Digital Cameras
This class will be focusing on Multimedia Devices and Software.We are going to look at some basic information on digital still and video cameras. The variety of cameras available is huge as well as the usual jargon that is involved in purchasing a digital device.
Each make and model will vary in their specifications, resolution and features.
Types of Cameras
Read the following article for a full explanation of the types of digital cameras available and some of the terminology.http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-buy-a-digital-camera/
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/06/how-to-choose-a-digital-camera/
http://www.cnet.com/au/topics/cameras/buying-guide/
Extra Reading if you want more!
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/08/gizmodo-camera-buying-guide-2014-which-digital-camera-is-right-for-you/
http://www.cnet.com/au/topics/cameras/best-digital-cameras/
Shopping for a camera
JB HiFi web page shows some typical Digital Camera advertising and specifications.
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/cameras/
Basic Operation
Most Digital Still Cameras today have HD or at least high quality video recording as well as the ability to take still images. Although every camera is different, with different menu structures and settings, most will have a similar functionality.These are from the camera I have at work.
For general usage, you would use your camera in "auto" mode. This allows the camera to select the best settings based on the type of photo it thinks you are taking.
Most cameras will have the ability for you to select a mode, such as "sport", "fireworks", "night", "macro". Each of these will have settings associated with them that will produce the best image in the specified conditions.
Digital Still Cameras usually store Photos in the JPEG format. Some more advanced cameras may also save the files in Camera RAW. This creates very large uncompressed images that retain all of the information about the image. Most Digital SLRs will have the ability to save as RAW as well as JPEG.
There is often a separate "movie" mode for taking video. In Movie mode, you would press the button to start recording and then press it again to stop. The video format will probably be MPEG or MPEG-2.
To transfer the images to your computer, you can use the USB cable that comes with your camera or you can take out the memory card and use a card reader. Most modern laptops will have a card reader built into them.
Once you have the images transferred to your computer, you should use your CD/DVD drive to burn them to a CD or DVD so that you have a permanent copy in case you have a hardware failure. I like to think of this as equating to the old fashioned negatives.
You can then use some of the many available tools to create digital photo slideshows, videos, or even a coffee table book.
Our Cameras
Within the IT department and the Chisholm library, we have a number of different cameras that can be used for still images and video.Flip Cameras
These are a great little device that, unfortunately, were bought by another company and then very soon after dropped as a product. They are simple to use and take reasonable HD quality video (ours are 720 as opposed to 1080) as well as still images, but the biggest advantage of them is that they have a built in USB port that just flips out from the side of the camera. Some of the later models have built in WiFi so you can upload the video straight from the camera.Video Cameras
There are also a number of Sony camcorders with hard drives within our department as well as the library (a range of brands). These are mostly used for video, but all video cameras have the ability to take still images as well as video. The difference between a camcorder and something like the flip camera is the video camera or camcorder will have better zoom, optical rather than digital, and usually better lenses.Digital Still Cameras
We also have a few "point and click" digital still cameras. These also take video as well as still images. There are a few different makes and models available including Canon and Sony.Camera Phone
It is said that the best camera is the one that you have with you. For many of us, that is the camera on our mobile phone. If you are like me, I am not usually very far from my phone and it is usually on hand when a photo opportunity crops up.Class Activity 1
As a group (or send out a delegate), go and visit the library at your campus and see what cameras are available for students to borrow. What do you need to borrow any of these items? How long can you lend them for?Class Activity 2
As you may be aware, I have booked to go on a holiday in July. Before we go, I would like to buy a cheap, but functional camera. I have the camera on my phone, but would like something a bit more functional. As a group, you are going to select a couple of appropriate cameras that will suit my needs and then find the best price. Use the Internet and any relevant websites you need for research. Before you start, you need to find out what my requirements are so:
- Work out some questions that you can ask to find out my requirements
- Find at least 2 cameras that fit my needs
- Find the best price for each.
- Any accessories that I might need
Assessment Task 1 (worth 40%)
1. You have been allocated $2500 to buy 10 basic cameras for the Mysty River Secondary College school library for students to use. These cameras must be easy to use and robust. You must include all necessary items for these cameras to be used straight away within this amount. Use the Internet or any junk mail brochures to get costs and specifications. Include sources with your submission.2. For a selected camera, it could be your own or one from the library, write a basic instruction manual including
- how to insert the memory cards,
- basic operation,
- any OHS issues,
- proper storage and
- charging of batteries.
Upload this to Moodle as a Word Document including cover sheet.
Photography Basics
Before we go out and actually take some photos ourselves, we will have a look at some photo composition advice from the experts!!
Rule of Thirds
When it comes to photo composition, the Rule of Thirds is by far the most well known.Read about the Rule of Thirds here
Using Lines
The three main lines used in photo composition are Horizontal, Vertical and Diagonal.Read about using lines in photo composition here
Straight Horizons
Another composition tip is to make sure that your horizons are horizontal - they're not called horizons for nothing.Read about straight horizons here
Filling the Frame
Make sure that when you are taking shots of people or a specific object, that you can actually see that object in the picture and not have to squint to see what the photo is about.Read about filling the frame here
Using objects as frames
Framing your shot can draw attention to the subject by blocking out the stuff you don't want to be seen. Lots of objects can be used as frames in a photo.Read about Framing your Shots here
Class Activity 3
Using images from the Internet, such as Flickr,Find at least 2 for each category.
Share your images in our facebook group and describe how you think the technique has been applied and why you like or not like the photo.
Critique the choices of other students!
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