Getting Started with Digital Photography

Instructor- Christine Vucinich

Assistant- Denise Wagner

ITS Training Services

http://its.psu.edu/training/

Objectives

Learn basic digital photography concepts

Explore some of the tools available

Practice taking digital photographs

Upload digital photos to the computer

Obtaining Digital Images

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

A photograph enters a digital camera the same way it enters a film camera - through a series of lenses called the lens element.

The lenses refract and focus light so that it converges at a specific point.

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.

The quality of your photographs is determined on the performance of this chip.

Going Digital- Pros Availability and flexibility

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 re-shooting an image if necessary.

Speed and convenience 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 Surviving the destructive

forces of time 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 Storage Concerns

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 CamerasType 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-of-use, 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

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

What do you want to do with the photographs? (Share with family/friends, use professionally in magazine or Web)

What image quality do you need? What is the largest size do you plan to print?

What are you going to photograph? (close-ups, action, long-distance. What kind of zoom do you need?)

How experienced of a photographer are you? (Do you want automatic or control over your camera’s functions?)

What modes do you need (play back-display on LCD screen, panoramas, movie mode?)

Things to consider 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

Internal Memory (typically 8 to 16 MB).

Additional Memory: 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 Hold your camera steady to

avoid blurry pictures

Stand close enough to your subject so it fills your viewfinder (but not closer than 4 ft.)

Take pictures at the subject’s level (Kneel down to take pictures of children and pets).

Hold your camera vertically to capture tall, narrow subjects (such as a waterfall, skyscraper, or single person)

Tips continued… Add interest to your picture by

framing it with a tree branch, a window, or rail fence.

Keep the sun behind you to provide the best subject illumination.

Keep your hand, fingers, or objects away from the flash and picture-taking lens.

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

The Rule of Thirds (divide your screen into 3 X 3 squares. Your eye gravitates to the 2/3 area.)

Choose a vantage point to suit your subject. Add perspective

Pay attention to how your frame a subject. Think “Graphic Design”

Use natural light if possible.

Have an eye for detail- get in CLOSE.

Remove any clutter.Keep it!

* Simple * Focused * Uncluttered *

Keep it!

* Simple * Focused * Uncluttered *

Process for downloading your Images to a Computer

1. Install the software that came with your camera.

2. 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.

3. Set camera mode to “transfer”, “playback” or “on” (depending on your camera type).

4. Software will launch automatically (if not, go to Start > All Programs)

5. Select the location (drive and folder) to download your images.

6. Select the images you want to download.

Features Overview of the Kodak EasyShare CX 6330 Camera

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

Exceptional Viewing Quality with 1/6” color display- indoors and outdoors

Built-in flash- auto, red-eye, fill, off- for 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

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 Automatic Mode

Optimal setting for most standard situations

Night Mode Ideal for night scenes or low light

situations Landscape Mode

ensure maximum sharpness for distant scenes

Close-up Mode Captures sharp, full frame pictures at

close range Burst Mode

Lets you take up to 3 pictures in quick succession

© Kodak.com

Kodak EasyShare Software

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

EASYSHARE Camera Dock 6000 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 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 Book: Digital Photography All-In-One

Desk Reference for Dummies

Kodakhttp://www.kodak.com/

Penn State Computer Storehttp://computerstore.psu.edu/

Media & Technology Support Services http://www.libraries.psu.edu/mtss/

ITS Training Services Resources*http://its.psu.edu/training/resources/

* 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…

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/