Digital Photography From start to finish
Choosing a digital camera: speed Digital cameras have more “lag time” during and after shots. Pre-focusing (press shutter button down half-way) the camera will decrease the lag time for some cameras.
Choosing a digital camera: compressed vs. uncompressed JPG is the standard “compressed” format. RAW or TIFF is “uncompressed” and takes better pictures (but file size is bigger). Mid to high-end cameras will offer RAW or TIFF formats. JPG is the norm.
How many megapixels do you really need? (Not as many as you think.) Megapixels4x6”5x7”8x10” 3 Photo quality Excellent 4 Photo quality 5 6
Optical vs. Digital Zoom Optical Zoom – actual movement of lens; best quality picture Digital Zoom – magnifies and crops picture; image quality suffers
Taking better pictures… (Tips and sample images from Kodak.) 1. Look your subject in the eye.
Taking better pictures… 2. Use a plain background.
Taking better pictures… 3. Use flash outdoors (if camera allows).
Taking better pictures… 4. Move in close.
Taking better pictures… 5. Move it from the middle.
Taking better pictures… 6. Lock the focus.
Taking better pictures… 7. Know your flash range*. * Most flash ranges are less than 15 feet.
Taking better pictures… 8. Watch the light.
Taking better pictures… 9. Take some vertical pictures.
Taking better pictures… 10. Be a picture director.
Photo Scavenger Hunt