Starting out with your camera.

SETTING UP YOUR CAMERA

OPEN THE BOX

If you haven’t done so yet, open the box with your camera. Select a table free of clutter to do this. Some parts may be small and you don’t want to loose them. The box will generally contain the camera, a memory card (this may be built in to your camera so don’t worry if you can’t find one), a strap, a lens cap(if your camera requires one), a battery or batteries, and perhaps a charger. the package almost always has some kind of instructions which may be difficult to read let alone understand. It MAY also have a CD that contains instructions and programs relative to using your new camera.

If your camera comes with a rechargeable battery, charge that battery before you start shooting, so do that NOW. This may take several hours but don’t rush the process. If your camera came with disposable batteries you can use these until you get rechargeable ones. If this is a new camera, the battery will NOT be in the camera, so look for it.

The two main types of batteries used in cameras are LiON rechargeable batteries and AA batteries. The LiON batteries ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE so find the charger and use it. Some cameras come with a cradle for charging the battery while in the camera.The cradle holds the camera while charging and for transfering pictures to the computer.

If your camera uses AA batteries, then go out and buy rechargeable batteries and a charger. Most chargers will do the job in 4 to 8 hours. The rechargeable AA batteries are NiMH batteries and come in a variety of strengths (1800-2700 mAh). The larger the number the better. The AA rechargeable batteries I strongly suggest are ENELOOP by GE/Sanyo. Costco haws them with a charger for under $30. The ENELOOP batteries do NOT require charging prior. Buy batteries in sets of 4 REGARDLESS if your camera only uses 2 at a time. DO NOT MIX BATTERY TYPES, STRENGTHS OR MANUFACTURERS.

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INSERTING BATTERIES & MEMORY CARD

The battery cover can be difficult to locate and to open. Most often it is a two step job. A slide or switch is moved in one direction and then the entire cover is MOVED at a right angle. If you are having trouble, go to the place you bought your camera or a local camera store. AA batteries can easily be insert incorrectly. Look for directions on the correct way to insert the batteries. The LiON batteries can only be inserted one way.

Check to see if you have loaded the batteries by closing the battery cover and turn on the camera. This is done by sliding a switch, pushing a button, or turning a dial. If the camera does not appear to turn on, check to see if you are in the shooting mode, if so, then open the battery compartment and reinsert your batteries.

Many of the newer cameras have some memory built into the camera. You can take 6 10 pictures without inserting a memory card. Get one or two 2GB or 4GB CARDS. DO NOT BUY 128, 256, OR 512 Mb MEMORY CARDS. Memory cards are not interchangeable. Check which one your camera uses, your camera can use only one type, so buy carefully. The common types of MEMORY CARDS are SD (Secure Digital), CF (Compact Flash), Memory Sticks, and xD memory. Check with your manual before buying the SDHC or SDXC memory cards. Older cameras cannot use those cards. Some of the older card readers may not work with these newer memory cards.

Frequently the memory card slot is hidden under a flap or small door OR MAY BE NEXT TO THE BATTERY. Open the door or flap. The card goes in one way only, don’t force it. If in doubt, read the directions or let someone show you how

SETTING DATE & TIME - A new camera may display a “Set the date and time” notice on the LCD. On other cameras you may have to access the MENU to do this. Once done you don’t have to repeat it unless you change time zones. FIND THE MENU BUTTON IF YOU HAVE ONE AND PRESS IT WHILE THE CAMERA IS ON and IN PICTURE TAKING MODE. The MENU may have a SETUP setting or this mode may be on the dial. Most cameras use a 4-way rocker setup to set the date and time. Up / down increases or decreases the value displayed while the right / left moves the cursor right or left over the date and time fields. The buttons are built into the ring and are pressed to activate. Many of the buttons are double duty and their function will change depending upon the camera or mode setting.

NOTE: You can stop setting up your camera at this point and your camera will take great pictures if you set AUTO or SIMPLE mode on the DIAL or slide switch. The camera will use the default settings the manufacturer thinks best for you.

MORE ADVANCED SET-UP FEATURES

If your camera has a dial which says “AUTO” or shows a HEART, or has something that indicates a “SIMPLIFIED POINT AND SHOOT MODE, change the dial to another setting, preferably one that says P, A, S, Tv, or shows icons of a runner or just about anything else. The AUTO type settings may NOT allow you to make some changes to the defaults settings on the camera. In most cases the default settings will be used when in the simple or AUTO mode and cannot be changed by the user.

Pressing the MENU button turns on the LCD which will display a series of options. The choice of options is dependent upon the camera setting to PLAYBACK or TAKING MODE. Place the camera in the picture taking mode. Displayed across the top will be several pages or tabs, one of which will probably say SET UP. It is also possible that the dial has a position on it marked SET-UP. It is here that you want to be. So use the LEFT/RIGHT BUTTONS to move to that tab or page. Your camera may be different in that some of the features may be located in places other than SET-UP or MENU.

RESOLUTION –Expressed as a size in pixels (pixel is a picture element) commonly shown as a pair of numbers. The larger the numbers the more pixels, the better defined the image, the larger the file size, but the fewer image that can be captured on a memory card. Set resolution (generally done only once) to LARGEST size. If the largest number has not been selected then use the UP/DOWN or RIGHT/LEFT arrows (buttons) to select it. You may have to use the LEFT/RIGHT buttons to activate that feature first. You may also have to push the OK or SET button to lock in the selection.

COMPRESSION Set to FINE (may show as super fine or ultra fine). In many cameras the default has been selected to the middle value or NORMAL. If you are not sure which one to select look at the number of pictures that can be taken. You want to use the compression and resolution settings that yield the lowest number of images.

REVIEW-. This allows you to see the picture you just took for to 2 to 10 seconds or even longer.The longer the review is on the faster the battery will drain and need recharging.

NUMBERING Set numbering system for the images to CONTINUOUS. This means that a new memory card continues the numbering of the card just replaced

DIGITAL ZOOMING - Turn off the digital zoom if allowed. In a later blog i will discuss digital zooming but for now, turn it off.

FLASH -Set flash to OFF. This setting is frequently a separate button on the 4-way rocker. There are several FLASH possibilities. Pushing the FLASH button repeatedly cycles through the settings: FLASH ON (always fires); FLASH AUTO (flash fires when in low light); FLASH-REDEYE (flash emits a short burst of light just before the real flash fires); FLASH OFF (flash doesn’t fire regardless of the lack of light). We will be visiting this topic frequently over the semester. On some cameras the flash must first be raised to activate. On many cameras the use of the flash is also controlled by the mode dial or switch. Check out our camera's flash setting if you want to take pictures in a museum without getting into trouble.

EXPOSURE MODE-Set the camera to AUTO mode (camera focuses, sets exposure, sets flash, sets white balance). AUTO mode will produce satisfactory pictures under most conditions. This control may not be available on many cameras

ISO – Set ISO to AUTO. ISO determines the sensitivity of the image sensor to light. The camera will adjust this settiung as needed. The higher the ISO number the more sensitive the sensor is to light. The lowest ISO numbers (50, 80 or 100) are capable of capturing more detail with far fewer artifacts. High ISO, Like ISO 200, 400, or 800 can be used in dim lighting situations, but tend to be grainy or noisy. Note that pictures taken with high ISO settings may have excessive noise or grain in dark or very light areas and may not be useable.In great detail is needed, then set the camera to the lowest possible ISO.

LIGHT BALANCE – Set to AUTO. The AUTO settings does OK most of the time but can (and will) be fooled, especially indoors. Light is changed by what is around it, by the time of day, cloudiness, reflective surfaces, etc. The AUTO setting reads the light and automatically makes adjustments to produce natural looking pictures. You can override the camera by changing the AUTO setting to some other value. This is similar to using a filter on a lens in 35mm photography

DIAL OR MODE SETTINGS- Not available on many cameras..

AUTOMATIC MODE (AUTO)

This setting is usually shown as the abbreviation AUTO on a setting dial. The user just aims the camera and presses the shutter button and the camera reads the light and then adjusts the shutter speed and aperture according to the light while focusing the camera on the object in the center of the viewfinder.

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PROGRAM MODE – Many cameras also offer a PROGRAM or ADVANCED or MANUAL mode. This is a confusing setting since on some cameras it allows the photographer to alter the camera setting while still maintaining the proper relationship between shutter and aperture. On other cameras it simply allows adjusting parameters in the MENU. This mode is generally shown as the letter P on the dial.

APERTURE PRIORITY (A or Av) – In this mode you choose the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed. Use the UP/DOWN or RIGHT/LEFT buttons or turning a wheel to change the aperture. Useful for controlling depth of field (DOF).

SHUTTER PRIORITY -S or Tv -"Shutter Priority" means that the photographer chooses the shutter speed and the camera automatically adjusts the aperture for the correct exposure. Use the UP / DOWN or LEFT / RIGHT arrows or buttons to make changes. Useful for taking fast moving subjects. A fast shutter speed (1/500 and above) is used to stop motion of things like race cars, hummingbird wings, and children playing..

FULL MANUAL CONTROL M -Some cameras offer full manual control in which the shutter and aperture can be set independently regardless of the light need to produce a well exposed picture. You choose the aperture and shutter speed for each shot. BEWARE: Some camera manufacturers (Canon) indicate a control setting of PM or M but that is not a real manual control. If there are no S (Tv) or A modes then there is no real manual mode.

SCENE SETTINGS

The more common scene settings may use ICONS to indicate the setting. The more common scene settings are PORTRAIT, NIGHT, and LANDSCAPE, followed by the less common scene modes such as Flower, Sunset, Sport, Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Beach, Close up, Snow, Fireworks, Indoor, Kids, and Backlight just to name a few. Some of the more common scene settings may be on the MODE DIAL while others must be accessed via the SCN icon on the MODE dial..

If your camera has a SCN (SCENE) setting then placing the dial in SCN generally accesses the other scene modes via a display on the LCD. The LCD displays the various scene options. Each of the scene modes makes an adjustment to the exposure algorithm and may also change other camera settings. Using the UP or DOWN arrows to select the scene

Well, you've done it, you have set up your camera and should have great results. But there is a lot more to do that you may want to explore at some other time. Tune in and see what else is up. If you don't have a camera ask me for help. I publish suggestions for a wide variety of pocketbooks and desires.

As a teacher of digital photography I am frequently asked about buying a camera. For those of you who money is not a problem, stop reading here and go elsewhere, this blog is not for you.

SELECTING A DIGITAL CAMERA –

Before going out on your shopping venture you need to be honest with yourself, brutally honest with yourself. First establish a budget not only for the camera itself but also for the accessories that you will need for it. Items such as memory cards, extra batteries and camera case can easily cost $50 or more, probably more. The extras should include the following:
Memory cards – 2 x 1GB cards or 1 x 2GB – about $15 -$20. A 4GB card is $20-40.
Extra batteries – 4AA rechargeable - $12-15 - LiON battery run $15-30 or more
Battery Charger - $10-18 (look for dual voltage (120-240v)
Camera case $8-20

Digital cameras come in a variety of types and with a varying selection of features.
BASIC CAMERAS are simple point & shoot (P&S) with an optical zoom of up to 3x – 6x
ULTRA COMPACT CAMERAS- small cameras that easily fit into a pocket or purse.
INTERMEDIATE ZOOMING CAMERAS- zoom range up to 10x- 12x optical zoom
MINI SLR TYPE- ULTRA ZOOM CAMERAS- zoom range from 12-20x optical zoom
INTERNAL ZOOMING CAMERAS- The lens is totally enclosed within the camera body and does not extend out. Zoom range may be up to 4x optical
PROSUMER CAMERAS – designed for the advanced photographer
DIGITAL SLR- designed for the advanced photographer

Before selecting a camera type it pays to look at the various important features.
Certain camera features are critical to all types of camera users and should be used to include or disqualify possible camera choices.

1. LCD size- The LCD is the window on the back of the camera that is used for taking viewing or reviewing images. It is also the window used for setting the camera parameters and settings. The LCD should be as large and bright as possible. The standard screen size today is 2.5 inches while some of the newer cameras sport screens as large as 3”, some even larger.. Unfortunately, not all screens of the same size are identical. The LCD is made up of dots or pixels used to display the image. Pick one with at least 200,000 pixels if there is an optical viewfinder, 230,000 without. Generally, the more the better. Some LCD work better in bright light while others also work well in dim light. Check DPReview for details on the LCD. (http://www.dpreview.com/
2. Shutter Lag – This is the time interval between pressing the shutter all the way down to take the picture and when the camera actually takes the picture. Most of today’s cameras have reasonably short shutter lag, but a few still have a far too long a time interval between pressing the shutter and taking the picture. Also check the time needed to get the camera ready to shoot and the time lag between pictures. A NUMBER OF CAMERA MANUFACTURERS NOW SUGGEST THAT YOU ALWAYS HALF-PRESS THE SHUTTER BEFORE TAKING THE PICTURE.
3. Zoom Range- The standard zoom range in today’s cameras is 3x OPTICAL. Optical Zoom is the only factor you should consider since digital zoom tends to degrade the picture. All digital cameras come with some digital zoom. A 3x optical zoom means that the camera goes from wide angle to telephoto by a factor of 3x. A wide angle (28mm) allows more of the subject to be included in the picture but the subject appears smaller. Telephoto means the subject is shown larger and closer but less of the total scene is shown. The common 3x optical zoom ranges are 35-105mm. 37-111mm and 28-84mm. The 28-84mm zoom is rarer but more useable in the cramped settings of a party or a small size room..
4. Image Stabilization (IS) is important. The only 2 kinds of IS worth considering are Optical IS where a lens element moves so as to minimize camera shake and Sensor IS where the camera imaging sensor moves to minimize camera shake. Any other type of IS has minimal value and may in fact cause a degrading of the final image.

5. PIXELS –The number of pixels you need is a function of how dedicated to processing images you are after taking the pictures. The more dedicated, the more pixels, well almost. Six megapixels (6MP) are more than enough to produce very good 8x10 or even 11x14 images. 7MP or 8MP are enough for almost anyone. Note that the higher pixel count may result in increased grain (noise) in the image.
6. VIEWFINDER- A viewfinder is useful in poor or very bright light. Cameras with a 3 inch LCD rarely have optical viewfinders. Cameras with 10x or larger zooms use electronic viewfinders (EVF). Some EVF suffer from image lag, i.e., what you see is old news, in a fast moving scene the viewfinder is NOT showing what the camera is aimed at.
7. Camera controls such as shutter speed and aperture setting. If you were a dedicated film photographer you will want these, if your are not that type, this is one added feature to complicate your life. However, you can get these features without adding to the cost of the camera and can still use the camera in an auto mode. The pros hate to admit it, but many of them use the auto mode for aobut 90% of their shots.
The following are additional things to consider:
1. Battery type – AA rechargeable batteries are preferred but many small cameras purse (pocket, extended zoom) may use proprietary LiON batteries. The best AA rechargeable batteries are the ENELOOP brand by GE/Sanyo.
2. Histogram in either preview (live) or review (after the shot) mode
3. Focusing Assist Lamp – this is a light on the camera front that goes on as you try to focus. It makes focusing easier in dim light. Some cameras use the flash for this.
4. Function (FUNC) Mode – allows changing of certain picture taking parameters without going into the menu. A very handy feature if you are a “photographer”.
5. Exposure Compensation - allows you to compensate for backlit or unusual lighting.
6. Flash Compensation – Allows you to alter the strength of the flash to compensate for unusual situations.
7. Memory card type- CF and SD cards are cheaper than xD and Memory Sticks.
8. Scene Modes – Beware of overkill, too many options can be confusing.
9. Hard to define features
 The best menus explain features and settings and may even give shooting advice. Check the ease of changing camera settings..
 If possible the LCD should be readable even in very bright or dim light.
 The camera should be easy to hold securely and fit your hand size.
So what am I recommending? Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic and Kodak sell the bulk of digital cameras for the basic and intermediate user. Pentax, Fuji, Olympus and Casio have loyal followers and make excellent cameras for use in most categories.
MY CAMERA RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Compact Size - Canon A650 IS, A640, A720IS, A2000 IS, Panasonic DMC-TZ3, TZ5,
2. Ultra Compact -The Canon SD series of cameras are generally well liked by their users
3. SLR type Ultra Zoom –Canon SX10 IS, Panasonic DMC-FZ28.
4. Digital SLR cameras- investigate before buying.

Selecting a camera

I think that a good number of my students sign up just for help in selecting the "right" camera. So, if you are one of those or are someone who needs some help for yourself or a family member then read on.
The very first thing you need to do is ascertain what kind of a photographer you are or want to be. There is nothing wrong in saying, "I don't know", but there is a lot wrong in saying "I like to take pictures of people" when what you really want to do is shoot sports. The difference is about $500 or more.

So let me help you in getting a handle on what you want to do photographically.

1. Do you think you will want to edit pictures on a computer?
2. Do you think you will be carrying the camera with you most of the time?
3. Do you want something that will fit in your shirt pocket or purse?
4. How much digital photo experience do you have?
5. What about general photographic experience, a lot, some, little?
6. Do you find kids and native people interesting on a trip?
7. Do you go to a lot of family sports events?
8. Do you like scenery and interesting buildings?
   
9. Is this your first digital camera?
10. What is your budget? Remember to add about 30% or more to the cost of the camera for extras.

So let's see how these questions may influence your camera selection.
1. Do you think you will want to edit pictures on a computer- This question helps determine the pixel and perhaps the sensor size you should be looking at. If you don't edit pictures you don't need anything more than a 6MP camera, less if you can still find one.
2. Do you think you will be carrying the camera with you most of the time? - Compact or ultra-compact cameras travel easily. The ultra-zoom and dSLR cameras require more space and are heavier.
3.Do you want something that will fit in your shirt pocket or purse? This is really a variation on question 2. You can carry a dSLR with you but it will not fit in your shirt pocket or most purses. This just helps pin down the selection a bit more.
4&5. How much digital photo or plain photo experience do you have? This is a biggy. Digital cameras,are far more complicated to use than film cameras. However, almost all digital cameras have a simple or Point and Shoot mode. And that mode works well for 80-90% of the shooting. But if you have little experience, the learning curve may be discouraging. If so, start with a compact or ultra-compact camera and figure on buying up.
6. Do you find kids and native people interesting on a trip? Almost any camera with a 3 to 4x optical zoom does well on kid and people shots.
7. Do you go to a lot of family sports events? - This is the determining question on the zoom range you need. If you do a lot of these nothing less than a 6x optical zoom is worth looking at and you may really want to be thinking about a dSLR, depending upon your experience with cameras. There are a number of 12x optical zoom cameras around that may work. I like the Canon S5 IS and some of the Panasonics that look like minature SLR. The Panasonic TZ3 or the Canon SX100 may also be a decent choice as well.
8. Do you like scenery and interesting buildings?- This question was aimed at finding out if a 28mm wide angle end on the zoom is more appropriate. Most zoom ranges start at 35-38mm which means you need to get back, way back on a big building. On the other hand the long end of the zoom helps isolate cluttered scenes.
9.Is this your first digital camera? If so, you may want to focus on cameras at the lower end of the cost spectrum. You can buy a very good 6-8MP digital camera for under $200. Figure on upgrading when you find you like shooting digital images.
10. What is your budget? Remember to add about 30% or more to the cost of the camera for extras. This question is really a reality check. Here is my pricing range:
Compact cameras -from $100-$300.
Sub compact or ultra-compact range from $200 to $400
Ultra zoom - $300-$599
dSLR- $500-to the sky.

Jerry

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