Understanding the mechanics of digital photography helps in choosing a camera.
Digital cameras offer a plethora of options for capturing images, but understanding where to start amongst all the technology is a challenge. Deciding what type of camera you wish to learn about and what your photographic goals are will help you narrow the choices for cameras. Grasping the basics of exposure, media storage and photo editing will also play a role in your digital camera experience.
Point and Shoot Versus DSLR
Digital photography utilizes two main camera types, user-friendly point and shoot cameras or higher-end DSLR, also known as digital single lens reflexes. A DSLR camera has interchangeable lenses and an internal mirror that reflects the image through the lens onto a digital sensor, which captures the image and stores it onto the memory card. The DSLR sensor is much larger in size than the compact camera and produces a bigger, sharper image that can be enlarged while maintaining quality.
This type of camera allows for unlimited amounts of creative camera control, and it provides a great learning experience for someone looking to truly engage with the craft of digital photography. A point and shoot is a simple, compact camera that captures images with the least amount of hassle or technical obstacles. A wide variety of compact cameras are currently on the market; they range from basic one-touch image capturing to intricate creative controls and video footage options. Understand your current needs and intended growth with digital photography before investing in either type of camera.
Understanding Exposure
Understanding how exposure works in a camera will allow you to capture the best images from your digital photo device. Exposure refers to the combination of ISO, formerly known as film speed, aperture settings and shutter speeds that work together, to allow the proper amount of light to enter the camera and capture a balanced image. A DSLR will give you the most control over exposure when creating an image, and some point and shoots will also offer a manual option.
If understanding the mechanics of picture-taking is a personal goal, be sure to choose a camera that gives you latitude when setting exposures and provides easy access to the manual settings. One benefit to using the DSLR is the quick access to the exposure settings which is vital when shooting. If you can not adjust these settings quickly, you may miss the image you are trying to capture. On a DSLR, the aperture and shutter speed are located in places that allow you to make the adjustment without removing your eye from the viewfinder of the camera. On most compact cameras, the manual settings are buried deep within the menus found on the LCD screen, requiring time to find and adjust the settings.
Digital Media Storage and Image Transfer
A major component in digital photography are the media storage devices used in the camera. Most cameras will use either a Compact Flash Media card or an SD card. This card acts as a hard-drive within the camera which then writes the image to the card when the picture is taken. Utilize an appropriate sized card and be sure it's a high-quality, well maintained card. If the card malfunctions while in the camera or during image transfer, you may lose your photographs.
Transferring the images to the computer can be done using either a card adapter attached to the computer by a USB connection or a direct camera to computer connection. If you plan on shooting high volumes of images, a card adapter is your best bet for a fast and safe transfer. Format the card after transferring the images to clear space on the card for new photos. Be sure to format the card within the camera, using the menu options. Formatting is not recommended in the computer because the card may not communicate properly with the camera if formatted on another device.
Photo Editing and Archiving
Photo editing is a major component to digital photography, and it should be considered when using any type of digital camera. Minor adjustments or creative enhancements may be desired after the picture is taken and the moment has passed. Understanding navigate and apply basic photo edits to an image will enhance your overall photographic experience and help you understand the craft better, no matter what camera you use.
Most compact cameras come bundled with a basic photo editing program. If using a DSLR in the hopes of learning the craft as a professional, invest the time and money into learning Adobe's Photoshop or Corel's Paint Shop Photo Pro. These are both professional level photo editing programs, and Photoshop knowledge will be required in any professional photographic work environment.
Archive your images in several locations using naming conventions that help keep the images and their folders organized by date, subject or topic. The DAM book, or Digital Asset Management, provides great resources for understanding archiving and management of digital images and can be found at TheDamBook.com. Back your images up on a hard-drive and an internet server, in case something happens to your physical location of the images or in the event of a computer malfunction.
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