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Chapter 1 - Getting To Know Your CameraIt is important to know the features of your camera, it will make taking pictures (creating images) more

enjoyable and fulfilling.

Types of Digital Cameras

Subcompacts (pocket cameras)

Compact (Range finder)

Superzooms (SLR like)

Digital SLR (DSLR)

Camcorders

Cell phones, PDA, etc

Subcompacts (pocket Cameras)

Pocket size camera

They cost a bit more for the same capabilities as a compact camera.

Come with compromises.

o -Shorter battery life.

o -No viewfinder.

o -A zoom range usually no greater than 3x.

o -Smaller controls.

o -No manual controls.

Compact (rangefinder)

Mainstream bigger then pocket cameras.

They are simple to use and best for everyday events.

Some dont have manual controls.

Can have limited zoom capabilities.

Superzooms (SLR Like)

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Super-zoom cameras are characterized by a very long zoom range10x or greater, which is good for

sports, travel, or nature shooting.

Some also have macro capabilities.

They are larger than pocket cameras.

Viewfinder image is a direct electronic version of what the lens is seeing.

Digital SLR (DSLR)

Single-lens reflex cameras are for professional or

serious photographers.

SLRs, the largest and heaviest type.

Includes interchangeable lenses.

A lot more control features.

Camcorders

Many camcorder are coming with the ability to take photos and

store them on Media cards.

Image controls are based on the setting for the video recorder.

Cell phones, PDAs, etc.

Designed to take and share photos on your digital device.

Very little image control.

Very little zooms capability.

Some image qualities getting closer to digital cameras.

Lenses

Three types

o Fixed length

o In-Camera Zoom

o Interchangeable

Most people buy cameras with in-camera zoom lenses.

Zoom range how much you can magnify an image. The more zoom range you have the better control

you have.

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Zoom range can vary.

o For 3x on sub-compact and compacts.

o To 12x on Super zoom cameras.

o We do not consider DSLRs in that category.

LCD Screens Beyond just being able to see the picture instantly you can

o You can determine if the composition is good.

o You can determine if you have good exposure (brightness).

There are ways you can set it so that you can immediately see the picture after you take it.

EXIF Exchangeable Image file Format

Extensions to image file formats that hold the camera settings used to take the picture.

Most digital cameras support EXIF and save the data in the file headers.

Most software to organize digital images have the ability to display this information.

This info can be useful, photographers can use the info so they do not have to remember how the

camera was set up when the picture was taken.

Diagrams

Front

Top

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Back

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Insidethe Digital Camera

Digital Camera Cross Section The digital camera is a complex device.

The only part that is the same as film cameras is the lens.

Camera Lens Construction

The quality of a lens is determined by the manufacture and the construction.

Lens construction consists of elements, individual lenses placed in groups.

Bayer Array

To capture color images, each sensor on a CCD has to have a filter placed over

which only allows penetration of a particular color of light.

Virtually all current digital cameras can only capture one of the three primary

colors in each sensor so they discard roughly 2/3 of the incoming light.

The most common type of filter arrangement is the Bayer Array, based on

how the human eye sees light.

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Taking A PictureStep 5

The digital Signal processor converts the information into the file output information.

Taking A PictureStep 6

The file information is sent to the flash storage media in the camera.

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Chapter 3Resolution, File Formats and Storage

Introduction

There are two factors that determine the quality of the picture you take:

o The resolution of your camera

o The type of file you save it in

Both of these factors determine the number of images you can store on the memory card in your

camera.

Pixels

The digital image you take is made up of pixels.

The word pixel is a contraction of the term picture element.

The digital image you capture is made up of millions of individual small squares (pixels).

To the human eye, they may look smooth but close up, you can see the individual squares.

Each pixel in the image has a numerical value of between and 25 and is made up of three colors.

For example a pixel could be 37-red, 76-green and is 125, blue and it would look like:

If it were 162, 26 green, 12 blue it would look like:

This system will produce 16 million different colors.

Image Size Megapixels Native Print Size (in inches)

4064 x 2704 11.1 13.5 x 9

3088 x 2056 6.3 10.25 x 6.8

3008 x 1960 5.3 10 x 6.5

2048 x 1536 3.0 6.8 x 5.1

1600 x 1200 2.0 5.3 x 4 / Standard 4 X 5 Print

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Resolution

The term Resolution, when used to describe a digital camera refers to the size of the digital image

the camera produces.

The resolution of a camera is expressed in megapixels.

The image of the following shows representations of the image size verses megapixels.

Advantages of Higher Resolutions

More resolution means better print quality.

It gives you an advantage if you need to crop the image.

o Cropping is when you use only part of the image for the final print.

You have an advantage when creating larger prints.

o The more you have to start with the less likely it is for defects to appear.

Digital File Formats

There are three file formats for storing digital images.

o JPEG

o TIFF

o RAW

Except in high end digital cameras the file format used for storage is JPEG.

TIFF

TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a high-resolution file format.

TIFF files dont lose image file information when they are saved during the compression process.

A TIFF file also takes longer time to write to a memory card.

Most new cameras do not support the TIFF format.

RAW

RAW file format is the uncompressed, unprocessed data file captured by the cameras image sensor,

before any in-camera processing has been applied.

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In this sense, an image saved in the RAW file format is the digital equivalent to the (exposed but as

yet unprocessed) film negative.

The fascination with RAW is that it seems to magically give you the ability to correct your mistakes.

Only certain image editing software will open and work with the RAW format.

JPEG The name comes from Joint Photographic Experts Group, the organization that created the format.

JPEG images can contain 16.7 million colors (24-bit color information).

JPED compression uses lossycompression algorithm which means that JPEG casts off some image

information.

However, this compression if set right is not perceptive to the human eye.

JPEG Compression is set by a scale from 0 to 100.

100 is the least amount of compression and 0 is the most.

Digital cameras can change the amount of compression by using the quality setting.

Setting the Image Quality

It is always best to set the camera for the largest image size and the highest picture quality.

That way you will have more to work with when you use your image editing software.

The only exception to this rule is if you are running out of space on your storage card.

Storage Cards

There are a number of types of storage cards.

o Compact Flash

o XD Picture Card

o

Memory Stick

o Smart Media

o Secure Data

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Chapter 4Exposure: The Exposure Triangle and ISO

The Exposure Triangle

The elements of the exposure triangle:

o Aperture

o

Shutter Speed

o ISO

These three elements working together determine the exposure of the image.

Aperture

The size of the opening of the lens.

Determines how much light hits the sensor (CDD).

Is measured in f-stops:

Shutter Speed

Refers to the amount of time the sensor is exposed to (or sees) light.

Shutter speed is measured in seconds or in most cases fractions of a second.

Shutter speeds available to you on the your camera will usually double (approximately) with each

setting.

1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500. 1/1000.

ISO

The measurement of the sensors sensitivity to light.

The higher the ISO number the more sensitive the sensor is to light.

Measurements 80., 100, 200, 400, and 800.

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The Results of Exposure

Normal

Over Exposure

Under Exposure

Metering Mode

The metering system in a digital camera measures the amount of light in the scene and calculates the

best-fit exposure value based on the metering mode set in the camera

All you have to do is select the metering mode, point the camera and press the shutter release. Most

of the time, this will result in a correct exposure.

Metering Method

The metering method defines which information of the scene is used to calculate the exposure value

and how it is determined.

Three of the most widely used metering methods are;

o Center-weighted Average Metering

o Spot (Partial) Metering

o Matrix or Evaluative Metering

Center-weighted Average Metering

The most common metering method implemented in nearly every digital camera and the default for

those digital cameras which don't offer metering mode selection.

Assesses the whole image area but assigns the most importance to the central 40 to 60%.

This system is accurate in average lighting conditions, but can be fooled by excessively dark or light

areas.

Spot (Partial) Metering

Allows you to meter the subject in the center of the frame (or on some cameras at the selected AF

point).

Only a small area of the whole frame is metered and the exposure of the rest of the frame is ignored.

This type of metering is useful for brightly backlit, macro, and moon shots.

Matrix or Evaluative Metering

The most complex metering mode, offering the best exposure in most circumstances

The scene is split up into a matrix of metering zones which are evaluated individually.

The overall exposure is based on an algorithm specific to that camera and manufacture.

ISO Continued

Almost all cameras have the ability to change the ISO setting.

Auto ISO, the camera will look at the amount of light in the scene and change the ISO appropriately so

that the shutter speed doesnt get too slow.

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Chapter 5

Types of Light

There are two types of light

o Natural

o

Artificial

Each type has a characteristics that effects the pictures you take

Characteristics of Light

Color The hue or tint that the light imparts to the picture.

DirectionThe direction the light is coming from

Time of day

Color

Technically the term is color temperature.

In the real world we describe color in many ways.

In the picture creation process we refer to warm light and cool light.

Direction of LightTop

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Direction of LightSide

Direction of LightBottom

Time of Day

Time of day has two effects on the pictures you take.

o

The hue of the light.o The direction of the light.

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Time of DayMorning

Time of Day

Mid day

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Time of dayLate Afternoon

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Time of DayNight

Light and Color Temperature

The hue or color of the source light in different lighting situations.

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As the name implies the camera will try and create a properly color balanced scene

automatically.

The cameras white balancing subsystem will look for a white object in the scene it

can use as a white balance reference.

However this will not always work.

White Balance Settings

Many digital cameras come with white balance settings.

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Chapter 6Picture Composition

There are two parts to taking good photographs:

o

Exposure

o Composition

Exposure is the technical part of the photographic process.

Composition is the creative part of the photographic process.

Composing Pictures

So far we have looked at the various exposure controls.

No amount of control or editing can take the place of good picture composition.

This is by no means a complete discussion of composition, just some basics.

Good composition s essential in photography. It allows you to convey messages and

emotions through the images that you shoot.

Composition is a visual process of organizing the elements and individual details of

a scene into a balanced and pleasing arrangement.

Photographic composition is ultimately a matter of person taste.

What one person likes another person may hate.

We will discuss some general rules of composition that can help you take better

photographs.

Some general rules of composition that can help you take better photographs are;o Framing

o Strong focal point.

o Rule of thirds

o Leading Lines

o Angle of view

o Perspective

o Balance

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Some General Composition RulesFraming

The world is full of objects, which make perfect natural frames, such as trees,

archways, and holes.

By placing these around the edge of the composition you help to isolate the main

subject from the outside world.

The result is a more focused image that draws your eye naturally to the main point

of interest.

Fill the entire photograph with your subject.

Have a strong focal point

Choose one main subject for you photograph.

The main subject can be one object or several.

Do not include distractions that pull people away from your photo.

o The focal point is the part of the photo the eye is most drawn too.

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6 Techniques to Enhance the Focal Point in an image

1.

PositionPlace it in a prominent position start with the rule of thirds for some

ideas.

2.

FocusLearn to use Depth of Field to blur out other aspects in front or behind your

focal point.

3.

BlurIf you really want to get tricky, you could experiment with slower shutter

speeds, if your main subject is still and things around it are moving.

4.

Sizemaking your focal point large is not the only way to make it prominent but it

definitely can help.

5. Colorusing contrasting colors can be a way of setting your point of interest apart

from its surroundings.

6.

Shapesimilarly contrasting shapes and textures can make a subject stand out

especially patterns that are repeated around a subject.

Rule of Thirds

Imagine that your image is divided into 9 equal segments by 2 vertical and 2

horizontal lines. The rule of thirds says that you should position the most important

elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect.

Doing so will add balance and interest to your photo.

Place your subject along the divide lines between the equal areas or at the placeswhere the these lines meet

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Leading Lines

When we look at a photo our eye is naturally drawn along lines.

Leading lines help to lead the viewers eye to the important object in the photograph

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By thinking about how you place lines in your composition, you can affect the way

we view the image, pulling us into the picture, towards the subject, or on a journey

"through" the scene.

Be careful using leading lines so they do not lead away form the important part of

the photograph

There are many different types of line - straight, diagonal, curvy, zigzag, radial etc -

and each can be used to enhance our photo's composition.

Angle of View

Before photographing your subject, take time to think about where you will shoot it

from.

Our viewpoint has a massive impact on the composition of our photo, and as a result

it can greatly affect the message that the shot conveys.

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Rather than just shooting from eye level, consider photographing from high above,

down at ground level, from the side, from the back, from a long way away, from very

close up, and so on.

Sometimes you will get a more interesting photograph by changing you angle of

view.

Perspective

Sometime it will make a photograph more interesting if you add an object to convey

the perspective of the photo.

Balance

The correct combination of colors, shapes, and areas of light and dark that

complement one another.

Placing your main subject off-center, as with the rule of thirds, creates a more

interesting photo, but it can leave a void in the scene, which can make it feel empty.

You should balance the "weight" of your subject by including another object oflesser importance to fill the space.

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Optical vs. Digital Zoom

Optical zoom uses the optics (lens) of the camera to bring the subject closer. Digital zoom enlarges a portion of the image, thus 'simulating' optical zoom.

What the camera does is to crops a portion of the image and then enlarges it back to

size

When the camera does this you loose image quality.

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Is Digital Zoom Bad?

No really it is just another way of cropping images using software.

If you do not intend to make enlargements of your photos it will give you decent

results.

However you can achieve the same effect of the camera digital zoom by cropping the

image in photo editing software.

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Printers

Inkjet Printers Pros

Cons

o Expensive to run

o Slow when printing many documents

o Clogged nozzles in the print head leading to wasted ink.

Dye Sublimation printers

Proso Best for photo quality

o Convenient

Cons

o Most expensive to buy

o Most expensive to run

o Needs special paper

Laser Printers

Pros

o Highest text quality available

o Fast print speeds

o Multiple handling options, including collators and staplers

o Overall cost is lower than ink jets because of cheaper consumables

Cons

o Inferior Photo output

o Color laser are more expensive than color ink jets

o Output from solid-ink printers can jam copier and scanner auto-feeder because the

ink doesnt slide smoothly over glass

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Final Review8/28/14 6:02 PM

Types of Digital Cameras Subcompacts (pocket cameras)

Compact (range finders)

Superzooms (SLR Like)

Digital SLR (DSLR

Camcorders

Cell phones,

Digital Camera Cross Section

The digital camera is a complex device

The only part that is the same as film cameras is the lens.

Digital cameras are very similar in their construction from film cameras.

Optical Vs. Digital Zoom

Optical zoom uses the optic (lens) of the camera to bring the subject closer.

Digital zoom enlarges a portion of the image, thus stimulating optical zoom.

What the camera does is to crops a portion of the image and then enlarges it back to

size

When the camera does this you loose image quality.

Is Digital Zoom Bad?

Not really it is just another way of cropping images using software.

If you do not intend to make enlargements of your photos it will give you decent results.

However you can achieve the same effect of the camera digital zoom by cropping the

image in photo editing software.

Digital CameraBack

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LCD Screens

Beyond just being able to see the picture instantly you can

o Determine if composition is good

o Determine if you have good exposure

There are ways to set you LCD screen so that you can immediately see the picture

you have taken before you take another one. We will get to this later in the class.

Taking a Picture Step 2

The image is focused on a device that is sensitive to light.

The majority of cameras us Charged Coupling Devices (CCD)

Some cameras use CMOS devices.


CCD generates an analog signal that represents the image

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The Analog to Digital Convertor changes the analog electrical signal into digital

information.


The Digital Signal processor converts the information into the file output

information.


The file information is sent to the flash storage media in the camera.

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Bayer Array To capture color images, each sensor on a CCD has to have a filter placed over it

which only allows penetration of a particular color of light.

Virtually all current digital cameras can only capture one of the three primary colors

in each sensor so they discard roughly 2/3 of the incoming light.

The most common type of filter arrangement is the Bayer Array, based on how the

human eye sees light.

The Exposure Triangle

The three elements of the exposure triangle

o Aperture

o Shutter Speed

o ISO

These three elements working together determine the exposure of the image.

ISO

The measurement of the sensors sensitivity to light.

The higher the ISO number the more sensitive the sensor is to light.

Measurements 80, 100, 200, 400, 800

The higher the ISO the more grain or noise is introduced to the image being created.

Shutter Speed

Refers to the amount of time the sensor is exposed to (or sees) light.

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Shutter speed is measured in seconds or in most cases fractions of a second.

Shutter speeds available to you on your camera will usually double (approximately)

with each setting.

1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, 1/1000

Aperture

The size of the opening of the lens

Determines how much light hits the sensor (CDD)

Is Measured in f-stops

Aperture controls depth of field.

Depth of field is how much is in focus from the front to the back of the picture.

The higher the aperture setting the greater the depth of field.

Metering Method

Remember you also have the three metering methods;

Center-weighted Average Metering

Spot (Partial) Metering

Matrix or Evaluative Metering

These work in with the modes you set to expose the picture correctly.

ISO and Noise Image noise is the by-product of using a high ISO setting on your digital SLR camera

it is also often called "grain".

When a photo has image noise, areas of color that should look smooth have a

mottled or speckled appearance.

The higher the ISO setting the more noise introduced into the picture.

At 400 ISO you may begin to see noise.

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The Results of Exposure

Normal

Over Exposure

Under Exposure

Color

Technically the term is color temperature.

In the real world we describe color in may ways.

In the picture creation process we refer to warm light and cool light.

Time of Day

Time of day has two effects on the pictures you take.

The hue of the light

The direction of the light.

The best time of day for directional light is early morning and early evening.

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Time of Day Morning

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Time of Day Late Afternoon

Automatic White Balance (AWB)

As the name implies the camera will try and create a properly color balanced scene

automatically.

The cameras white balancing subsystem will look for a white object in the scene it

can use as a white balance reference.

However this will not always work.

Resolution

The term "Resolution", when used to describe a digital camera refers to the size of

the digital image the camera produces.

The resolution of a camera is expressed in megapixels.

The image on the following pages show a representation of the image size verses

megapixels.

Introduction

There are two factors that determine the quality of the picture you take;

The resolution of your camera

The type of file you save it in

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Both of these factors determine the number of images you can store on the memory

card in your camera.

Pixels

The digital image you take is made up of pixels.

The word pixel is a contraction of the term picture element

The digital image you capture is made up of millions of individual small squares

(pixels)

To the human eye they may look smooth but close up you can see the individual

squares.

Pixels cont.

Each pixel in the image has a numerical value of between 0 and 255 and is made up of three

color channels

For example a pixel could be 37-red, 76-green and 125-blue and it would then look like

this .

If it were 162 red, 27 green, 12 blue it would look like this.

This system will produce 16 million different colors

Digital File Formats

There are three file formats used for storing digital images

o JPEG

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o TIFF

o RAW

Except in high end digital cameras the file format used for storage is JPEG.

General Rules of Composition

Framing

Strong focal point

Rule of thirds

Leading lines

Angle of view

Perspective

Balance

Some General Composition Rules

Framing

Fill the entire photograph with your subject

Have a strong focal point

Choose one main subject for you photograph.

The main subject can be one object or several.

Do not include distractions that pull people away from your photo.

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Rule of Thirds

Divide you viewfinder into thirds both horizontally and vertically

Place your subject along the divide lines between the equal areas or at the places

where the these lines meet

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Leading Lines

Leading lines help to lead the viewers eye to the important object in the photograph

Be careful using leading lines so they do not lead away form the important part of

the photograph

Angle of View

Sometimes you will get a more

interesting photograph by changing you angle of

view.

Perspective

Sometime it will make a photograph more interesting if you add an object to convey

the perspective of the photo.

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