teacher: kenji tachibana digital photography i. compact digital camera – 49 slides dslr owner’s...

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography I.

Compact Digital Camera – 49 slidesCompact Digital Camera – 49 slides

DSLR owner’s will have to ‘translate’ some of the informationDSLR owner’s will have to ‘translate’ some of the information

Copyright © 2003 – 2009 Kenji Tachibana

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital: Compact Digital: PartsParts

1.1. Camera bodyCamera body

2.2. LCD monitor and viewfinderLCD monitor and viewfinder

3.3. Zoom lensZoom lens

4.4. Meter & SensorsMeter & Sensors

5.5. Sensor chipSensor chip

6.6. FirmwareFirmware

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital: Compact Digital: 1. Camera body topic1. Camera body topic

TTypes: 1 of 2ypes: 1 of 2

1.1. It comes in variety of shapes, It comes in variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.sizes, and colors.

2.2. A light tight box containing sensors and A light tight box containing sensors and meters to deal with exposure, focus, meters to deal with exposure, focus, and color. and color.

3.3. A mini-micro computer is inside A mini-micro computer is inside running software called firmware.running software called firmware.

4.4. On the outside, buttons, dials, andOn the outside, buttons, dials, andswitches can be found to switches can be found to control the digital camera. control the digital camera.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital: Compact Digital: 1. Camera body topic1. Camera body topic

TTypes: 2 of 2ypes: 2 of 2

5.5. Zoom lens, flash, IR sensorZoom lens, flash, IR sensor port are mounted on the front. port are mounted on the front.

6.6. LCD monitor and most of the cameraLCD monitor and most of the cameracontrols are in the back.controls are in the back.7.7. There are also connector (USB, A/V, & There are also connector (USB, A/V, &

AC) ports which are usually on the sides.AC) ports which are usually on the sides.8.8. The battery and digital film card The battery and digital film card

compartment are on the bottom or compartment are on the bottom or the right side. the right side.

9.9. Many compact also have a microphone Many compact also have a microphone and speaker ports to supportand speaker ports to support

a modest video capability. a modest video capability.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital: Compact Digital: 2. Monitor and Viewfinder topic2. Monitor and Viewfinder topic

FFacts:acts:

1.1. Most compact digital viewfinders are often hard Most compact digital viewfinders are often hard to use and marginally reliable. And the current to use and marginally reliable. And the current trend is to remove the viewfinder.trend is to remove the viewfinder.

2.2. Most compact digital users prefer to use the Most compact digital users prefer to use the LCD monitor instead of the viewfinder.LCD monitor instead of the viewfinder.

3.3. If you still have a viewfinders, learn to use it If you still have a viewfinders, learn to use it correctly. When done correctly, it helps to correctly. When done correctly, it helps to steady the camera and can help to improve steady the camera and can help to improve camera framing.camera framing.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital: Compact Digital: 2. Monitor and Viewfinder 2. Monitor and Viewfinder topictopic

AAdjustments:djustments:

4.4. Most models allows for some LCD brightness Most models allows for some LCD brightness control for ease of use at night, day, or in bright control for ease of use at night, day, or in bright conditions. conditions.

5.5. Digitals with viewfinders often have diopter Digitals with viewfinders often have diopter adjustments for eye glass wearers. This allows adjustments for eye glass wearers. This allows for eye-glass-free use of the digital camera.for eye-glass-free use of the digital camera.

6.6. Most LCD monitors are fixed to the body. Most LCD monitors are fixed to the body. Although a few allow the screen to flip or swivel Although a few allow the screen to flip or swivel which can be an extremely useful feature.which can be an extremely useful feature.


LLimitations:imitations:

7.7. Most monitor images are not very accurate in Most monitor images are not very accurate in terms of brightness, color, saturation, and terms of brightness, color, saturation, and even framing. To see an accurate rendition of even framing. To see an accurate rendition of your image the, view it on a CRT monitor. your image the, view it on a CRT monitor.

8.8. Most LCD screens and laptop monitors tend to Most LCD screens and laptop monitors tend to have a very narrow angle-of-view. If you view have a very narrow angle-of-view. If you view it from anything less than straight on, the it from anything less than straight on, the image brightness might become too light or image brightness might become too light or too dark. too dark.

9.9. Don’t use LCD screens for any critical viewing Don’t use LCD screens for any critical viewing or image editing purposes.or image editing purposes.


TTrend and Special:rend and Special:

10.10. The current trend is to remove the optical The current trend is to remove the optical viewfinder to reduce cost and increase the viewfinder to reduce cost and increase the LCD screen size. Many image-makers don’t LCD screen size. Many image-makers don’t like this trend.like this trend.

11.11. EVF (electronic viewfinder) on super zooms EVF (electronic viewfinder) on super zooms are more accurate but the slow screen refresh are more accurate but the slow screen refresh rate makes them hard to use for sports or fast rate makes them hard to use for sports or fast action photography.action photography.

12.12. EVF viewfinder resolution and screen refresh EVF viewfinder resolution and screen refresh rate have been slowly but steadily improving.rate have been slowly but steadily improving.


UUsage: During shoot 1 of 4sage: During shoot 1 of 4

13.13. Fill the screemn/Viewfinder with the subject by Fill the screemn/Viewfinder with the subject by at least 85%.at least 85%.

14.14. I prefer using the viewfinder most of the time. I prefer using the viewfinder most of the time. It makers it easier to…It makers it easier to…

o concentrate on the imageconcentrate on the imageo steady the camerasteady the camerao use in both easily in bright or dim lightuse in both easily in bright or dim light

15.15. Place the focus bracket [ ] on the subject, Place the focus bracket [ ] on the subject, press the shutter button halfway, and make press the shutter button halfway, and make sure the bracket turns green sure the bracket turns green [ ][ ] before you before you shoot. shoot.

But once the focus is achieved, do not change your But once the focus is achieved, do not change your camera to subject distance.camera to subject distance.



16.16. Study the scene brightness using both your Study the scene brightness using both your naked eye and the histogram, exposure graph.naked eye and the histogram, exposure graph.

17.17. Exposure – image brightness should not be too Exposure – image brightness should not be too dark or too light. Check the image brightness dark or too light. Check the image brightness against against reference reference image(s) on your digital film image(s) on your digital film card.card.

Also do your best to match the LCD against the real Also do your best to match the LCD against the real life scene or subject. This will take a lot of life scene or subject. This will take a lot of practice – maybe even the whole quarter.practice – maybe even the whole quarter.



18.18. Histogram – keep the exposure graph from Histogram – keep the exposure graph from touching the right edge like this...touching the right edge like this...

Except for the right edge issue, there is no Except for the right edge issue, there is no perfect exposure graph shape. Even the perfect exposure graph shape. Even the right edge rule does not work if you have a right edge rule does not work if you have a light source in your image.light source in your image.

This is This is okayokay



19.19. Sharpness – use the default Auto-Focus Sharpness – use the default Auto-Focus setting with the focus-bracket [ ] set to setting with the focus-bracket [ ] set to center. Although it’s far from fool proof.center. Although it’s far from fool proof.

20.20. Focus variations – always shoot focus-point Focus variations – always shoot focus-point variations and review the results on your variations and review the results on your camera Playback set to ‘Maximum camera Playback set to ‘Maximum Magnification’ and also on a computer screen Magnification’ and also on a computer screen at ‘Actual Pixel’ image size. at ‘Actual Pixel’ image size.

21.21. Critical focus – it will take a lot of practice and Critical focus – it will take a lot of practice and you’ll probably have to raise your critical focus you’ll probably have to raise your critical focus standard.standard.


UUsage: Playback Review 1 of 7sage: Playback Review 1 of 7

22.22. Exposure (brightness) – learn to eyeball Exposure (brightness) – learn to eyeball normal exposure. Use the exposure graph to normal exposure. Use the exposure graph to confirm your eyeball assessment.confirm your eyeball assessment.

23.23. Contrast – if you use the recommended Contrast – if you use the recommended Skylight, contrast is usually not a issue. If Skylight, contrast is usually not a issue. If you use direct sunlight, a high contrast you use direct sunlight, a high contrast problem called HDR (high dynamic range) is problem called HDR (high dynamic range) is to be expected in blown out highlights or to be expected in blown out highlights or detail less shadow areas. detail less shadow areas.

Squint-viewing often makes high contrast HDR Squint-viewing often makes high contrast HDR situations obvious. It’s important for you to situations obvious. It’s important for you to be able to identify these kinds of high be able to identify these kinds of high contrast tonal range problems.contrast tonal range problems.


UUsage: Playback review 2 of 7sage: Playback review 2 of 7

24.24. Focus – only way to critically check sharpness is Focus – only way to critically check sharpness is to view the image in Photoshop at ‘100%’ or to view the image in Photoshop at ‘100%’ or ‘Actual Pixel’ image size. Motion-blur and back-‘Actual Pixel’ image size. Motion-blur and back-focus are the common problems.focus are the common problems.

Camera motion blur is a result of poor camera Camera motion blur is a result of poor camera handling. Slow shutter speed is also often handling. Slow shutter speed is also often involved in camera motion blur.involved in camera motion blur.

Shutter speed requirement for hand holding the Shutter speed requirement for hand holding the camera changes with the specific zoom setting.camera changes with the specific zoom setting.

Wide angleWide angle – 1/30 second minimum– 1/30 second minimumStandard (normal)Standard (normal) – 1/60 second minimum– 1/60 second minimumTelephoto Telephoto – 1/125 second minimum– 1/125 second minimumSuper-telephoto Super-telephoto – 1/250 to 1/500 second – 1/250 to 1/500 second

minimum.minimum.



25.25. Color – it should be neutral and/or match the Color – it should be neutral and/or match the scene or subject. Make this a non-issue by scene or subject. Make this a non-issue by setting your WB to Auto.setting your WB to Auto.

The WB set to Auto will only work when the The WB set to Auto will only work when the assignment recommended Skylight light source assignment recommended Skylight light source is used.is used.

If you use indoor lighting (incandescent or If you use indoor lighting (incandescent or fluorescent), the color fidelity will be skewed. fluorescent), the color fidelity will be skewed. And skewed color can play havoc with skin tone.And skewed color can play havoc with skin tone.



26.26. Composition – avoid stuffComposition – avoid stuffo Crooked horizon lineCrooked horizon lineo Tangencies and/or amputationsTangencies and/or amputationso Odd growth from the head or shoulderOdd growth from the head or shouldero Dead-centering the subject the subject Dead-centering the subject the subject

centered and/or smallcentered and/or smallo Have irrelevant stuff in the backgroundHave irrelevant stuff in the backgroundo Having clutter, clashing, or weird growth in Having clutter, clashing, or weird growth in

the background.the background.



26.26. Composition – do it stuffComposition – do it stuffo Use the A, B, C, or D grid position for locating Use the A, B, C, or D grid position for locating

the focal point.the focal point.o Use the 1/3 rule for breaking up the background Use the 1/3 rule for breaking up the background

(negative space).(negative space).o Make the subject shape interesting, which will Make the subject shape interesting, which will

also do the same for the negative space shape.also do the same for the negative space shape.o Crop tight but don’t crowd the subject and add Crop tight but don’t crowd the subject and add

back 10% for the ‘image-safe’ margin.back 10% for the ‘image-safe’ margin.



27.27. Story – last but the most important. It Story – last but the most important. It influences all the aspects of image creation:influences all the aspects of image creation:

- Basic technique (exposure, focus, & color)Basic technique (exposure, focus, & color)- Composition (image design and layout)Composition (image design and layout)- Lighting (side lighting for drawing form)Lighting (side lighting for drawing form)- Staging from location choice, model choice Staging from location choice, model choice

and direction, to accessorizingand direction, to accessorizing

Example - if the story is about someone leaving, a Example - if the story is about someone leaving, a possible compositional device might be to possible compositional device might be to have the subject close to the edge facing have the subject close to the edge facing out…out…



28.28. Lighting can be used in similar ways. A Lighting can be used in similar ways. A person can be moving into or away from the person can be moving into or away from the light depending on your particular story light depending on your particular story angle. angle.

29.29. These compositional or lighting ideas are These compositional or lighting ideas are directly related to the idea of packing-for-directly related to the idea of packing-for-story. story.

30.30. Use 3 story-consistent packing ideas. Using Use 3 story-consistent packing ideas. Using more than three (3) may start to confuse or more than three (3) may start to confuse or water down your story idea.water down your story idea.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital: Compact Digital: 3. Zoom lens topic3. Zoom lens topic

FFocal Length: Zoom lens rangeocal Length: Zoom lens range

1.1. 2.5 to 3x is an average zoom range. A better 2.5 to 3x is an average zoom range. A better range starts at 4x with the wide starting at the range starts at 4x with the wide starting at the super wide field-of-view.super wide field-of-view.

2.2. The preferred zoom range goes from 28mm to The preferred zoom range goes from 28mm to at least 112mm which is 4x (28 x 4 = 112).at least 112mm which is 4x (28 x 4 = 112).


FFocal Lengthocal Length: : Equivalents Equivalents

3.3. The traditional 35mm camera is the master The traditional 35mm camera is the master reference point when it comes to focal length. reference point when it comes to focal length. The standard focal length on a 35mm camera The standard focal length on a 35mm camera is 55mm. The standard on a compact is only is 55mm. The standard on a compact is only 10.3mm. And the difference is the result of the 10.3mm. And the difference is the result of the much smaller sensor chip size. much smaller sensor chip size.

4.4. Equivalency Conversion Chart:Equivalency Conversion Chart:Ultra wide 5.0mmUltra wide 5.0mm 24mm (35mm equiv.)24mm (35mm equiv.)Super wide 5.8mmSuper wide 5.8mm 28mm (35mm equiv.)28mm (35mm equiv.)Normal wide 7.2mmNormal wide 7.2mm 35mm (35mm equiv.)35mm (35mm equiv.)Standard 10.3 mmStandard 10.3 mm 55mm (35mm equiv.)55mm (35mm equiv.)Long focus 17- 28mmLong focus 17- 28mm 85 –135 (35mm 85 –135 (35mm

equiv.) equiv.) Telephoto 42mmTelephoto 42mm 200mm (35mm equiv.)200mm (35mm equiv.)

*Equivalent number are based on the 35mm film camera*Equivalent number are based on the 35mm film camera


FFocal Length: Naming trendocal Length: Naming trend

5.5. The conversion table is based on a specific The conversion table is based on a specific chip size. But the recent trend seems to be to chip size. But the recent trend seems to be to use a slightly smaller chip with the super zoom use a slightly smaller chip with the super zoom compacts. With that being the case, the compacts. With that being the case, the equivalency numbers becomes unreliable.equivalency numbers becomes unreliable.

That is balanced by another trend of using false That is balanced by another trend of using false 35mm equivalent numbers to describe compact 35mm equivalent numbers to describe compact zoom range. zoom range.


MMy Preferences: 105mm & Super zoomy Preferences: 105mm & Super zoom

6.6. The 105mm (Compact 22mm/DSLR 70 mm) The 105mm (Compact 22mm/DSLR 70 mm) telephoto is my favorite zoom setting for telephoto is my favorite zoom setting for shooting both People and Things. The actual shooting both People and Things. The actual numbers might be 22mm for the compact and numbers might be 22mm for the compact and 70mm for the DSLR.70mm for the DSLR.

7.7. My current favorite digital category is the My current favorite digital category is the compact super zoom. I own the Panasonic compact super zoom. I own the Panasonic FZ18 which has an 18FZ18 which has an 18xx zoom range going from zoom range going from 28mm super-wide to 504mm super-telephoto. 28mm super-wide to 504mm super-telephoto. And that is an impossibly amazing range!And that is an impossibly amazing range!


1818x Zoom Range: Examplex Zoom Range: Example

8.8. Top shot was captured Top shot was captured using the 28mm super-using the 28mm super-wide setting. wide setting.

The bottom shot was The bottom shot was captured using the captured using the 504mm super-telephoto 504mm super-telephoto end of the zoom lens.end of the zoom lens.

This range is not possible This range is not possible with the 35mm or the with the 35mm or the DSLR formats.DSLR formats.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography I

Aside: Very coolAside: Very coolOn the Daily-Go Shot:On the Daily-Go Shot:

In the 3 minutes that I had In the 3 minutes that I had waiting to pick up waiting to pick up


AAccessory: Lens shadeccessory: Lens shade

9.9. If your camera came with it, useIf your camera came with it, useit. It acts as a light block to helpit. It acts as a light block to helpcut down on light glare. And thatcut down on light glare. And thathelps to preserve image contrast.helps to preserve image contrast.

10.10. Mount and use correctly asMount and use correctly asshown to the right. And think about why the shown to the right. And think about why the

shape is so weird.shape is so weird.

11.11. It can also act as a lens protector from finger It can also act as a lens protector from finger prints and more serious things.prints and more serious things.


AAccessory: Filtersccessory: Filters

12.12. They are things that They are things that might be mounted inmight be mounted infront of the lens. Theyfront of the lens. TheyCan help in some waysCan help in some waysAnd they can also getAnd they can also getIn the way.In the way.

13.13. Less filters are needed today because the digital Less filters are needed today because the digital camera is a computer. The firmware can take care of camera is a computer. The firmware can take care of controlling image contrast, brightness, color, saturation controlling image contrast, brightness, color, saturation and more. Of the four (4) filters shown, only the and more. Of the four (4) filters shown, only the Polarizing filter is still needed. Polarizing filter is still needed.

PolarizingPolarizingNeutral Neutral DensityDensity

SoftSoftContrastContrast

SkylightSkylight


AAccessory: Polarizing filterccessory: Polarizing filter

14.14. Light level is very important forLight level is very important formaking images. Any reduction making images. Any reduction of luminance (light level) isof luminance (light level) isconsidered very bad. considered very bad.

Notice that the Polaroid filter is dark. There is a 2.5 Notice that the Polaroid filter is dark. There is a 2.5 to 3 f/stops of light loss when it’s used. So, its to 3 f/stops of light loss when it’s used. So, its use should be limited to emergency use only.use should be limited to emergency use only.

It is good at cutting down on glare and to darken It is good at cutting down on glare and to darken blue skies.blue skies.

It’s darkIt’s dark

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital: Compact Digital: 4. Meters & Sensors topic4. Meters & Sensors topic

LLight Meter:ight Meter:

1.1. Every digital camera comes with a built-in light Every digital camera comes with a built-in light meter. It reads the reflected-light in the scene and meter. It reads the reflected-light in the scene and sets the proper exposure settings on the camera. sets the proper exposure settings on the camera. The camera firmware does so by balancing the The camera firmware does so by balancing the lens opening (f/stop) and the shutter speed. lens opening (f/stop) and the shutter speed.

For the DSLR user, chip sensitivity (ISO) setting For the DSLR user, chip sensitivity (ISO) setting becomes another practical adjustable setting for becomes another practical adjustable setting for getting the correct exposure.getting the correct exposure.

Even with the DSLR, you must do what ever you can Even with the DSLR, you must do what ever you can to remove the ISO factor from the exposure setting to remove the ISO factor from the exposure setting mix. The preferred ISO setting is 100. Higher mix. The preferred ISO setting is 100. Higher speeds (200, 400, 800 and faster) generally tend speeds (200, 400, 800 and faster) generally tend to produce lower image quality.to produce lower image quality.


WWhite Balance: Color Meterhite Balance: Color Meter

2.2. WB reads the color of the light in the scene to WB reads the color of the light in the scene to set the correct Kelvin temperature for neutral set the correct Kelvin temperature for neutral color. We’re usually not aware of different light color. We’re usually not aware of different light source colors because we see on Automatic.source colors because we see on Automatic.

WB is a mature technology which was ported over WB is a mature technology which was ported over from the video camera. Set WB to Auto. It’s from the video camera. Set WB to Auto. It’s the simplest and the fastest way to deal with the simplest and the fastest way to deal with light source color differences. I use my camera light source color differences. I use my camera set to Auto most of the time. set to Auto most of the time.

For this simple method to function properly, the For this simple method to function properly, the class recommended class recommended Skylight Skylight must be used.must be used.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IAside: LightingAside: Lighting

SSkylight: No direct sunkylight: No direct sun

Skylight is the recommendedSkylight is the recommendedsoft light source. It’s the soft light source. It’s the skyskyonlyonly portion of Daylight. And portion of Daylight. AndDaylight is a combination ofDaylight is a combination ofthe direct sun and the bluethe direct sun and the blue(cyan) sky. (cyan) sky.


SSkylight: Warning…kylight: Warning…

Skylight can easily end up being topSkylight can easily end up being toplight. The desirable light direction islight. The desirable light direction isfrom the side.from the side.

The example image shows a light source condition which The example image shows a light source condition which will produce a beautiful quality side light on a front facing will produce a beautiful quality side light on a front facing subject.subject.

In the example situation tree branches are ‘blocking off’ In the example situation tree branches are ‘blocking off’ part of the sky. Tree branches can be replaced by part of the sky. Tree branches can be replaced by buildings and a porch roof or some other kind of an over buildings and a porch roof or some other kind of an over hang.hang.


LLight Direction:ight Direction:

Use side-light to draw the forms on the face. Avoid the ‘flat’ front or Use side-light to draw the forms on the face. Avoid the ‘flat’ front or ‘harsh’ top direction light . Also avoid light coming from the extreme ‘harsh’ top direction light . Also avoid light coming from the extreme side. Please study the recommended light direction diagrams below.side. Please study the recommended light direction diagrams below.

Side ViewSide View Top ViewTop View


SSkylight: Avoid peak-a-boo cloudy lightingkylight: Avoid peak-a-boo cloudy lighting

The examples show the not recommended The examples show the not recommended cloudy lighting situations. cloudy lighting situations.


ISIS: Image Stabilization: Image Stabilization

3.3. This is another mature technology which was This is another mature technology which was ported over from the video camera. Leave it ported over from the video camera. Leave it on but set it to the ‘while shooting only’ mode.on but set it to the ‘while shooting only’ mode.

The ‘continuous on’ mode is a battery hog and The ‘continuous on’ mode is a battery hog and generally does not work as well.generally does not work as well.

There are two different types used in DSLR There are two different types used in DSLR cameras. Most are built into the lens. Sony is cameras. Most are built into the lens. Sony is unique in putting the IS in the body… … …unique in putting the IS in the body… … …


EEvolving Technology: Comparisonsvolving Technology: Comparisons

1.1. Next to the lens, the sensor chip is theNext to the lens, the sensor chip is theheart and the most expensive part of heart and the most expensive part of all digitals. And the compact chip sizeall digitals. And the compact chip sizeIs tiny in comparison to the 35mm film.Is tiny in comparison to the 35mm film.

DSLR chip size is much larger but still DSLR chip size is much larger but still small in comparison to the 35mm small in comparison to the 35mm film frame.film frame.

35mm frame35mm frame

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital:Compact Digital: 5. Sensor chip topic 5. Sensor chip topic

EEvolving Technology: Easy to imaginevolving Technology: Easy to imagine

2.2. The compact digital sensor chip isThe compact digital sensor chip isabout the size of a postage stamp. about the size of a postage stamp. Divide a stamp into 10 sections asDivide a stamp into 10 sections asshown to the right.shown to the right.

Divide it 10 more times horizontallyDivide it 10 more times horizontallyin your minds’ eye creating 100 tinyin your minds’ eye creating 100 tinystamp shapes. That is easy enough for most of us stamp shapes. That is easy enough for most of us

to imagine.to imagine.


EEvolving Technology: Hard to imaginevolving Technology: Hard to imagine

3.3. Dividing it into 1,000 sections would Dividing it into 1,000 sections would be both hard to imagine or even seebe both hard to imagine or even seewithout a microscope to see. without a microscope to see.

Today’s sensor chips have 10 million discrete light Today’s sensor chips have 10 million discrete light sensitive pixels, which is unimaginable and way sensitive pixels, which is unimaginable and way beyond even the ordinary microscope scale to beyond even the ordinary microscope scale to see. You might be able to see it using an electron see. You might be able to see it using an electron microscope.microscope.


EEnough is Enough:nough is Enough:

4.4. Five (5) megapixel is more than adequate for Five (5) megapixel is more than adequate for most people’s use. 10 megapixel is overkill most people’s use. 10 megapixel is overkill and is the result of Marketing. Bigger number and is the result of Marketing. Bigger number is an easy sell.is an easy sell.

Our assignment image size requirement is only 5 Our assignment image size requirement is only 5 megapixels, which is also 2548 by 1955 megapixels, which is also 2548 by 1955 pixels.pixels.


PPractical: Image and file size:ractical: Image and file size:

5.5. A skillfully shot 5 megapixel image is capable A skillfully shot 5 megapixel image is capable of producing an excellent 8x10 or a good of producing an excellent 8x10 or a good 11x14 print. 11x14 print.

The 5 MP image produces 2 to 2.5megapixel The 5 MP image produces 2 to 2.5megapixel image file size. And that’s relatively easy and image file size. And that’s relatively easy and fast to work with (process) and store (save).fast to work with (process) and store (save).

Larger file sizes image can become harder to Larger file sizes image can become harder to handle, slower to process, and take up much handle, slower to process, and take up much more storage space.more storage space.


MMini Summary:ini Summary:

6.6. I‘ve been talking about different topics as if I‘ve been talking about different topics as if they are stand-alone ideas. I did that to teach they are stand-alone ideas. I did that to teach you about the different aspects of the digital you about the different aspects of the digital camera.camera.

Although, in reality, they are all part of a whole Although, in reality, they are all part of a whole process of making an image to tell your story.process of making an image to tell your story.

Making a change in one part can often affect Making a change in one part can often affect other facets of the whole process. To fully other facets of the whole process. To fully appreciate this, it will take a lot of practice on appreciate this, it will take a lot of practice on your part…your part…


DSLRDSLR: Superior image advantage: Superior image advantage

7.7. DSLR chips are much larger than theDSLR chips are much larger than thecompact digital. And it’s not only thecompact digital. And it’s not only thesensor that’s larger, the pixels aresensor that’s larger, the pixels arealso larger.also larger.

The larger chip size helps to reduceThe larger chip size helps to reduceover crowding. That, in turn, helps toover crowding. That, in turn, helps toreduce heat. And heat is the enemyreduce heat. And heat is the enemyof all electronic equipment. So theof all electronic equipment. So thecooler chip produces better images.cooler chip produces better images.

For the DSLR, the 10 MP does not produce over For the DSLR, the 10 MP does not produce over crowding. Although it is starting to push the edge crowding. Although it is starting to push the edge of over crowding…of over crowding…


DSLRDSLR: Big disadvantage: Big disadvantage

8.8. The latest DSLR sensors are starting to move The latest DSLR sensors are starting to move into the ‘over-crowded’ arena. Besides the into the ‘over-crowded’ arena. Besides the heat, dust is another big enemy of the sensor heat, dust is another big enemy of the sensor chip. Dust is huge in relation to the tiny pixel.chip. Dust is huge in relation to the tiny pixel.

Most current flock of DSLR camera bodies Most current flock of DSLR camera bodies comes with an assortment of dust fighting comes with an assortment of dust fighting mechanisms. Some work better than others, mechanisms. Some work better than others, but dust is still a problem.but dust is still a problem.

Compact are sealed and they don’t suffer from Compact are sealed and they don’t suffer from dust issues.dust issues.


PPixel Arrangement: Array patternixel Arrangement: Array pattern

9.9. Most chips contains a 16 pixelMost chips contains a 16 pixelchecker board arrangementchecker board arrangement(Bayer Pattern) of light sensitive(Bayer Pattern) of light sensitivereceptorsreceptors called pixels. called pixels.

Receptors are photo diode which responds to light Receptors are photo diode which responds to light by producing electricity. Sophisticated circuitry by producing electricity. Sophisticated circuitry and firmware interprets and amplifies the and firmware interprets and amplifies the signals to ‘process’ the black and white image signals to ‘process’ the black and white image into a full color one.into a full color one.


TTypes 1 of 2: Favoritesypes 1 of 2: Favorites

10.10. CCD (charged couple device) is the most CCD (charged couple device) is the most popular sensor type found in digital cameras.popular sensor type found in digital cameras.

CMOS produces less heat and is cheaper to CMOS produces less heat and is cheaper to make. For those practical reasons, it is make. For those practical reasons, it is starting to replace CCD’s. It was first starting to replace CCD’s. It was first successfully used in the Canon Rebel DSLR successfully used in the Canon Rebel DSLR cameras.cameras.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography I Compact Digital:Compact Digital: 5. Sensor chip topic 5. Sensor chip topic

TTypes 2 of 2: Othersypes 2 of 2: Others

11.11. Sony was the first to use the CMOS chip for its Sony was the first to use the CMOS chip for its high end prosumer compact digital CyberShot high end prosumer compact digital CyberShot R-1 with a 10 MP pixel count on a APS size R-1 with a 10 MP pixel count on a APS size chip.chip.

Foveon is another kind of sensor chip design. It Foveon is another kind of sensor chip design. It sounds great on paper but only Samsung has sounds great on paper but only Samsung has put it into a full production digital camera. I am put it into a full production digital camera. I am looking forward to seeing its development.looking forward to seeing its development.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography I Compact Digital:Compact Digital: 5. Sensor chip topic 5. Sensor chip topic

SSensitivity: Use ISO 100ensitivity: Use ISO 100

12.12. Most compact digitals have ISO speeds ranging Most compact digitals have ISO speeds ranging from ISO 100 to 800. Some have even higher from ISO 100 to 800. Some have even higher numbers such as 1200 or 1600. And a few have numbers such as 1200 or 1600. And a few have lower numbers such as 80, 64, or 50.lower numbers such as 80, 64, or 50.

From an image quality point of view, only the ISO 100 From an image quality point of view, only the ISO 100 is worth using. All the other faster speeds are for is worth using. All the other faster speeds are for marketing purposes. marketing purposes.

The higher numbers increase light sensitivity by The higher numbers increase light sensitivity by electronic means which contribute to image electronic means which contribute to image degradation.degradation.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography ICompact Digital:Compact Digital: 6. Firmware topic 6. Firmware topic

SSoftware for the Digital Camera:oftware for the Digital Camera:

1.1. Digital camera is a computer that is capable of Digital camera is a computer that is capable of capturing still images and sometimes video. And capturing still images and sometimes video. And the firmware is the software that makes it all the firmware is the software that makes it all happen. Firmware is the name for the software happen. Firmware is the name for the software that runs in all small handheld devices.that runs in all small handheld devices.

Each camera maker has its own unique blend of Each camera maker has its own unique blend of program solutions for turning the ‘raw’ electronic program solutions for turning the ‘raw’ electronic signal from a B&W into a full color photographic signal from a B&W into a full color photographic image.image.

Serious digitals allows the user to upgrade the Serious digitals allows the user to upgrade the software. The process is called software. The process is called firmware firmware upgrade upgrade which is usually an internet download.which is usually an internet download.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IExtra Stuff:Extra Stuff:

DDigital Noise: Similar to film grainigital Noise: Similar to film grain

1.1. For the most part, it is equivalent to film grain For the most part, it is equivalent to film grain and you usually want to avoid it.and you usually want to avoid it.

2.2. Panasonic firmware over processes the image Panasonic firmware over processes the image data to remove the noise which makes the final data to remove the noise which makes the final image smooth looking but not truly sharp.image smooth looking but not truly sharp.

3.3. Canon and Nikon both minimize electronic noise Canon and Nikon both minimize electronic noise reduction to keep the image optically sharp. reduction to keep the image optically sharp. Sony is somewhere in the middle.Sony is somewhere in the middle.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IExtra Stuff: Extra Stuff:

MMy RAW Story:y RAW Story:

My current digital is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-My current digital is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18, a compact digital super-zoom. To work FZ18, a compact digital super-zoom. To work around Panasonic’s over processing, I turn off the around Panasonic’s over processing, I turn off the noise cancellation to improve optical sharpness.noise cancellation to improve optical sharpness.

RAW is a standard capability on a DSLR but it is a RAW is a standard capability on a DSLR but it is a rare find on a compact digital. Both Canon and rare find on a compact digital. Both Canon and Nikon have long since removed the RAW capability Nikon have long since removed the RAW capability from their own compacts. from their own compacts.

Their focus is on selling DSLR which have higher Their focus is on selling DSLR which have higher profit margins. Compacts with the RAW capability profit margins. Compacts with the RAW capability become a serious competition to the low end become a serious competition to the low end DSLR’s.DSLR’s.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography IExtra Stuff:Extra Stuff:

DDesirable Features:esirable Features:

1.1. Tripod thread – This is needed to mountTripod thread – This is needed to mountthe camera on a tripod. Most tiny pocket the camera on a tripod. Most tiny pocket size compacts lack this useful feature. size compacts lack this useful feature.

2.2. Hot shoe – this allows for anHot shoe – this allows for anexternal flash to be mounted and external flash to be mounted and synchronize properly with the camera. This synchronize properly with the camera. This is a pro preferred capability.is a pro preferred capability.

3.3. External flash – example shownExternal flash – example shownto the right is a low cost ($100) generic unit. to the right is a low cost ($100) generic unit.

Camera maker’s produce dedicated flash Camera maker’s produce dedicated flash with more power for about $250 to $400.with more power for about $250 to $400.

Teacher: Kenji TachibanaDigital Photography IDigital Photography I

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teacher: kenji tachibana digital photography i. compact digital camera – 49 slides dslr owner’s...

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