msgbartop
Productive Shopping For Digital Cameras
msgbarbottom

21 Sep 08 The Switch From Film to Digital Camera: Making the Adjustment

Author: Christine Peppler

From all of the books, advertisements, and products in stores it would appear that no one continues to use a camera. This isn’t true of course. Although a can offer much greater control during the editing process and perhaps even a cost savings over the long run, a traditional camera still has advantages for some consumers. One of those being that if their camera is a good one and meets their needs, there is no reason to change.

However, for those who do decide to switch to a there will be significant differences to which they must adjust. Certainly the technology behind a makes them different; how are captured and stored, the themselves, pixels, , and so forth. But there are a handful of basic changes to which even those who on a very limited and casual basis will need to adapt.

Response Time

With a more affordable, point-and-shoot type there can be a significant delay between pressing the button and the camera actually taking the . These cameras are somewhat like a small computer. During the lag time it is focusing but this can cause some great shots to be missed.

Of course, spending the time to shop for a camera with less lag time is one solution; and certainly many of the more expense models don’t suffer this issue. However, there is a simple adjustment which can produce a significant reduction in the lag time. The can set up the shot, aim the camera at the subject, and press the button down half way and hold it. At this point, the will begin the process of focusing. Then, a couple of seconds or more later, when the and subject are ready, the button is depressed entirely and the is taken almost immediately. Obviously, this requires the to anticipate and prepare before taking a shot.

Life

Because much of what a does consumes energy from the , they are known to drain very quickly. One of the particularly power greedy functions unique to a is that of powering an . Again there are a number of things users can do to assure they don’t run out of power and to reduce the rate at which the camera uses the energy.

To avoid a trickling discharge, should be removed from the camera when the device won’t be used for more that a week or two and, likewise, a should be powered off if the user doesn’t anticipate taking a shot for another 30 minutes or so. Using the “sleep mode” is good also, to assure that even if the user forgets, the camera gets powered off.

Using the instead of the to frame shots is wise when you wish to save power. Users can also avoid using whenever their subject is more than 12 feet or so away, since the will be ineffective anyway and drain power needlessly. Those traveling with a also need to be sure to carry a backup to avoid problems.

A final recommendation is to use other power sources when possible. Use AC power when performing various functions such as downloading or use a card reader to download from the cards and remove the camera from the process entirely. can be edited on the computer rather than on the camera to save additional power.

The Viewing System

A often has an optical which is separate from the lens through which the camera takes the . Thus, when a subject is somewhat near, what a sees, and what the camera sees are two different things. Using the LCD to frame a shot is also difficult because in order to see the screen, the camera is held away from the body, making it difficult to hold the camera steady for a good shot. The fix for this is to use the “correction marks” visible through the which approximate the border of the image that the camera is seeing versus using the . This also allows the user to keep the camera closer to the body in a steady fashion.

Another option is to buy a camera with an electronic which takes the image captured by the lens, and electronically transfers it to a display screen allowing the user to accurately frame the . Use of an electronic however will increase power consumption.

The third option is to buy a with a TTL mechanism. With TTL, the views a scene through the same lens that records the image and is thus able to frame a scene accurately. This option however is generally available only on more expensive .

Despite these differences, do offer some tremendous advantages; from being able to view instantly, edit them, print them at home, share them easily on the internet, and so forth which make them worth the small effort to adjust to their unique characteristics.

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

21 Sep 08 Why Should you Switch Over to a Digital Camera?

Author: Roberto Sedycias

We have entered the age of . The advantages of the traditional camera over the have disappeared, and the former are increasingly becoming a part of our normal lives.

A produces digital - these are so easy to load on a computer and they can be emailed across the world to your friends or relatives in a matter of minutes. It is easy to check digital and delete them if you wish. If you find that a you have taken is useless, you can delete it easily instead of wasting , which you cannot reuse. A can go bad over time; so keeping a handy for use whenever necessary is a fine option.

One can characterize by the . Digital are made up of color dots called pixels. The pixels are expressed by height and width, for example 320 x 480. These numbers are then multiplied, providing the total amount of pixels. Large number of pixels provides more detailed , but this resource is available mostly on the more expensive cameras. Two , which means 2 million pixels, is at the low end, and may result in defects when the is enlarged. On the other hand, seven represent a robust and can handle enlargement well.

One other point to consider is zooming. The Optical feature adjusts the light which enters the camera, and this makes the scene to appear closer. The digital feature adjusts the after being digitized, to produce a closer appearance. Both can produce the desired result, but optical is preferable.

also come with internal , but this is usually too small. So you have to look at the kind of add on that the camera allows. The additional usually comes in the shape of a thumbnail sized chip, and you can carry these around conveniently if needed.

The is another area you have to consider. Some use standard sized , while others use less common, proprietary sizes. Some hold a charge better; some systems are rechargeable, while some cameras just hog power.

Then there is the preview screen - which is an LCD () screen, which shows you what the camera would see at any given point if you wish to take a . In this system, the screen is active whenever you are preparing to take a , but this will also consume the while you are doing it.

But you also have that come with an optical that does not consume power. This is helpful when you are waiting for the right moment to shoot, or when you require the preview screen to compose a at a difficult angle. You can also preview the saved on the screen and delete the ones you don`t want to keep, and thus clear space.

With the ever changing and advancements in the technology these cameras also keep getting better and better. The basic features are common for all types of , only the add on features keep varying with the price and the manufacturers choices. Usually they allow you to take automatically, i.e. you can take your own , adjust the that you have taken may also adjust the settings according to the color choice, brightness, etc. You may also create your own video album!!

Thus it is apparent that the rules over the . There can`t be any competition between the two because without doubt dominate the scene. They have effectively changed the way the world takes and possessing a is a dream for many budding .

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

21 Sep 08 About Digital Cameras

Author: Mohit Sharma

The have the ability to display the on the screen immediately after the image is recorded. The to be captured can be seen on its screen instead of its . This way you can get a clearer preview of the image you are intending to capture.
The outdoes the traditional camera in its image storing capacity too. The has the ability to store thousands of on a single device. In addition you can even erase or unload the captured onto your computer and reuse the camera’s inbuilt . In some cases you can even put a new card and store more . also allow you to edit . When capturing videos, have the ability to record sound too, thus making video capturing a fun experience.
There are varied categories of :
: They are the cameras that exclusively record moving .
The professional are the ones used for production, etc. these have multiple thus enhancing the of the end product. These do not have a inbuilt VCR or .
The camcorder is another type of that has a to record sound and an to view the image that you are going to capture. This is mostly used by amateurs.
The web cameras are the type that is attached to the computers. Some of these web cameras have , while some of them also include abilities.
Compact : They are small and portable; the smallest of them are called subcompacts. They are easy to use with not many special features or high quality. They have built in of not a very high power, but sufficient for close objects. It also permits live preview. They have a greater depth of field thus allowing objects from larger distances to come in sharp focus.
Bridge cameras: They are higher-end that look a lot like . Bridge cameras have the same advanced features as SLR and the live preview like the compact .
Digital single cameras: This is the that works like the single- with a .
Digital : A rangefinder is an optical mechanism used to measure subject distance. They were once widely used on cameras.
Professional modular systems: Mostly these cameras are used in studios for commercial production. Since they are bulky and difficult to carry they are rarely used in action or nature . They can be changed to digital or cameras by simply replacing the back part of the entire device.
Line-scan camera systems: This type of camera is used in industrial areas in order to capture an image of a constant stream of moving material. This technology has the ability
These cameras are almost solely used in industrial settings to capture an image of a constant stream of moving material. Line-scan technology is capable of capturing data extremely fast, and at very high image .

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

21 Sep 08 Digital Camera Buying Guide

Author: Monty Alexander

Planning to buy a ? Not sure how to get started?

Read on to discover how…..

What do you need the camera for?

If you buy a simple one that can be used at home, you will not get interesting that you need for taking really good photographic . On the other hand, it would be a waste of your money if you have the latest only to be used for personal at home.

Based on the purpose one can choose from the following main three types.

· Point and shoot: - reasonably compact, with features and size like cameras.

· Lifestyle: - with moderate features, it’s sleek and compact, so you can carry it around with ease.

· Professional: - with interchangeable , flashes and other accessories, this camera is robust and feature laden, just the right choice for a professional or serious .

These are the important features to look for?

Digital are made up of dots called pixels. The higher the number of pixels in your image, the better will be the quality of the image. This will therefore enable you to enlarge your image to higher dimensions without creating a pixilated (broken) image.

Compression

Compression shrinks a ’s file size, thus accommodating more in the card. However compression causes a small amount of data loss. If you need the absolute best-quality , you have to consider buying a camera that takes uncompressed but will accommodate less number of .

A camera’s size will decide the number of that can be stored. of 128MB will be good enough if you want to use the camera mostly at a social do or a party. If you are on a vacation or when you cannot download for days at a stretch, a of 512MB to 1GB will be most favorable.

Most come with at least an optical but many also come with an built into the back. For a , they vary from 1.5-2.5 inches.

Lens

It is the length of a camera’s lens that determines how much of a scene will fit in a . A “Normal” lens is about 50mm, most closely approximate to what your eye sees.

Optical

This enables the to in on an object without any problem in quality. Depending on the magnification number, you can in more.

Digital

This feature enables the to in on the centre of the by removing the edges of the image.

Focus an exposure

In most cameras, the correct exposure for the lighting conditions is automatically determined. A camera rated ISO 100, has approximately the same light sensitivity as that of a traditional camera loaded with ISO 100 . A higher ISO rating means that the camera is more sensitive to light and is potential enough to take in darker settings.

Audio and Movie capture

This feature allows you to record sounds and moving at the same time, in exactly the same way that a camcorder functions. Some provide the facility to record a few seconds of audio with each shot, thus letting you add a personal sound bite to your .

Movie mode

This is a feature that lets you take short clips with your camera. The total record length is typically limited to 10 to 90 seconds.

Most come with an in-built . Some cameras however include additional features, such as red-eye reduction or night portrait mode.

Image erase

Most cameras also let you select to erase. This handy feature gives you the chance to edit out the you don’t want in order to create space in the .

Self-timer

A self-timer allows your for a delayed exposure, usually giving you about 10 seconds before the is taken.

Computer connections

Most high-end cameras have software and connections for both Mac and PC computers. However it is necessary to make sure the you want is compatible with your platform before you buy it.

This feature enables the to capture still of something moving very fast.

Printing

Nowadays you can buy special , depending on the compatibility of your camera, to print off your without connecting it to a PC. This applies both for digital and SLR .

How important is size and portability to you?

Size is another very important factor to consider. If you are to use the camera for non professional purposes the size has to be small as you cannot afford to carry huge when you are enjoying a trip.

What is your budget?

Based on the budget the features will vary and the overall offering of a camera. Today’s run anywhere from Rs 800 to Rs 30,000, depending on and features. While the initial expense of a is still high you may find that the added convenience and savings in and processing costs are worth it.

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

20 Sep 08 The Magic Behind Digital Camera

Author: Harry Rockwell

A , as opposed to a or videotape camera, uses an to transform (or video) into electronic data. Modern are typically multifunctional and the same device can take , video, and/or sound.

In 2005, are starting to push traditional cameras out of many markets. Shrinking device sizes have recently allowed miniaturized to be included in multifunctional devices, such as cell phones and PDAs.

Classification

can be classified into several groups:

* Professional such as those used in television and movie production. These typically have multiple sensors (one per color) to enhance and color gamut. Professional usually do not have a built-in VCR or .

* Camcorders used by amateurs. These are a combination of camera and VCR to create an all-in-one production unit. They generally include a to record sound, and feature a small LCD to watch the video during filming and playback.

Still cameras

are generally characterized by the use of and USB or Fire Wire for and transfer.

Most have a rear LCD for reviewing . They are rated in ; that is, the product of their maximum dimensions. The actual transfers to a host computer are commonly carried out using the USB mass device class (so that the camera appear as a drive) or using the Transfer Protocol and its derivatives.

All use a (for Charged Coupled Device) which is a chip comprised of a grid of phototransistors to sense the light intensities across the plane of focus of the .

There has recently been some application of a second kind of chip, called a (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, and this chip is often differentiated from a proper in that it uses less power and a different kind of light sensing material, however the differences are highly technical and many manufacturers still consider the chip a charged coupled device. For our purposes, a chip sensor is a .

* Standard : This encompasses most . They are characterized by great ease in operation and easy focusing; this design allows for limited motion capability. They have an extended depth of field.

This allows objects at multiple depths to be in focus simultaneously, which accounts for much of their ease of focusing. It is also part of the reason professional find their flat or artificial-looking. They excel in landscape and casual use.

* typically have a sensor nine times larger than that of a standard , and are targeted at professional and enthusiasts. They resemble ordinary in most ways, with replaceable and lens components, which give the user maximum control over light, focus and depth of field.

They are also bulkier and more expensive than their casual-use oriented counterparts. They are superb for portraiture and artistic because they can be customized for various applications with a comprehensive range of exchangeable .

Professional modular systems

High-end backs used by professionals are usually separate devices from the which they are used with. (This is because most of the large- and medium-format camera systems in professional use at the time that digital capture overtook as the professional’s medium of choice were modular in nature, i.e. the had multiple , viewfinders, winders and backs available for use with it to fit different needs.)

Since the first backs were introduced there have been three main methods of “capturing” the image, each based on the hardware configuration of the particular back.

The first method is often called “Single Shot,” in reference to the number of times the camera’s sensor is exposed to the light passing through the .

Single Shot capture systems use either one with a Bayer filter stamped onto it or three separate CCDs (one each for the primary additive colors Red, Green and Blue) which are exposed to the same image via a beam splitter.

The second method is referred to as “Multi-Shot” because the sensor is exposed to the image in a sequence of three or more openings of the lens aperture. There are several methods of application of the multi-shot technique.

The most common originally was to use a single with three filters (once again red, green and blue) passed in front of the sensor in sequence to obtain the additive color information.

Another multiple shot method utilized a single with a Bayer filter but actually moved the physical location of the on the focus plane of the lens to “stitch” together a higher image than the would allow otherwise. A third version combined the two methods without stamping a Bayer filter onto the chip.

The third method is called “Scan” because the sensor moves across the focus plane much like the sensor of a desktop scanner.

These CCDs are usually referred to as “sticks” rather than “chips” because they utilize only a single row of pixels (more properly “photosites”) which are again “stamped” with the Bayer filter.

The choice of method for a given capture is of course determined largely by the subject matter. It is usually inappropriate to attempt to capture a subject which moves (like people or objects in motion) with anything but a single shot system.

However, the higher color fidelity and larger file sizes and available with multi-shot and scan-backs make them attractive for commercial working with stationary subjects and large-format .

Webcams

* Webcams are attached to computers, used for or other purposes. Webcams can capture full-motion video as well, and some models include or ability.

These devices range in price from very inexpensive to expensive higher-end models; many complex webcams have a servo-controlled base capable of tracking facial motion with the help of software.

Interpolation

Image color or interpolation is used unless the camera uses a beam splitter single-shot approach, three-filter multi-shot approach, or Foveon X3 sensor.

The software specific to the camera interprets the information from the sensor to obtain a full color image. This is because in digital , each must have three values for luminous intensity, one each for the red, green, and blue channels. A normal cannot simultaneously record these three values.

The Bayer filter pattern is typically used. A Bayer filter pattern is a 2×2 pattern of light filters, with green ones at opposite corners and red and blue elsewhere.

The high proportion of green takes advantage of properties of the human visual system, which is determines brightness mostly from green and is far more sensitive to brightness than to hue or .

Sometimes a 4-color filter pattern is used, often involving 2 different hues of green. This provides a wider color gamut, but requires a slightly more complicated interpolation process.

The luminous intensity color values not captured for each can be interpolated (or guessed at) from the values of adjacent pixels which represent the color being calculated.

In some cases, extra is interpolated into the image by shifting photosites off of a standard grid pattern so that photosites are adjacent to each other at 45 degree angles, and all three values are interpolated for “virtual” photosites which fall into the spaces at 90 degree angles from the actual photosites.

Connectivity

Many can connect directly to a computer to transfer data. USB is the most widely used method, though some have a Fire wire port.

Integration

Some devices, like mobile phones integrates . Mobile phone cameras are much more sold than standalone digital ones.

need to store data. The higher one goes in size, the more will be needed. Cameras use a removable card to store data, but the cheapest and smallest cameras may simply use fixed internal instead. Some cameras come with inbuilt as well.

Autonomous devices

An autonomous device, such as a , operates without need of a computer. The camera connects to the printer, which then downloads and prints its . Some DVD recorders and television sets can read cards too.

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

19 Sep 08 Capturing Special Moments With A Digital Camera

Author: Roberto Sedycias

There are millions of people around the world who share a keen interest in . The charm of capturing a moment in a camera is truly amazing. Probably, this is one of the strongest reasons why a growing number of people are joining the cult of professional photographic pursuit. Traditionally, taking , processing and developing them in the dark room was a painfully long process. But as evolved, it enabled camera manufacturing companies to come up with high-end .

are an ideal for taking without having to worry about running out of snaps of roll which is the case with the traditional cameras. This apart, there is no need of having to wait till the entire roll of gets used just to find the blown-up in the dark room. allow you to take any number of and see each one of them right after you take them. Also you can connect your camera to the USB port of you Personal Computer and store your snaps there in a folder. What is more is that you can customize each , thru software, just the way like it. In case, you want to take a hard-copy of the , you can always use the printer to get your favorite printed out.

Buying a is a matter of serious deliberation. Since different brands of companies are offering cameras with special features, you have be aware of the standard features of the in order to be able to make the right purchase. The following are some of the must-know tips that you should be familiar with before you swipe you credit card in a kiosk of a shopping mall or punch in the CVV number in the box while shopping online for a captivating camera.

Price Range:

The price of digital can usually range anything from US$100 to $1000. If you are buying a digital for the first time, then don`t go for an expensive one. It is quite easy to get tempted into spending a lot of money to buy a camera offering features that are just of no use to you. Get to know your needs and settle for a prudent purchase. Ensure that the you pick should be light-weighted and easy-to-use. Later on, after you learn the basics of , you may opt for an high-end edition.

Features:

The standard features of of all make are almost similar except for some special features introduced by some renowned brands in the market. Features such as , automatic functions, special effects, black & white and video recording facilities are usually offered by most brands. However, as a prudent buyer you have be careful of the claims some manufactures might be making. For instance, the feature of digital magnifications may not actually live up to your expectation level if you are hoping to get the optimal clarity especially if you are aiming at say 8×10 or larger size . Do not be tempted by the flashy promotional gimmickry of the brands. Consider the features keeping your pre-established price range in mind.

Lens:

All provide two types of features: optical and digital. While the optical feature is based on the lens magnification and gives you with a sharp and crystal-clear clarity, digital relies on the magnification of the which results in less sharp and fuzzy . Make sure that the you buy should at least have the optical features. However, as mentioned earlier, you have to be careful of the digital magnification claim. You can look for having lens and features.

Image :

Image or is one of the most striking features of . For personal and email purpose having 2.0 will deliver clear . However, many manufactures are now offering with 8.0 and above . You get better and clearer with higher . High mega plays a key role in image enlargement. So if size matters to you, consider this aspect seriously.

Type and Longevity:

If you are likely to use the for outdoor activities, it is important to consider how long the built-in will last. Even if you think of using some extra rechargeable , just make sure whether the you are buying support the same .

:

Every has the feature. Just make sure that the screen size should be at least 2 inches or above. It will give you better and clear .

Related posts

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,