Camera Types
1. Mini-Camera Ultra compact that stores in one’s pocket Lens performance is limited $200 or less Great vacation camera
since it is so small
Camera Types
2. Compact Point and Shoot Easy to Use Limited manual controls and
features $200 – 500 Another great camera for vacations
….not as small, but has better quality photos
Camera Types
3. SLR (single lens reflex) Professional type camera with many manual controls Better lenses Heavier and larger than
compact cameras Professional photographers $400 on up
Features: 1. Image Resolution
Resolution is the number of dots per picture that comprise the image…resolution of image
3 megapixel camera2500 ppi x 1200 ppi3,000,000 total pixels that comprise image
One megapixel = one million pixels General range for cameras are 6-10 megapixels Higher megapixel, higher resolution, sharper image
Print Resolution Recommendations
2+ megapixels best for up to 5 X 7 prints
3-4 megapixels best for up to 8 X 10 prints
6-8 megapixels best for up to 11 X 14 prints
>12 megapixels best for up to 16 X 20
Features: 2. Lens
2 types of lens– Fixed lenses: used on Point and shoot models
are easy to use and fine for snapshots
– SLR (single lens reflex) are more versatile because you can use an array of detachable lenses.
Zoom on Lenses
Optical zoom : – Built inside of camera and when you push the
zoom button, the lens moves physically to make the image closer or farther away. Acts like binoculars Typical size is 3X-
Digital zoom: – Does not involve the lens, instead the camera’s
software crops the photo and uses only the pixels in the center of the image to enlarge the photo…this causes the photo to be blurry so this is not good for printing photos
Features: 3. LCD Viewfinder
This screen displays what you are shooting, as well as a review of images already captured.
Larger the LCD viewfinder, easier to see the photos, but uses more battery power.
Standard size is 2 to 2.5 inches but now some are up to 5 inches.
Features: 4. Shooting Modes
Options for shooting different backgrounds like night shots, landscape, beach, portrait, sports, and more
Full auto mode on all cameras so you don’t have to choose a shooting scene
Full manual mode on high end cameras
Features: 5. Memory
Storage capacity inside camera: usually about 16 to 32 megabytes
– Gives you about 10 to 20 photos Flash memory
– Extra memory cards put into camera– Types
Compact –Flash :large capacity and compatibility with most cameras…range 512 MB to 4 + GB Secure Digital: used for small cameras…range up to 4 GB Memory Stick: For Sony cameras only…range up to 4 GB xD picture card: New flash memory for Olympus and Fuji …range up to 4 GB
Features: 6. White Balance
Auto adjust allows camera to adjust color for ambient light… what is white will be captured as white
All other colors are adjusted after the white balance
For control over lighting situations, manual adjust is necessary
What is White Balance? What is the range of white balance?
Features: 7. Size and Weight
Personal preferences
Small size limits the zoom factor, but easier to put into your purse or pocket
Generally, as size decreases, features decrease
Features: 8. Capture Speed
Number of photos per second the camera can capture (Frames per second….fps)
A point and shoot normally takes 1 or 2 images a second.
SLR’s can take a normal 5 images a second.
How fast it can take another photo
Focus, flash and exposure systems affect lag time
“Rule of Thumb” ….. test the camera before you purchase
Features: 9. Movie Mode
Can the camera takes movies
Does it include audio with the movie clips
Resolution of clips are lower compared to a digital video camcorder
Good for emailing
Features: 10. Battery Type
Different types1. Lithium Ion
2. AA
3. Alkaline
4. Info Lithium
5. Nickel Hydride
Rechargeable batteries: allows you to spend less rather than buying new batteries
Features: 11. Flash Modes
Built in flash Is there an external flash Different modes
– Red-eye reduction– Auto– On/Off
Features: 12. ISO Settings
Digital film speed settings Digital cameras have an ISO rating indicating their
level of sensitivity to light. Faster the speed , the better to handle low light
situations without blurring the photo ISO 100 is the "normal" setting for most cameras,
although some go as low as ISO 50. The sensitivities can be increased to 200, 400, 800,
or even 3,200 on high-end digital SLRs digital cameras have an ISO rating indicating
their level of sensitivity to light.
Image Stabilization
“Shake mode” Allows the camera to stabilize and eliminates
the blurring photos If you are not stable when you take photos,
this would be very helpful to have on your camera!
File Formats
JPEG: Most common digital camera image format
TIFF: Another widely used image format for photos, but also used for files since they can be saved for multi-pages under one page.
CCD Raw:An uncompressed image format that contains all of the data picked up by the image sensor
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