Digital Cameras in the Classroom Day Two Details Ann Howden UEN Professional Development

Importance of your manual If you really want to learn how your camera works…read the manual. If you forget where a setting option is…read the manual. If you want to make a change to your defaults or image size…read the manual. If you want to do anything besides point and shoot…USE THE MANUAL!

Camera Elements Image Sensor -- Resolution  The number of pixels on an image sensor Optical vs. Interpolated Resolution  The optical resolution of a camera is the number of pixels on an image sensor that can be counted.  Interpolated resolution adds pixels to the image to increase the number of pixels

Camera Elements Aspect Ratio  Aspect ratio is the ratio of the image height to width (image sensors have different ratios).  The aspect ration determines the shape and proportions of the photographs you create.  To calculate the aspect ratio of any camera, divide the largest number in its resolution by the smallest number.

Camera Elements Frame Rate  There are two delays built into digital cameras that affect your ability to take fast action pictures. The refresh time is generally 1-2 seconds between the time you take the photo to the time you take the next. The rate is also dependent on the type of camera (point and shoot vs. SLR) you own.

Camera Elements Sensitivity  An ISO is the speed, or sensitivity to light. The higher the number the “faster” or more sensitive the sensor is to light. Depending on the camera, you can loose image quality with a higher speed.  Most cameras have an ISO setting in their menu ranging from 200 speed up to 3200 speed.  A common setting is 400 speed.

Camera Elements Image Compression  Most cameras store images in a JPEG file and those images are compressed. For the average photographer, shooting at the highest.jpeg setting gives you the right size and quality of picture. Many cameras offer alternative file types:  RAW (large, un-compressed files, generally for professionals)  TIFF(medium sized file often used for print and publications) .JPEG (common file size, experiences some major compression)

Camera Elements Image Storage  Fixed vs. Removable Storage  Most common is removable storage (i.e. memory card) The amount of images that can be stored on a memory card depends on:  Capacity of the card  Resolution of the images taken  Amount and type of compression

Camera Resolution and Memory Card Capacity (approximate) Camera Resolution 2 MP3.3 MP4.1 MP5 MP Card Capacity How many pictures? 32 MB MB MB MB MB GB