DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
CHAPTER -1
Digital Photography is exciting,fascinating and very simple,provided we know few
basics.We can see the results immediately on the camera’s monitor and if we don’t
like the results,we can delete it also immediately.
In this chapter ,first we are going to discuss the basic difference between digital
camera and film camera in briefly.
1)FILM CAMERA: For working of this camera,needs disposable batteries,which
requires to be replaced but not frequently ..
DIGITAL CAMERA: For working of this camera needs disposable and
rechargeable batteries,requires frequent replacement or recharging
2)FILM CAMERA: Uses film,in various frame size like 16,24,or 36 and sensivities
to light like 100,200 or 400 asa
DIGITAL CAMERA: Uses memory card(64,128,256 GB etc.) which determines
frame size,light sensivity etc.
3)FILM CAMERA:Captures the photo immediately
DIGITAL CAMERA: Takes few seconds to store the image,depending on various
factors,such as file format,image size memory available,speed of autofocus
etc,(These factors will be discussed in detail later)
4) FILM CAMERA: Captures photos on the film,which can not be used again and
again and number of frames (photos) per roll is also fixed.
DIGITAL CAMERA: Images are stored as digital file,on memory cards.These
images can be stored and erased for’ n’ number of times.
5) FILM CAMERA:Photos taken on the film are to be developed in the studios or in
the lab.
DIGITAL CAMERA: Digital images can be viewed immediately on LCD screen of
camera or connect the camera to T.V. for viewing or upload the images to
computer.These images can be edited through many photo editing programmes to
enhance the picture quality and these images can be sent by e-mail or to any web
site.
Now we will discuss about Megapixels.As we always read in the advertisement of
digital camera with 2 to 8 megapixels.What does it mean? Does it really
matter,when we buy camera?( Here we will avoid the technicalities of word
MEGAPIXEL,at this stage.)
Let us again go to Megapixel.It relates to resolutions of images.More megapixel
means more resolutions,more clarity of picture. Sometimes lesser megapixels gives
blurr picture.If we take the same shot with 2 or3 or 4 megapixel camera ,we may not
able to differentiate the pictures.but if we want to crop in the picture for close
up,then higher resolution or more megapixel camera shot will give more clarity
.
End result is always better.Even for printing and display on web and e-mail,extra
or higher resolutions is more desirable.
Here we have to remember that more megapixel,price tag of camera gets
increased.For function photography,picnic shots etc. 3 to 5 megapixel camera is
alright for beginning and are available at affordable prices. After turning PRO one
can opt for higher megapixel camera along with other accessories.
While choosing the camera,following few points should be considered
1)LENS:Optical zoom lens,covering,covering wide angle landscapes or close in shots
(micro focus mode) and lens should allow little or light as required for the
Particular shot
2) STORAGE: Most cameras have not enough storage(in built memory).so
additional memory card we have to insert in it.
3) SHOOTING MODES:Cameras have got special modes for taking shots like
landscape,portrat,firewoks,beach scenes etc.With panorama mode we can shoot
scenes in several frames and stitch or bind together to make one picture.
Few camera has got voice recording or video mode,lasting for few seconds.
My observation is this that voice recording or video recording is not upto the
desirable level.
4) Most important ,the camera we select,should much more comfortable in our hand
and it should light and functionally it should be easy to handle.
We will learn more important aspect of digital photography i.e.SHOOTING
TECHNIQUES in our next chapter.
Till then enjoy few snaps taken with my Nikon digital camera. And hope you have
learned few things.
Digitally yours,
Ar. RASIK VIJAYAKAR