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Using a Digital Camera

Technology 2

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Digital Images

• Four sources– Digital cameras– Screen grabs– Copy and paste from the Internet– Scanners

• Advantages of digital images– No film, reusable memory card instead– Photos can be viewed then deleted or

saved– Photos can be transferred directly to PC

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Outline of Session

• Composing pictures• “The rule of thirds”• Using flash• Taking close up pictures• Using the camera to record video

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Composing a Picture

• Keep it simple• Remove distractions• Have plenty of light• Use a tripod

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Change Camera Position

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Select a Suitable Background

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Use an “Infinite Horizon”

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Infinite Horizon

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The Rule of Thirds

•Circular points are the points of interest and focus for the viewer

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Rule of Thirds

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Rule of Thirds

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Rule of Thirds

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Rule of Thirds

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Using the Flash

• By default, flash will be used when needed

• Flash is only effective within 5 metres

• To change flash settings on your camera, keep pressing the lightning symbol until you get the correct mode

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Turning Flash Off

• Turn flash off for interiors, for close-up work and taking pictures through glass

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Force Flash On

• Flash fires even though the camera sensor thinks there is enough light

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Red Eye

• Fires an initial flash to close the subjects iris before taking the photo to prevent red eye

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Close up Photography

• Select the macro option on your camera (picture of a tulip)

• Get as close as you can• Don’t use onboard flash, use other

lighting instead• Select a neutral background• Use a tripod

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Taking Pictures of Small Objects

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Pre-Focus

To focus on a subject not positioned in the centre of the picture

• Press the shutter button down half way while making sure your subject is in the centre of the frame,

• Keep the button pressed half way, recompose the picture and press the button completely to take the picture.

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Recording Video

• Use a tripod• Get as close as you can to the action• Make it short and to the point

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Photographing Drawings

• Make sure you are at right angles to the drawing• Glossy posters are difficult to photograph

because of the way light reflects from them

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Using the Digital Camera

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Using the Digital Camera

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Using the Digital Camera

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Base of Camera

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SD Memory Card

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SD Memory Card

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Camera Icons

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Buying a Camera

• Look for 4megapixels or more resolution• Lithium ion rechargeable batteries are

best• Look for some (at least 3x) optical zoom• A 256 Mb memory card will hold over 100

photos• The camera we are using cost €170

including the card, batteries and case

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Exercises

1. Take a photo of the components,2. Take a photo of the circuit with

some components soldered,3. Take a photo of the completed

circuit