Transcript Getting Started with..

Getting Started with
Digital Photography
Instructor- Christine Vucinich
Assistant- Denise Wagner
ITS Training Services
http://its.psu.edu/training/
Objectives
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Learn basic digital
photography concepts
Explore some of the
tools available
Practice taking digital
photographs
Upload digital photos to
the computer
Obtaining Digital Images
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Scan Images
Have images scanned
to a CD when you are
getting your film
processed
Web Cams
Use a Digital Camera!
How Digital Cameras Work
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A photograph enters a digital camera the same
way it enters a film camera - through a series of
lenses called the lens element.
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The lenses refract and focus light so that it
converges at a specific point.
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The difference is that instead of refracting light
onto film, digital camera lenses refract light onto
specialized computer chips. The chip that
makes it all happen is the image sensor. It is
the "film" of the film-less camera.
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The quality of your photographs is determined
on the performance of this chip.
Going Digital- Pros
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Availability and flexibility
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Unlimited number of images
can be shot (if sufficient
storage is available).
The results are instant. Many
cameras have a liquid crystal
display (LCD screen).
You can experiment by reshooting an image if
necessary.
Speed and convenience
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No need to have film on hand.
No need to develop digital
images-no film to process.
Can have an image ready for
the Web or e-mail immediately.
Going Digital- Pros
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Surviving the destructive
forces of time
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Film deteriorates and fades,
digital images don’t)
You can make multiple
copies that are identical to
the original.
Color and focus
modification- You can edit
your pictures electronically
with photo editing software
(e.g. Photoshop)
Going Digital- Cons
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Storage Concerns
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Longevity- How long will the file
format/files be recognizable?
(consider printouts for archiving)
Cost (camera and printing) can
be expensive.
Must always be aware of
batteries and storage. (especially
if traveling)
You don’t have a negative so you
need to make sure you keep the
original of your image.
Color distortion.
Quality can be inferior to
traditionally photographed images
because of camera resolution.
Types of Digital Cameras
Type
Description
Price
Gadget
Toy cameras, and cameras that
are built into computers.
Price $60-200.00
Entry-level (point-and-shoot)
Basic digital cameras with few
features, automatic focus and
limited image quality. Printing
limited to 4x6 inches.
$100.00-400.00
Deluxe point-and-shoot
These cameras offer more
controls and produce better
images than entry-level ones do.
Print up to 8 X 10.
Price $400.00-800.00
Semi-professional
Features, quality, and ease-ofuse, make these cameras ideal
for many different jobs, ranging
from graphic and Web design to
insurance and real estate. Print
up to 11 x 14.
Price $800-2000
Professional
The best of digital cameras,
producing images that meet or
exceed the quality of film.
Price $2000+
Tips for Selecting a Digital
Camera
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Do your homework!
Determine your needs
Set a budget- Think about which
“extras” are worth it.
Figure out how many megapixels you
will need.
Go for optical zoom—enlarged image
that is still good quality.
Consider how many pictures you want
to be able to take at a given time.
Make sure the camera is compatible
with your computer.
Get a feel for the camera—Try before
you buy!
Questions to Help Determine
Your Needs
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What do you want to do with the photographs?
(Share with family/friends, use professionally in
magazine or Web)
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What image quality do you need? What is the
largest size do you plan to print?
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What are you going to photograph? (close-ups,
action, long-distance. What kind of zoom do you
need?)
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How experienced of a photographer are you?
(Do you want automatic or control over your
camera’s functions?)
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What modes do you need (play back-display on
LCD screen, panoramas, movie mode?)
Things to consider
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Design of model
Viewfinder and Display
Ease of Use
Price
Resolution
Picture Storage
Compression and File
format
Batteries (life and type)
Choice of lenses
Other features (i.e. video
and burst exposure)
Choosing your digital camera:
http://www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm
Considering your
Storage/Archiving Options
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Internal Memory (typically 8 to
16 MB).
Additional Memory:
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CompactFlash and Smart Media
Flash RAM cards
Hard drive, Zip or Floppy disks
Memory Stick and CD-R
PC Cards and IBM Microdrive
Tips for taking good
photographs
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Hold your camera steady to
avoid blurry pictures
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Stand close enough to your
subject so it fills your
viewfinder (but not closer than
4 ft.)
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Take pictures at the subject’s
level (Kneel down to take
pictures of children and pets).
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Hold your camera vertically to
capture tall, narrow subjects
(such as a waterfall,
skyscraper, or single person)
Tips continued…
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Add interest to your picture by
framing it with a tree branch, a
window, or rail fence.
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Keep the sun behind you to provide
the best subject illumination.
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Keep your hand, fingers, or objects
away from the flash and picturetaking lens.
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Stand at an angle to shiny surfaces
like windows or mirrors to avoid
flash reflection and bright spots in
your pictures.
Digital Photography
Composition Tips
Keep it!
* Simple * Focused * Uncluttered *
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The Rule of Thirds (divide your
screen into 3 X 3 squares. Your eye
gravitates to the 2/3 area.)
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Choose a vantage point to suit your
subject. Add perspective
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Pay attention to how your frame a
subject. Think “Graphic Design”
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Use natural light if possible.
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Have an eye for detail- get in
CLOSE.
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Remove any clutter.
Process for downloading your
Images to a Computer
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Install the software that came with your
camera.
Attached the camera to your computer.
Many cameras connect through a Universal
Serial Bus (USB)- Plug the camera in and
out of the USB port.
Set camera mode to “transfer”, “playback” or
“on” (depending on your camera type).
Software will launch automatically
(if not, go to Start > All Programs)
Select the location (drive and folder) to
download your images.
Select the images you want to download.
Features Overview of the Kodak
EasyShare CX 6330 Camera
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Amazing prints up to
11"x14" with 3.1 MP
3X optical zoom lens
Multi-zone auto focus
Point-and-shoot simplicity
Multiple scene modes and
video capture
Sharing is simple
Loaded with features
Features Overview of the Kodak
EasyShare CX 6330 Camera
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Exceptional Viewing Quality with 1/6”
color display- indoors and outdoors
Built-in flash- auto, red-eye, fill, offfor the correct light
2X or 4X magnify for a closer look
Multi-up images to compare shots
Protect picture from accidental
erasure
10-second self timer
16 MB internal memory plus
MMC/SD expansion slots
Features Overview of the Kodak
EasyShare CX 6330 Camera
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3 Color Modes
(Color, Sepia and Black
and White)
320 X 240 pixels
resolution
Video cables for easy
hook-up to your TV
QuickTime video format for
universal sharing
Multiple Scene Modes
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Automatic Mode
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Night Mode
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Captures sharp, full frame pictures at
close range
Burst Mode
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© Kodak.com
ensure maximum sharpness for distant
scenes
Close-up Mode
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Ideal for night scenes or low light
situations
Landscape Mode
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Optimal setting for most standard
situations
Lets you take up to 3 pictures in quick
succession
Kodak EasyShare Software
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CX6330 is part of the
KODAK EASYSHARE
System, so sharing your
pictures is easy.
This software allows you to
view, edit, organize, index
print or view a slideshow
from your desktop. (Many
cameras come with
specialized photo gallery
software).
Kodak Optional Accessories
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EASYSHARE Camera Dock 6000
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Transfer button instantly uploads pictures to your computer
for viewing, printing and emailing
Also changes your camera battery in three hours or less
USB connection
EASYSHARE Printer DOCK 6000
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Transfers pictures and charges battery just like the Camera
Dock
Prints borderless 4” X 6” prints in less than 2 minutes
Print with or without a computer
Additional Resources
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Book: Digital Photography All-In-One
Desk Reference for Dummies
Kodak
http://www.kodak.com/
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Penn State Computer Store
http://computerstore.psu.edu/
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Media & Technology Support Services
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/mtss/
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ITS Training Services Resources*
http://its.psu.edu/training/resources/
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* note: Go to the “Getting Started with Digital Photography” link for a listing a resources compiled to prepare
materials/information for this presentation.
Photo Shoot…
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Indoor photos inside of
our computer lab
Outdoor photos. Let’s go
to Old Main & the area by
the Hintz Family Alumni
Center
Thank you !
Q&A
ITS Training Services
http://its.psu.edu/training/