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.

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Different types of digital cameras

ompact digital cameras
Most compact cameras are small and lightweight which can fit into a pocket or ladies purse. They have plenty of features despite their small size. Their price range can vary according to the different features that the camera offers.

Cameras in this category include: Concord Eyeq Duo

Point and shoot cameras
Easy to use cameras with enough controls that get the job done which won't overwhelm you. Best type to buy if you don't like fussing with lots of buttons and menues.

Cameras in this category include: Fuji Finepix F10

Advanced digital camera
Cameras offering fully automatic as well as manual and semi-automatic controls and other advanced features. Some take accessories and add-ons such as wide-angle and telephoto lenses, filters, remote controls and external flashes.

Cameras in this category include: Canon Powershot G6

Digital SLR cameras
Digital single lense reflex cameras offer a full range of advanced features that can be manipulated by the user. They all have the ability to inter change with many different lenses, be it telephoto lenses or wide angle lenses. Some of the more advanced cameras can be bought with out a lense to help reduce the price. The features that are on the cameras, expect to pay for them.


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