in a short time in the form of light energy. In general the brighter and longer distance a flash unit supports the more energy it consumes. Avoid using flash in scenes where there is enough ambient light.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Why-do-digital-camera-batteries-run-dry-so-fast-/253821

Finding A Discount Digital Camera

If you have a passion for photography but don’t exactly have a lot of cash, finding a suitable camera may be hard for you. Digital cameras don’t come cheap because of the numerous features involved that are lacking in the traditional manual camera. But you don’t have to fret about how much you have to cash out because a discount digital camera is actually available.

A discount digital camera is a camera that is being sold for a lesser price because either it has already gone out of fashion or the manufacturer has already produced a more advanced model. Discount digital cameras come in two kinds – brand-new and used. For some, it is better to buy a specific camera several months to a year after its release because it is cheaper. Though new cameras offer a wider range of features, a discount digital camera offers close to the same features though they can be a bit out of date. You can find discount digital cameras from Discount Camera in the San Francisco Bay area.

Discount digital cameras surfaced when digital cameras broke into the single-use trade. This means that products are used only once and then returned. With a single-use camera, the amount of pictures to be taken is set on a certain limit. After using the camera, it is then sold for a lesser price. The popularity of this market eventually led to the dropping of the prices of newly released cameras. Consumers are predisposed to buy cheaper cameras due to tight budgets. Only avid photographers splurge on highly expensive cameras for better image quality.

The drop of the price point resulted in a fierce competition, which is inevitable in any consumer market. Most manufacturers today compensate through a barrage of advertisements. Features are either highlighted or omitted, depending on the target audience. So it is tasking to select the best digital camera. Even choosing a discount digital camera is difficult. What you have to remember is the reason why you are buying a camera at all. If it is just for recreational use, then you will find a lot of cameras that will suit you. They are relatively cheap compared to high-end professional digital cameras.

When choosing a discount digital camera, you have to check for cuts and scratches if it is used. You also need to measure its performance; image quality, type of battery and media, zoom performance and megapixels. Color sharpness is important in any digital camera. Your only issue with it is choosing the camera with the best image quality that is within your budget. Ensure that the batteries you need aren’t expensive or if the camera needs a special type of battery to be operational. You also have to consider the memory stick or card that comes with your camera. Take into account its compatibility with your equipment. With zoom performance, you only need to check the optical zoom. Digital zoom is equally important but not as much as optical zoom. If your camera has a high optical zoom, this prevents your image from getting broken into minute pixels when you enlarge it. The degree of megapixels assures you of the quality of the image.

To find a discount digital camera, you only have to scope out your local area. By being resourceful, you just need a little cash to support a lifetime hobby.


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Finding-A-Discount-Digital-Camera/257136

Digital Photography As An Art Form

Since the age of 15 I've been dabbling in almost every kind of photography. Following a career in journalism, working for Practical Photography and then launching the first digital imaging magazine, I went on to create ePHOTOzine.

Every so often someone on our forums pops the question “Is photography art?…it’s a very emotive subject and our moderators are always to hand ready to remove expletives and abusive comments. The trouble is, as all the photography magazines have found out for years, is art and photography evoke passionate feelings and extremely strong views. This has become more so since the rise of digital technology.

I have a view I’m about to share which will no doubt cause upset to those photographers who like to shoot natural!

As the person responsible for introducing the first digital technique magazine into the UK, Digital PhotoFX, I was already on rocky ground when we filled the first few issues with those pictures that make people cringe. You know - Venetian masks superimposed on backdrops of gondolas or flowers with the find edges filter creating etched effects.
Well, for me, that was, and digital still is, a very exciting product.

On ePHOTOzine we get all kinds of digitally manipulated imagery, and we also get photographers complaining that it's “not photography”. Well it isn’t, as such.

Let’s go back in time, way before photography and look at landscapes as a subject. Painters were either good or not. There were those who took a scene and were clever enough to replicate that using oil or water colour. The scene would look as close to reality as it could. There were those who could take the scene and, through imagination, make the lighting more imposing, the colours more vivid or the items in the scene more visually balanced than those in reality. Then there were those who created a pile of tosh.

Then photography was invented and it changed everything. If we take our three types, the first could recreate a scene just as he/she had done when painting, but with much more ease, the second could add filters, use a spot meter and light to expose for subjective tones or some darkroom treatment to make the scene better, but for most photography took away total creative control, and the third could, providing the camera was understood, create a scene almost as good as the first group.

So in my view the people affected most when photography arrived where the creative artists, because, unless they had incredible darkroom skills, their photos would rarely be too far from reality and they had their vivid imagination bottled up.

And then along came digital. The first can still do as they always have, the second can go wild with their imagination and the third will produce the sort of shots that make you cringe.

Back to me. My mother was a painter, she painted street scenes and pets and did, to her ability, paint as close to reality as possible. Apart from one occasion where she painted a portrait of David Bowie for me and removed the bracelet he was wearing. She thought it should only be worn by a women! She would have enjoyed digital!

I wanted to paint like her, but didn’t have the skills, I took up photography but couldn’t photograph the objects/scenes I could see in my mind. I tried doing the creative darkroom work, but still couldn't get what I wanted. And then I found Photoshop. Sadly, in the early stages, a machine to run it cost thousands, but these days it's affordable and allows those dreams to come true.

For the first time, photography became, in my mind, real art! We've just gone from painting with oils, to painting with light, to painting with pixel. Although I do agree with views that a lot of crap is passed off as art, but that happens in the canvas world too.

http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Digital-Photography-as-an-art-form/257498

Finding A Digital Camera Online

The great international market bazaar known as the Internet has rapidly made inroads on the territory of traditional brick and mortar retailers, and has in fact become the preferred shopping venue for millions of consumers. The Internet allows people to shop a their convenience from the comfort of their homes without spending money on gas and time fighting traffic.

Internet shopping also allows consumers to comparison shop online, reviewing the features of different items and finding the best prices. While there are, of course, things that should not be purchased online like perishable foods or live animals, it would be very hard to run a search for a non-perishable item an not find someone, somewhere ., who is selling it on their website.

Concerns About Shopping Online

Electronic items are especially in demand for online purchase, and many thousands of people have bought or considered buying a digital camera online. While the chances of getting scammed when purchasing a high-end item like a digital camera online do exist, they are probably greater than the chances of being cheated by a regular store or by purchasing a camera through the classifieds.

Internet retailers, like traditional ones, live and die with their customer base, and if they cannot get repeat business, will be doomed. Being conned when you purchase you digital camera online guarantees you will not be a return customer, and also guarantees bad publicity for the seller.

People buy digital cameras for different reasons; environmentally conscious consumers like them because there are no polluting chemicals involved in the production of digital photos. Others like them because they allow instant viewing of a photograph, and because there are digital camera software photos which can turn even the most amateur photographers into a budding Ansel Adams.

If you’re considering buying a digital camera online, you can feel good both about doing you small part to protect the environment, and about owning a technology which appears to be the future of amateur photography. While your digital camera online purchase may not get you the superlative quality photographs that professional photographers create with traditional cameras and darkrooms, it will get you started, and the digital camera technology is improving by leaps and bounds.

What To Look For In A Digital Camera

When shopping for your digital camera on line, research its storage capacity and pixilation; the greater its pixelation number, the better the sharpness and detailing of your photos will be. But the price you pay for a digital camera online will increase as its pixelation does.

The number of photos your digital camera can store is determined by its storage capacity; however, you can always purchase extra storage capacity by getting an additional flash card, just like you can buy extra memory for your personal computer. The very first digital cameras could hold up to thirty photos, making them competitive with 36-picture rolls of 35mm photographic film.

Today, however, even digital cameras priced in the medium range will store a hundred of more photographs. Once you’ve settled on ho much pixilation and storage capacity you need, and found the camera website offering it at the best price, you should be ready to buy your digital cameral online!


http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Finding-A-Digital-Camera-Online/250883

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Digital Camera Technology

Digital camera technology is widely used throughout the country and the world today. The technological features of these products are very popular and important for consumers seeking quality brands and products to capture pictures, images, and videos of events, holidays, and family members. Digital camera terminology is something that may be somewhat difficult for many people to understand, especially when attempting to compare one product to the next. Resolution is something that many people may not understand. Basically, the resolution is the clarity or quality of the image. With most digital cameras, settings can be altered to increase or decrease the resolution. Memory is another very important feature or term to be concerned with. Many different products have many different memory capabilities and functions. The output associated with the item is another important point to be aware of. The output relates to the equipment that can be used to view the pictures or images that have been captures. Computers and television equipment are the most popular output devices that are commonly used.

Digital camera technology is something that must be reviewed before purchasing a product or item. There are many different brands, functions, and features that can be found with digital cameras, making it of the utmost importance for the consumer to understand certain items. Resolution is a very important topic that consumers should review when searching and becoming familiar with digital camera terminology. Resolution, when dealing with technology, film, and camera equipment refers to the detail and clarity of the pictures that are being taken. Pixels make up the resolution of the pictures. There are many different ranges of pixels that can be used and this number can sometimes be changed or altered with the camera. A number like 640 x 480 is a very low resolution. A high resolution will be 1920 x 1600. Depending on the size of the picture, like if it is an 8x10 or a 4x6, there will be different resolutions required to make the picture clearer and the best possible quality.

Memory is a very important aspect of digital camera technology. The memory is how the images are stored on the computer. On-board memory refers to the built-in memory of the camera. This memory often comes with very low cost equipment. Additional memory can often accompany or be added to many digital cameras. This memory is often called removable memory because it can physically be removed from the camera. There are many different forms of memory that come as removable memory. A memory card or stick is often used. This is a small disk or card that can be placed inside the equipment to store pictures. After the disk is full, it can be removed and placed inside a computer or other equipment to print the pictures, place them on a computer, or just to store the pictures for future use. CDs are also used as a form of removable memory or storage. Digital camera terminology is a very important part of understanding how to choose equipment, including such aspects as the memory capabilities.

Another term commonly used in digital camera terminology is output. This word is very common for many types of technology, but it has a very important usage when dealing with digital camera technology. Basically, the output is the connection that is used to connect the equipment to a computer, printer, or video equipment like a TV or VCR. A serial output is sometimes used for this process. This will allow a connection to be used between the digital camera and a computer. The process of transferring is much slower than with another popular output, USB. Universal serial bus, or USB, is a very common connection that makes transferring pictures much quicker and easier than the earlier serial output. Video output is another useful output tool that allows the transfer of images to video equipment. This will allow the consumer to record the images onto video cassettes and DVDs.

Digital camera technology is very important for consumers. There are many products on the market that are useful in recording events and holidays, making it necessary for consumers to know the difference between certain terms and ideas. Digital camera terminology should be explored before purchasing items, in order for the consumer to get the best equipment for their needs. Terms like resolution, memory, and output are very crucial to understand before jumping into a digital camera purchase. Technology is a part of life that is continually changing, upgrading, and diversifying life. For the Christian, it is important to be thankful for the gifts that God has provided in the form of technology. While it may not be clear to everyone, technology is a gift from God because He is the ultimate creator and provides people with the knowledge and abilities to create products, tools, and technology. "Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." (Job 37:14)

For more information: http://www.christianet.com/digitalequipment


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Top Rated Digital Cameras

The top rated digital cameras are listed in Consumer Reports, and can be found by calling camera shops or other electronic specialty stores, or by looking on the Internet for the top selling digital cameras. All of the brand names of traditional cameras also have digital products, so it's easy to locate names that are familiar. That's a good place to start, and then the various qualities of the cameras will help a person determine which one will fit his particular needs. Like just about any electronic gizmos people look for these days, these photography tools are being improved constantly. The choice one makes depends upon which of the bells and whistles are going to matter, and which are not.

One of the first things to consider when evaluating a camera is how easy it is to reach common settings such as resolution, macro mode, flash, and exposure adjustments. Also, how easy it is to play back just-taken pictures. If there are too many buttons to push before getting what you want or it isn't clear which one does what, time is wasted and the frustration level rises. Simple is definitely better. An LCD screen for viewing the pictures as they are taken is included on all but the least expensive units, and they provide a way to judge how good the pictures are before they are printed. LCD quality varies, so if it is possible, a buyer should try the camera outside before actually making a purchase, even if it's one of the top rated digital cameras. In Bible times there were no photographers or cameras, but sculpted images were common. Some made the mistake of creating statues of imagined gods to worship, and God made clear how he felt about that. "Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands." (Micah 5:13)

The megapixel count is still the most important feature of the top selling digital cameras. The higher the megapixel number, the higher the resolution of the pictures. Because that feature is the first considered by buyers, most manufacturers put that number on the front of the camera where it's easily seen. To judge the kind of photos possible at different levels, the following numbers are guidelines: A 2-megapixel camera can produce images of about 1600 by 1200 pixels, allowing for high-quality 5 by 7 prints. A 3-megapixel camera can produce images of bout 2048 by 1536 pixels, allowing for crisp 8 by 10 prints. Higher resolution requires more memory, so a larger capacity memory card will need to be added, even on top rated digital cameras. Consequently, if a photographer is going to produce mostly small snapshots or images to send via e-mail or post on the web, a 2-megapixel camera will suffice. For larger copies, 4 megapixels or more will be required.

Battery life is limited, even with the top selling digital cameras. Battery life and cost often aren't related. Some can use AA batteries of any type--disposable or rechargeable. That is especially important if the rechargeable batteries run out of juice, and the photographer doesn't want to wait until they are recharged. Time can be important, so if regular batteries can be popped in instead, important shots haven't been lost. Even so, rechargeable batteries and a charger are good to have. If the photographer will be taking mostly indoor shots auxiliary lights that help focus in dim settings will be important features to look for in the top selling digital cameras.

Depending upon the expertise of the photographer, a manual focus will allow more accurate focus than the automatic settings in some instances, so that is another feature to consider when looking at top rated digital cameras. Camera experts recommend that buyers also get at least a 2X optical zoom. All of them offer digital zoom, but the resulting photos aren't nearly as good as those taken with an optical zoom, even in the top selling digital cameras.

Some of these cameras have commands and menus that are easier to use than others, and the only way to tell is with hands-on trials, so it will be important to try out the camera before purchasing. A buyer should check the time between pressing the shutter button and when the camera actually takes the picture. Also, he should determine how quickly and smoothly the zoom lens operates. When checking out the top rated digital cameras, avoid those that use floppy disks or compact discs. While floppies are inexpensive, they don't hold many images, and the cameras that use them typically take low-resolution pictures. The ones that use compact discs are bulky and slow. Another important consideration is image-editing software. This allows various ways to edit a picture before it is made into a print. Obviously, photography isn't just "point and shoot" any more.

For more information: http://www.christianet.com/digitalequipment

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What To Look For In A Digital Camera

Digital camera tips are available from experts at electronic or specialty stores, if such stores exist within a reasonable distance, or online for those buyers familiar with the Internet. The amateur who is familiar with film cameras will find quite a different world when shopping for a digital one, and probably won't know what to look for in a digital camera. Most obvious is the absence of film. Instead of a roll of film to be developed, images are recorded on a memory card, which slips neatly into a slot in the camera. This allows the interior parts of the device to fit into a smaller space than conventional ones.

The resolution of the resulting picture is measured in megapixels, and the higher the number, the clearer the image, and most manufacturers put that number on the front where the buyer can see it first. Someone offering digital camera tips will tell a buyer that those numbers aren't the only important feature to consider. For instance, how much time must elapse between shots? If it's is too sluggish, the photographer may miss some important action. Size and weight are important too, as a heavy piece may not be taken out much, and one too large won't always fit in a travel bag.

If the photographer is taking pictures strictly for sharing with friends on the Internet or to make snapshot-size prints, just about any resolution will do. However, more pixels will produce larger pictures that are sharper, or crop and print small sections of pictures. Digital camera tips: A 2 megapixel camera can produce a pretty 5 X 7 print, a 3-megapixel model an 8X10, and a 4-megapixel (or greater) model, an 11 X 17. To some users, the weight and the way it fits in a pocket may be more important than resolution. They can range in size from 2.6 pounds down to 4.1 ounces.

There are quite a few things that fall under the category of what to look for in a digital camera. One of the items is the choice of batteries a customer may want to use. AAs, either nonrechargeable alkaline, rechargeable nickel metal hydride, high-capacity disposable CRV3s, or proprietary rechargeable batteries will work, and the cost runs from $5.00 to $75.00 to replace. Another tip is that digital models drain batteries quickly, which can be expensive and annoying. It pays to always have spares on hand. Rechargeable batteries and a charger will give the user the best performance.

Also, one can buy a model with fully automatic settings, or get one where the photographer has the freedom to change the lens size and shutter timing, which is needed if shooting action pictures. When evaluating a model, a buyer will want to determine how easily he can reach common settings, and how easily the picture he just took can be played back. Too many buttons waste time figuring out which to use, and too many menus can just be confusing. When deciding what to look for in a digital camera, the user must consider the uses he plans for it. For instance, a 2-megapixel model is fine for snapshots, but a 3-megapixel model will be needed for 8" X 10" prints, and 4 or 5-megapixel types are required for larger prints, and to blow up part of a larger image with clarity.

Here are some more digital camera tips: Nearly all of them offer digital zoom, but the prints that result are not particularly good, so a 2X optical zoom is much better. Some cameras have auxiliary lights that help them focus in dim settings. This is important for most indoor shots. A list of what to look for in a digital camera will definitely include advice to avoid cameras that use floppy disks or compact discs. Floppies are cheap, but don't hold many images, and the resolution is low. Models that use compact discs are typically bulky and slow. The invention of cameras opened new doors for preserving the likenesses of people, where before it took an artist to paint a picture or sculpt a statue for those images to be preserved. Even those artistic endeavors were misused sometimes to make images that people worshiped. God didn't take kindly to that. "Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images." (Exodus 23:24)

The commands and menus on some cameras are easier to use than others, and the only way a person can know which is best suited for him and his needs is by hands-on trial. This allows the user to see how quickly and smoothly the operations can be executed. Other useful digital camera tips include: Look for image-editing software; insist on a camera with an LCD display that allows the photographer to review the photos on the spot and delete the ones that he doesn't like; don't choose a digital camera for video pictures--use a camera specifically designed for that. A further consideration in what to look for in a digital camera is adding a memory card reader to the PC or laptop that allows the downloading of pictures directly from the storage media the model uses.

For more information: http://www.christianet.com/digitalequipment


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Wholesale Digital Cameras

Wholesale digital cameras are making safety and security available to hundreds of businesses at affordable pricing with the new technology that is now available. Once considered only for the large business complexes, this form of monitoring is now being considered, and purchased, by companies of all sizes. Private properties and homes are even purchasing camera securities technology as a means of protection against crime or harassment. The technology behind these amazing photo machines has created a very small and very obscure device, making photographs possible from just about any place or angle. And, with the increase use of the camera has come an increase in opposition as many feel that their privacy rights are being violated. But, the fact remains that the market for wholesale digital security cameras is on the rise and people from the private sector and corporate sector are looking for this technology at affordable pricing.

When camera surveillance first entered as a part of the world culture that we now live in, this technology was for the most part only utilized by large corporate entities that were at risk for high-crime theft. Large banking institutions and casinos where the first to introduce this security method to society. However, now there are many, many more businesses seeking to deter crime and prove crime with the technology behind surveillance operations. The cheaper pricing now available has made wholesale digital cameras affordable for just about any size business and even private properties and homes. The various options in closed circuit security photography, or CCSP, is now being used by public areas that have major consumer foot traffic such as bus terminals, airports, and subway stations. But, city parks, high auto traffic road ways, convenient stores, and malls are seeking to purchase wholesale digital security cameras and have them installed.

With the unfortunate fact that crimes of all magnitudes are on the rise, the need for security devices have increased. CCSP methods were initially used by security personnel to monitor a certain area, being alert for any crime in process. But, with the recording of activity has come the benefit of utilizing the recordings in court proceedings. Police and public prosecutors have found the evidence available from video cameras and still photography very helpful in situations when trying to prove an identity or crime. Wholesale digital cameras can also be used by municipalities to determine traffic needs, report accidents, and deter speeding. And, with the looming threats of terrorist activities, which are undercover and characteristically take place where private citizens gather, the government is finding the use of CCSP very helpful in identifying suspicious individuals. Today's violent culture seems to be dictating the need for companies and agencies of all sorts to purchase wholesale digital security cameras.

There are those that are opposed to the extensive use of CCSP throughout the many privately held and publicly held entities. Those against the use of this equipment argue that there is a loss of privacy when private citizens are under surveillance and that their civil rights are being violated. And, there are certainly documented cases of abuse. It seems that in some cases, the use of wholesale digital security cameras equipment is actually creating a platform for the subtle atrocities of filming people without their permission for crude purposes. And there are opponents that claim the future of CCSP will involve a measure of social control, acting as a way to direct society in a "Big Brother" type of situation. There is a sense of being spied on when there are cameras everywhere, watching every move. The debate over CCSP usage is not new, but is heating up as more businesses and cities seek to purchase wholesale digital security in an attempt to protect and deter crime.

The increased sales of wholesale digital cameras is certainly a testimony to the times in which we live. The Bible teaches that mankind is prone to follow his or her sinful nature. And, today, there is evidence of this truth throughout the world. The heinous crime committed at 9/11 serves as a grave reminder of the destruction that man can inflict upon man. Taking measures to protect oneself, one's employees, and properties is utilizing wisdom. But, the Bible is clear that our ultimate help is to come from the Lord, God Almighty. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalm 92:1-2)

When looking to install CCSP it may be a good idea to begin a research of the various wholesale digital security cameras available on the market. The Internet is a good place to begin investigating the different technologies and price comparing different systems. There is also more information online about the legal ramifications associated with photographing private citizens without their permission. Log on today to discover more about wholesale digital cameras.


http://www.christianet.com/digitalequipment/wholesaledigitalcameras.htm

Wide Angle Digital Camera

Zoom digital camera lenses can be found in short or long zoom proportions according to the manufactured version of a particular camera or the specific preferences of a consumer. There are also several other types of lenses available on today's market including wide angle digital camera lenses. Wide angle lenses can be a bit trickier to purchase and maneuver for the amateur photographer because of the proportionality that must be maintained for good photos. Stretching and distorting are common problems with improper use of wide angled lenses which makes it necessary to understand how to purchase and use this piece of photographic equipment.

Lenses help to focus a prospective photo to the liking of the photographer and many consumers use various types of lenses to enhance their picture taking abilities. Scenes can be enlarged, resized or filtered with different types of lenses which make many consumers want to own as many variations as possible. Many cameras come with attached zoom digital camera lens that are made to adjust automatically to a particular photo setting. For many people, this is the best option because they are not proficient in photographic manipulation to be able to focus without help from an automatic source. Other cameras offer detachable lens options that can be purchased extra such as wide angle digital camera lens or telephoto lens that offer a huge array of photo options for the more ambitious or professional photographer.

Any typical lens that is purchased with a camera will generally do the job that most consumers want done in respect to photo quality. Whether the lens is attached or is a detachable option, most produce good quality photographs for indoor and outdoor scenery or portraits. Much of what is perceived as good or poor quality is based on the photography ability of the consumer rather than the lens itself. However, there are lens options such as wide angle digital camera lenses that can add extra focus and quality to any photo for those who know to use them. This type of lens will include a broader area of the scene and even though the focal point may be smaller, the surroundings will be more visible. Many photographers appreciate the added depth that this lens brings to photographs and opt to always have one on hand no matter where they are.

Another type of lens that is extremely popular with professional or avid photographers is a telephoto lens. Telephoto lenses are used to focus in on a specified target and draw the image in closer to allow a clear photo of the subject or target. Many professional photographers use this sort of equipment rather than the typical zoom digital camera lens because of the enhanced detail that can be gleaned from scenes and subjects that otherwise would be missed in the 'big picture' of things. Telephoto lenses are used to capture a drop of nectar from a hummingbirds bill that otherwise would never be seen by any other method. "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works." (Psalm 9:1) Of course, high speed photo functions are important as well in this endeavor, but small points of interest can more easily be captured through telephoto capabilities.

A very popular type of lens available that provides a broad range of capabilities, ease of use and quality output is the zoom lens. A zoom lens offers a way to be camera-ready for just about anything that any typical consumer will have need of. These types of lenses provide the best of both telephoto and wide angle digital camera lens options because they can be adjusted according to the moments requirement. This lens will remain in a normal photo position until needed for wide or zoom angles. The lens can be pulled or turned into place and will then produce photos with more detail and scenery involved. They are called short or long zoom according to the use that they are put to. Short zoom is when wide angle is used and the long zoom digital camera functions allow a telephoto lens to be used.

This type of lens is basically the best of all worlds when it comes to lenses and many consumers are satisfied with the features and quality that is offered. There are many types of cameras available today that provide prepackaged zoom digital camera lens and add on lens options. Point and shoot, professional and prosumer cameras are the basic types available to consumers and can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for a professional model. The growing popularity of prosumer cameras is propelling this version to the forefront of consumer demand because of higher resolution and creative focusing capabilities. Prosumers costs a bit more than the small pocket sized photographic equipment, but it leaps forward in quality, usability and value.


http://www.christianet.com/digitalequipment/wideangledigitalcamera.htm

Quick! Get the (Digital) Camera!

Craig Nansen, technology coordinator for the Minot (North Dakota) Public Schools shares some of the ways his students use both digital and non-digital photography in the classroom. Included: Education World offers two dozen digital camera activities guaranteed to make life easier for you and more interesting for your students.

"We use digital cameras in just about all grades, from kindergarten through high school," Craig Nansen, technology coordinator for Minot (North Dakota) Public Schools, told Education World. "We use digital cameras to take pictures of students for use in the classroom, and to take pictures of projects and activities to show at open houses and (with parental permission) to publish on the Web.

"For example," Nansen added, "In our area, [the expedition of Meriwether] Lewis and [William] Clark and Sakakawea are big events; some of our students created on our Web site a virtual reality movie about Sakakawea that was done with digital pictures taken during an elementary field trip."

Other Minot students created a Web page about the area's history that includes pictures of the Mouse River Flood. Although the photos were not taken with digital cameras, students worked with the local newspaper, obtained original photos of the 1969 flood, scanned the pictures, and posted them online. The Web page also includes a section about Minot's downtown featuring two pictures taken by Minot elementary students that were award winners in Technology & Learning's photography contest.

"One of the main goals of students using technology (after the normal ones of getting comfortable, doing research, and putting the results into a project) is to become creators of content," Nansen said. "Pictures of field trips or area events, local historical or geographical sites, of the school and city, documentaries of athletic and cultural events, and artistic photography all are great examples of students creating content.

Sally Jenkins, who teaches Minot's gifted and talented students pointed out another good reason for using digital photography in the classroom. "Careful, purposeful observation is one of those skills that is not spelled out in the curriculum, yet is fundamental to many of the skills and 'pieces of content' we want our students to master," Jenkins said. "Looking through the eye of a lens gives another perspective that is so important when looking for the 'big picture' or zooming in on a detail. Both viewpoints can be a starting point to draw conclusions, test a hypothesis, or creatively interpret what we see. Common things become uncommon; the expected becomes a surprise -- all because our skills of observation are bound by what we see through the viewfinder. You can see this skill put to practice in the work of an artist (Georgia O'Keefe for example) or in science or in..."

TWO DOZEN DIGITAL CAMERA ACTIVITIES

The best way to get started using digital cameras, according to Nansen, is to "Just jump in. Take pictures of each student in the room and put them on the bulletin board or use them in a computer presentation. The worst thing that can happen is that you'll make mistakes and waste a little time -- but that is part of learning too."

Why not "jump in" today by trying one of these two dozen activities for using digital cameras in the classroom!

* Photograph students dressed up as what they want to be when they grow up and use the pictures to illustrate career reports.
* Take lots of pictures while on a class field trip. Have students write a caption for each picture, post the photos and captions to a Web site to create a virtual field trip.
* Photograph “a day in the life of your classroom" for parent Open House. Create a slide show to run as parents tour your classroom.
* Store a photograph with each student's electronic portfolio.
* Assign pairs of students to walk through the school to find such examples of geometric shapes as circles, triangles, parallel lines, obtuse angles, and so on. Label each photo and create a geometry book.
* Photograph community landmarks and have students create a brochure about your community.
* For younger students, take pictures of easily recognizable signs in your community and assemble the photos into an "I Can Read" book.
* Use photographs to illustrate the process for complicated projects or for science experiments.
* Write a class novel and illustrate it with live-action photos of your students.
* Take pictures of class procedures and display them in the classroom as a reminder.
* Create a seating chart with photographs for substitutes.
* Take pictures of each child’s eyes, nose, feet, or mouth only. Have children try to match each student to his or her body part.
* Make picture frames for a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift. Glue each photo into a decorated jar lid and glue a magnet to the back.
* Document the growth of classroom plants or animals with daily or weekly photos.
* Take photos of school staff performing their duties. Write a caption for each photo and create a Community Workers book.
* Snap a black-and-white headshot of each student, size it to ¼ page, and place a box frame around it. Place a blank box the same size as the framed picture beside it. Have students draw ½-inch to 1-inch gridlines in pencil in both boxes and label the gridlines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on in each direction. Then have students try to duplicate their pictures by drawing only what they see in each grid.
* Take a photograph of each student at the beginning and end of the school year. Have students complete Venn diagrams of themselves, showing how they have -- and haven’t -- changed during the year.
* Compile a set of file cards naming such abstract concepts or emotions as freedom, love, hate, honor, joy, sorrow, patriotism, responsibility, and respect. Have students select a card at random and take a photograph illustrating that concept.
* Have each student choose a letter and find an object that begins with that letter. Take a picture of the child with the object and use the pictures to create a class alphabet chart.
* Arrange students into groups and assign each group one of the five senses. Have each group photograph the appropriate sensory organ and then have them take pictures of objects that organ might best perceive.
* Take pictures to illustrate such science concepts as food chain, biodiversity, biome, and so on.
* Have students go on a photographic scavenger hunt, taking pictures of the objects they find rather than retrieving the objects themselves.
* Take pictures of plants or animals in your community and use them to create a field guide of local wildlife.

”We're just beginning to realize the potential of what digital photography can do for us," Lori Miller, technology instructor at Wacona Elementary School in Waycross, Georgia, told Education World last week. "Embrace it and share your ideas with others who might be hesitant. Brainstorm with students and fellow teachers. Try some of the ideas you come up with, write down what works and what doesn't work, and then, brainstorm again. The more you learn, the more you'll want to learn about digital photography."

http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech148.shtml

Nikon Digital Cameras-cool(pix) and functional

Even though Nikon entered the camera world by 1948, today its digital cameras are well known everywhere. The company started small but always dreamed big. Here is a historical review of Nikon.

Nikon was one of the late starters in the camera world. It established itself after the end of the World War II with the launch of the Nikon I in the year 1948. It took Nikon three years to develop this camera. From its launch, the Nikon I had a lot of problems. This was rectified by the company and another model called the Nikon M was introduced in 1949 which was well accepted by the market.

During the 1950's, Leica (a German make) had the best 35 mm rangefinder cameras. Nikon wanted to surpass Leica, and its pursuit, it came up with the Nikon SP in 1957. This was considered to be one of the best Nikon cameras available at that time.

After this, Nikon continued to innovate and launched the Nikon F single lens reflex (SLR) camera in 1959. The Nikon F set the industry standard for SLR's and became the hot favorite of photo journalists and professional photographers at that time. With the Nikon F, Nikon managed to surpass Leica and became the market leader in this category.

Then, in the year 1980, Nikon hit another milestone. It designed the Nikon F3 which was to be used by NASA astronauts in outer space expeditions. This camera needed to be big enough so that astronauts wearing bulky gloves could easily handle it and at the same time it had to be strong enough to work perfectly in zero gravity situations and withstand the strong rays of the Sun. NASA was very happy with the job done by Nikon and it got more cameras designed for itself in the coming years from the company.

During the 1990s, Nikon continued to innovate by bringing out better and more advanced SLR cameras. It came up with the NIKONOS RS, the world's first underwater auto focus SLR camera in the year 1992. The company also joined hands with Fuji Films and introduced the E2/E2S digital still cameras in 1995. As far as digital cameras were concerned, Nikon entered the digital arena in the year 1997 with the launch of its first digital camera, the COOLPIX100.

Today, the company has expanded itself further, and even opened factories in distant lands such as Poland and the Netherlands. It has entered new areas such as binoculars and telescopes and eyewear. Nikon is also considered to be one of the good makes as far as digital cameras are concerned. Over its 50 year history, Nikon has done a fascinating task of constantly innovating itself and bringing about new technologies in the market. here are the latest cameras by Nikon :

* Digital SLR Cameras (D-Series) : For advanced, professional users.
* Coolpix Cameras : Ranging from 3-5 mega pixels, these are great for everyday users.


Author information:
Kevin Rockwell worked as a network TV cameraman for 20 years shooting news and sports. Now a devoted fan of digital photography and video he works to gather information, tips and news for digital camera users. Oh and he loves to shoot pictures of his kids playing sports.

Enhance Your Digital Photos Using Photoshop CS

As more and more people are buying digital cameras and uploading their digital photos onto their PCs, people are starting to experiment with what things they can do to their photos to enhance them, cut out unwanted people from their photos, or take the people in their photos and place them on a different background. The enhancements you can carry out on your photos are endless. In this article I will give you a few tips on how to get the most out of Photoshop to take your photos to the next level.

If you don’t own a digital camera, do not worry. You can still use the following tips by scanning in your photos. Here the one thing to remember is to make sure that your dpi (dots per inch) is 300dpi for best results.

1. Lightening up dark photos

Open the photo you want to edit and select ‘Image’ from the main toolbar, then select ‘Adjustments’ followed by ‘Brightness/Contrast’. You can adjust these two settings until you are happy with the brightness of the photo.

2. Adding more colour to your photos

Some of your photos may seem dull, or maybe the opposite whereby it too much colour or redness. This can be adjusted by clicking on ‘Image’ from the main toolbar, then select ‘Adjustments’, followed by ‘Match Colour’. On this window you can increase and decrease the ‘Colour Intensity’ setting as required.

3. Removing the background from a digital photo

With this tool, you can cut around any object, background or person you would like to remove from the digital photo. From the ‘Tools’ panel on the screen select ‘Pen Tool’. With this tool, start on one side of the object you want to remove and click around the outline of it.

This is a delicate process, and the more accurate you are with the outline, the better your final image will be. Make sure you zoom into the image as this will increase your accuracy. Don’t be afraid to zoom in further than you think is necessary as this will only improve the quality of the final outcome.

The closer your clicks are, the more accurate the pen will draw around your outline. To draw around curves of your object, while holding the Ctrl key click on the line (between two clicks) which you can then adjust until you are happy with it. Once you have completely drawn around the whole object and you are back where you started, make sure your ends are joined together. Now right click on the image you just outlined and select “Make selection”, change the feather radius to 0 and click on OK.

4. Optimising your photos for the web.

Many people now want to send their digital photos through email or put them up on their own personal website where friends and family can view them. Images which have a size of more than 2MB take a long time to download especially with slow connections. Photoshop has an image optimise that reduces the file size considerably without losing any quality of the image which is noticeable to the eye. Open your image in Photoshop and choose ‘File’ from the main menu, then select ‘Save for Web’. A new window will open with some basic presets, select the file size you would like and save the document.

About The Author
Brad Bagherian is the founder and MD of elaborations Ltd (www.elaborations.co.uk). elaborations is a London based Design Company specialising in website design and development, graphic design and Internet marketing.

ISO settings on a digital camera

ISO settings
On all compact digital cameras and digital SLR ISO settings can either be manualy set or automatically set by the camera. An ISO setting dictates how sensitive to light the digital sensor should be. The sensor in the camer captures the detail of the image, the data is then turned into digital signals to be stored on a memory card. ISO settings start at around 50 and generally go up to ISO 400, some dslr cameras can go up to 3200. The higher the ISO number the more sensitive the sensor is and will take in more light. Taking a photo out side in bright sun light would mean a low ISO setting maybe of 100 or less. Taking a picture in doors at a party would need at least a 400.

AUTO ISO
The camera decides on the settings, by judging the brightness of the settings. The photographer has no control.

ISO 50 - 100
This manual setting is best used for images taken in bright sun light, portrait and landscape photography. It can be used for macro photography as it also tends to produce better quality

ISO 100
Adds extra light to the image with out any loss in quality, a good use for photography in the shade on a sunny day.

ISO 200
Best used on cloudy and overcast days. Acceptable image quality, though loss in the over all quality of the picture can be detected.

ISO 400 and above
For use when you are unable to use a flash. Also useful for indoor photography whether you use a flash or not. If you intend to take action photos like sports then a high ISO setting with a quick shutter speed will be needed to ensure that you capture the action quickly with enough light.

http://www.print-digital.info/articles/digital-camera-sensitivity.html