17th February 2010
The serious digital photographer will spend at least as much time at the computer as actually out taking pictures. The computer has, in effect, simply replaced the darkroom.
What to look for in a computer
All Apple Mac computer models G3 and higher ar...
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16th February 2010
Digital and film-based cameras work on the same principle - both make a record of a scene using the energy of light to make a change in a light-sensitive material. This change is then amplified, or intensified - either by chemical or electronic means - in...
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16th February 2010
The CPU forgets everything every time the power is turned off, which is why start-up takes a few minutes: the CPU must be loaded with instructions before it can work. To back up its operation, it relies on memory stores â€" fast but unstable, dynamic acce...
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16th February 2010
Modern ink-jet printers produce excellent print quality at low prices, they are generally reliable, and most are easy to use. The only downside is the cost of the inks and good-quality paper. However, while the ink-jet is the dominant technology, it is no...
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16th February 2010
When purchasing software, particularly professional applications with more advanced features, you should check the following:
- the operating system required; if you do not have the latest computer, check that the version of your operating system, such...
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16th February 2010
Scanner features that you should consider before buying include:
- resolution; choose a machine that offers an optical resolution of at least 2,700 ppi (points per inch). This will create files around 20 MB in size, which should be enough for fair-qual...
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16th February 2010
Today's scanners are so powerful and capable that even professional-quality instruments are within reach of anybody who can afford a digital camera or computer.
Flat-bed scanners
Flat-bed scanners are somewhat like photocopiers - you place an original...
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16th February 2010
Some scanners detect and automatically remove dust particles on the film. With some types of film grain, this process may somewhat soften the image, so a small amount of Unsharp Masking may be needed. Although this process adds to scanning times, it can s...
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16th February 2010
In digital photography, flat-bed and film scanners are the types most often used. In principle, they work in the same way as a digital camera - sensors convert differences in light values into electrical signals. The key difference is that a scanner provi...
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16th February 2010
LCD monitor
Modem LCD screens offer the best balance of ergonomic features with image quality, as well as minimizing eye-strain. Images are stable, geometry is perfect, and colour rendition is excellent. But they cost far more than a CRT monitor with the...
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16th February 2010
Your choice of monitor is crucial, as you are likely to spend as much time in front of the screen as you do taking photographs. The best advice is to buy the best and biggest monitor you can afford. Poor quality screens may flicker and cause eye-strain, c...
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16th February 2010
CompactFlash
The most widely used and available memory card, with a choice of card readers and a variety of capacities to suit different budgets. Capacities range from 8-512MB-with the best-value cards being those offering 64-80MB capacity. Some types of...
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16th February 2010
For a time, it seemed that there would be just three types of digital-image memory cards. Unfortunately, there are now several systems all vying for pole position. For the photographer, the main consideration is compatibility between personal equipment: i...
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16th February 2010
Canon 75-300mm zoom
Like many lenses in its class, this design offers a wide zoom range with fair-to-good optical performance in a lightweight and compact body.
Sigma 17-35mm
A very compact lens for the range of focal lengths it covers. Although 17...
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16th February 2010
Konica Hexar
Typical of a new generation of 35mm rangefinder cameras, the Konica Hexar offers satisfying photography by combining compact and rapid operation with high-quality imaging.
Kodak Advantix T700
The main features of this low-price APS camer...
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