All advice documents, training courses and blog entries tagged 'cameras'
Still images advice tagged 'cameras'
Introduction to digitising bound volumes
Bound volumes such as books need to be digitised with care to avoid poor quality capture or damage to the book. This document looks at the specific problems posed when capturing bound documents and compares commonly used digitisation devices.
Read full advice document...The Book Scanner
While it is possible to digitise books and bound volumes using scanners or copystands the most efficient and least harmful device is the dedicated book scanner. For the purpose of this document we have tested a Zeutschel OS1200HQ which scans open books with a total area of A2+ at 400ppi book scanner and compared it to a copystand mounted Nikon D3 camera which captures at 4256 x 2832 pixels camera and an A4 Epson Perfection 4990 flatbed scanner with a maximum resolution of 4800ppi.
Read full advice document...The Copystand
The copystand is a commonly used device that securely supports a stills camera above a two-dimensional original object. Copystands might be used in libraries, archives or anywhere where there is a need to digitise large 2D objects. This document is an introduction to the copystand and how to use it.
Read full advice document...Tethered Camera Operation
As technology has improved digital cameras have become more and more portable. Smaller and more ergonomic cameras have made digital photography more practical - however, there are times when it is preferable to use a more static system with camera and computer connected. This is known as tethered camera operation. This document is aimed at anyone who might need to operate their camera from a distance, in an awkward position or wants to preview the image on a high quality computer screen.
Read full advice document...How Do I Digitise Difficult Objects?
Scanners and digital cameras are the most commonly used devices for capturing still images; the digital files they create fit seamlessly into the modern workflow. This document looks at scanners and digital cameras and how they can be used to capture non-typical objects. In this document we look at a range of different objects and how we can capture them with a camera or scanner and a few accessories.
Read full advice document...Taking Pictures under Available Light
Most modern digital stills cameras have built in flashes, however these do not always produce a pleasing light, have a limited range and the flash can be distracting in some situations. Professional photographers normally like to have complete control over lighting in order to produce the highest quality images. It is however possible to produce high quality images without the cameras built in flash or in situations where you do not have total control over the lighting. Available or ambient light is the light in the scene before the photographer starts work and this FAQ document looks at common problems associated with available light and how to overcome them. You may also be interested in our Light Sources for Still and Moving Images advice document.
Read full advice document...Digital Cameras
Digital cameras come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, this document details the different technologies used to capture a digital image. This paper also covers the features that a user should consider before choosing a digital camera.
Read full advice document...Which Digital Camera File Formats Should I Use?
Our camera offers so many file formats, which one should we use?
Read full advice document...Which Digital Camera Do You Recommend?
Unfortunately we are not able to recommend specific brands or models of camera. However, we can provide pointers to help you decide if a particular camera will suit your needs.
Read full advice document...Still Image Capture: Hardware and Software
This document is an introduction to digital cameras and scanners and their role in digitisation. This document also looks at the features found in software used to edit images captured by cameras and scanners.
Read full advice document...Using a Budget Digital Camera for Teaching, Learning and Research
Over recent years the price of digital cameras has tumbled while there has been a corresponding improvement in image quality. Compact digital cameras are compact flexible devices that work well in the modern workflow. This document provides an introduction to the compact camera and how to get the most from it.
Read full advice document...The Digital SLR Camera for Teaching, Learning and Digitisation
Digital SLR cameras have improved dramatically over recent years, they have also become much cheaper. Consumers can now buy an entry level digital SLR for around the same price as a top of the range compact. This paper explains the difference between a digital compact and digital SLR and shows how to get the most out of this type of camera.
Read full advice document...The Camera Raw File Format
The Raw file format is the native format offered by most digital SLR cameras. The format can offer greater levels of control over the conversion of capture data to more widely accepted formats such as TIFF or JPEG formats. This document is an introduction to the format and how to make use of it.
Read full advice document...Taking Care of Your Digital Camera
It is almost impossible to avoid dust and airborne particles from entering your camera, but if a few precautions are taken, specialist cleaning can be postponed.
Read full advice document...Photographic Guidelines
There are many factors that need to be considered before and during a photographic session, this document provides a set of guidelines which will assist in planning a photographic project.
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Cross-media advice tagged 'cameras'
The Video Enabled Digital SLR
Until very recently if you needed to shoot video you purchased a video camera and if you needed to shoot stills you bought a stills camera. However, over the last couple of years manufacturers have started to release stills SLR cameras that can also capture video. With many of the middle and higher range camera models now offering video capture we should look at this new feature and try to identify its strengths and weaknesses. This document is aimed at anyone who has or is about to purchase an SLR camera and needs to know if the video option is of use to them.
Read full advice document...Stands and Supports for Still and Moving Images
One of the easiest ways to improve the quality of still or moving images is by using a support. Supports and stands can reduce or eliminate vibration or movement which otherwise would degrade the quality of the captured media. Supports come in all shapes and sizes: this document looks at a variety of support types including tripods, copy-stands, clamps and brackets as well as improvised solutions.
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Training courses tagged 'cameras'
Advanced Techniques in Digital Image Capture
This course looks at the technical background behind, and procedures for, image capture and optimisation delivered through hands-on activities. This workshop will teach you how to produce the correct end product for your intended purpose and teach you the easy 'science' of scanning to remove the guesswork from your image capture.
Read course description...Digital Photography - Taking Control of your SLR
This action packed course looks in depth at using a digital SLR's creative controls to put you in charge of your photography. You will also have plenty of hands-on practice with the camera and be shown how to effectively illuminate 2D and 3D objects using tungsten and fluorescent studio lighting.
Read course description...Digital Photography - Getting Started with your SLR
This entry level course will provide you with an understanding of the techniques and skills needed to produce great quality images from a digital SLR camera with ease. Some illuminating background theory will be supported by hands-on practical exercises in photography.
Read course description...Essential Techniques in Digital Image Capture
This entry level course provides an easy to understand theoretical overview of digital images and image capture combined with practical exercises using both a scanner and digital SLR camera for those getting started with creating digital images.
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Blog entries tagged 'cameras'
High-end iPhone photography?
Photojojo has just released a new product: a mount which enables you to use standard SLR lenses on an iPhone 4.
Read blog entry...Refocus a picture after it has been taken!
A newcomer to the photography market is close to launching an impressive new camera which allows the user to refocus the picture after it has been taken.
Read blog entry...An antidote to the digital zoom
The cameras built into most portable devices use fixed focal length lenses, to alter the framing the user normally has to move closer or further away from the subject or use the dreaded digital zoom. The digital zoom simply crops into the original frame to give a closer look. The zoomed image has no more image detail than the un-zoomed shot and so digital zoom should be avoided whenever possible.
Read blog entry...Camera phones come of age
As a photographer I have never found the camera stuffed into most mobile phones to be a deal breaker. Whenever I have bought a new phone I have tested the camera, but have always found it lacking. After a recent phone upgrade I thought I should repeat my usual test on the camera, this was mainly to confirm my firmly entrenched prejudices.
Read blog entry...Not seeing the forest for the beautifully out of focus trees
It sounds like the DSLR honeymoon may finally be coming to an end.
Read blog entry...The 12 Days of JISC Digital Media Christmas
Tuesday the 7th of December 2010 sees JISC Digital Media launch the 12 Days of JISC Digital Media Christmas, a very lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek series of videos.
Read blog entry...HD Video on the Touch
Latest iPod Touch adds microphone and cameras
Read blog entry...New advice on the video enabled digital SLR
Video capture is an increasingly common feature in today's digital SLR cameras. While the controls are crude compared to those of a dedicated camcorder the video output has a cinematic look popular with many filmmakers.
Read blog entry...Playing with the Zumi
I recently purchased a Zumi, properly known as the Digital Harinezumi 2++ and have been getting a lot of enjoyment out of it.
Read blog entry...Introduction to the copystand
Digital SLRs are increasingly being used to capture 2D objects which until recently would have been digitised using a scanner. Recognising the increasing use of the copystand we have just published a new document which explains what it is and how to use it is used: The Copystand.
Read blog entry...Operating your camera remotely
We have just published a new advice document on Tethered Camera Operation.
Read blog entry...Side-by-side comparison of Kodak Zi8, Sony Z5 and Flip
Here at JISC Digital Media we've made a very brief (79 second) video to compare the Kodak Zi8 and Flip Ultra pocket camcorders with the considerably more sophisticated (and considerably more expensive) Sony Z5.
Read blog entry...Time to unplug
Eye-fi have recently released their new (and the first ever) range of memory cards fitted with wireless technology that allows you to upload photos and videos directly to your computer or the web.
Read blog entry...Instant film makes a comeback
In 2008 the Polaroid Corporation stopped manufacturing their instant film products.
Read blog entry...Using a digital SLR for video
There's a very interesting article in Creative COW about the Canon 5D Mk II, a very advanced digital SLR (or HDSLR) that the author has been using to shoot video with.
Read blog entry...How to photograph or scan those tricky objects
We have just published a new advice document on scanning and photography.
Read blog entry...New digital restoration course among autumn training dates
The keen-eyed among you will have already noticed we have just released details of our new training programme for September to December.
Read blog entry...Zoom with a view - video with an audio bias
The new Zoom Q3 audio/video recorder offers simple video, combined with high quality stereo audio capture.
Read blog entry...Updated digital camera document
To reflect recent developments in digital camera technology we have updated the Digital Camera paper.
Read blog entry...Flip launches an HD camera
Flip has just announced the UK release of the MinoHD which, as you might guess, is an HD version of the Flip video camera.
Read blog entry...Promo film for the Red camera
Here's a nice little promo with a few effects shots that lets you see the Red being used on a real shoot.
Read blog entry...Red’s new cameras
In November, Red Digital Cinema announced their new range of cameras which are expected to be available between this spring and the summer of 2010. "Range of cameras" isn't quite accurate, as Red have adopted a completely modular approach. It includes two of what Red refers to as Brains, the sensing and capturing core of the system. These are called Scarlet and Epic and are accompanied by an almost mind-boggling list of performance specs.
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