SAY CHEESE! The Digital Camera By Jean Waldrop ETEC 562 Spring 2004

Copyright Statement This presentation contains copyrighted materials. It is used under the umbrella of “Fair Use” for educational purposes.

What is a digital camera? Digital cameras record images in digital format. The traditional camera uses film, while digital cameras use a CCD or CMOS (types of imaging sensors) that is readable by computer. CCD – charge coupled device CMOS – complementary metal-oxide semiconductor

Things to Look for in Digital Camera

Things to Look for in a Digital Camera Pixels – short for “picture element” (tiny blocks, like tiles in a mosaic) Ppi – pixels per inch (linear inch) Resolution – the more pixels, the crisper the picture. Quality of the lens system What will the camera be used for On-board memory Type of battery

Many Choices Available

How camera stores and transfers images to the computer. Memory cards or discs – There are reusable RAM cards that come in various storage sizes with brand names, such as CompactFlash and SmartMedia. Discs usually store more than RAM cards.

Types of Removable Storage for Pictures

Transferring Images to the Computer Images are transferred to the computer with a serial or Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or via the storage medium itself if the computer has a corresponding reader. There are several download devices available.

Download Devices Floppy Disk Adapter – makes SmartMedia and Memory Stick cards readable by your floppy disk drive. (Can drag and drop image files from floppy drive to hard drive). PC Card Adapter Card Reader – an internal card reader that installs into an empty expansion slot on the computer or an external reader that cables to the computer, usually via a parallel port or USB port.

Download Devices

Docking Stations – small base unit that you leave permanently to computer, usually via a USB cable. Photo Printer with Memory Card Slots – prints directly from camera’s memory

Popular File Formats for Saving Digital Images TIFF – Can be opened on both PC and Macintosh computers. Best choice for preserving all image data, but usually results in larger file sizes. Don’t use for images on a World Wide Web page. JPEG – Can be opened on both PC and Macintosh computers. Can compress images so that files are smaller but too much compression reduces image quality. One of two formats to use for Web images.

Popular File Formats for Saving Digital Images GIF – Use of Web images only. Compatible with Macintosh and PC computers. Offers a feature that enables you to make part of your image transparent so that the Web page background shows through the image. BMP – Only for images that will be used as Windows system resources, such as desktop wallpaper. PICT – Only for images that will be used as Macintosh system resources, such as desktop pattern.

Advantages Quick way to get photos – don’t have to drop off film to be developed. Can be printed out on photographic or regular paper with a color printer. Allows you to preview photos as you take them. (Equipped with small LCD screens that let you preview pictures before saving them or see pictures you have already saved). Once stored on the computer’s hard drive they can be enhanced with a photo-styling program or used in other software applications.

Imaging Editing Programs Give You Control Over Your Pictures

Options Available When developing 35mm film, pictures can be transformed into digital images and offer the option of saving them on a CD. Some developers you back your digital photos directly for download, thus skipping the compact disk entirely. New disposable digital cameras – have to wait for processing but companies like Kodak, give you a free CD but will still have to pay the normal develop and print fee. The CD is compatible with both PC and Mac systems.

Many Kinds of Software Available Adobe Photoshop ThumbsPlus – database for pictures FlipAlbum Suite – looks like a photo album

Ways to Improve Your Digital Images Right number of pixels The optimum compression setting Correct flaws with your photo software Choose paper for the best printed output Spend time getting to know your camera Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Sources Used Computer Education for Teachers: Integrating Technology Into Classroom Teaching by Vicki Sharp, Digital Photography for Dummies by Julie Adair King, Teaching and Learning With Technology by Judy Lever-Duffy, Jean B. McDonald, and Al P. Mizell, 2003.