Introduction to Digital Cameras & Scanners Instructor: Brad Atkinson

Digital Cameras

Overview Unlike traditional film cameras, digital ones capture your image to an electronic graphic file Pixels = dots 2.2 Mp = 5x7 photo quality print

What’s the big deal? Advantages of Digital Cameras No film – no developing Instant feedback Change “film” (modes) anytime Delete the ones you don’t like No negatives or prints to store PC or television slideshows Fix your photos or get creative Easy or web sharing

What’s the big deal? Disadvantages of Digital Cameras Batteries & other peripherals Cost/quality More features = more technical Storage/backup More to break Harder to share photos at the family picnic It won’t make you a better shooter (but you can practice all you want)

How A Digital Camera Might Work

Ideas for digital cameras Scrapbook PowerPoint Presentations Newsletters or Newspapers Websites

Demo: Olympus Stylus Step 1: Be sure the camera is on Step 2: Look through the viewfinder; zoom in and out Step 3: Press the shutter Opt: Review your picture

Scanners

Resolution An important consideration – The resolution indicates how detailed the digital image will be. The higher the numbers, the sharper the scans will be. This is especially important when making enlargements. Low End – 600 by 1200 dpi Recommended – 1200 by 2400 to 2400 by 4800 dpi High End – 2400 by 2400 to 2400 by 4800 dpi

Scan Area Somewhat important – While few home users will need to scan legal-size documents, business users may find the letter-size scan area of most scanners too small. A larger scan area also makes it easier to scan large books, maps, drawings, paintings, newspapers, and tabloids. Low End – 8.5 by 11.7 inches Recommended – 8.5 by 11.7 to 8.5 by 14 inches High End – 8.5 by 11.7 to 8.5 by 14 inches

How A Flatbed Scanner Works

Ideas for scanners Pictures Ebay Auctions Make Copies

How do I know what to buy? Know your budget Compare brands Do research on the internet Ask a computer guru Ask yourself if you need a computer for pictures When purchasing a scanner know your computer

Read your manual! Each camera and scanner are different Get familiar with editing software Have fun