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...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...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...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...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...This document describes the configuration of a system which is intended to be used for the digitisation of analogue videotape to a computer hard drive. This document is intended to be of use to staff engaged in the digitisation of analogue video, whether dealing with only a few or a few hundred tapes.
The advice document Selecting a Video Digitisation System provides an overview of alternative types of equipment configurations.
An illustrated introductory guide to the various methods of acoustic treatment for improving room acoustics and reducing sound transmission, and some simple methods for identifying acoustic problems.
Read full advice document...A comparison of the features and specifications of some popular and suggested audio interfaces.
Read full advice document...This document is a discussion of some of the primary audio digitisation systems available for digitising analogue audio media. This document is intended to be of use to staff engaged in the digitisation of analogue audio, whether dealing with only a few or a few hundred tapes.
Read full advice document...A step-by-step guide to diagnosing and rectifying some common technical problems encountered when preparing a recording system
Read full advice document...A more advanced guide to various stereo microphone techniques.
Read full advice document...A guide to microphone characteristics, selection and care
Read full advice document...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...The word photography means drawing with light, without light it is impossible to record a video or still image. So lighting whether in a classroom, office or dedicated photographic studio is an essential component in a photograph or video. The captured image is a record of the light that is emitted, reflected or absorbed by the subject. With a basic understanding of light and how it can be modified the photographer or filmmaker should be able to improve the appearance of their images. This document will look at commonly used light sources and how the user can get the most from them.
Read full advice document...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.
Read full advice document...Over the decades various technical standards have been adopted for analogue and then for digital video and audio. As the popularity of systems declined they were generally replaced by improved technologies, making many system configurations entirely obsolete. Obsolete interconnects can be difficult to use in conjunction with modern equipment.
This paper looks at the nature of audio and video signals and then surveys significant historical interconnects (such as RCA) and contemporary, digital equivalents (such as SDI and SPDIF).
Any method of transferring digital data, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) can potentially be used to transfer digital audiovisual files, but such technologies are not primarily associated with audio video signal data and so are not discussed here.
Read full advice document...The people at Dane-Elec have come up with a simple and inexpensive way to provide secure access to data anywhere on the Internet.
Read blog entry...Photojojo has just released a new product: a mount which enables you to use standard SLR lenses on an iPhone 4.
Read blog entry...I know a few photographers who can quite accurately predict the correct exposure to use under a variety of challenging lighting situations, most of us however require a little help from a light meter.
Read blog entry...It sounds like the DSLR honeymoon may finally be coming to an end.
Read blog entry...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...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...We have just published a new advice document on Tethered Camera Operation.
Read blog entry...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...An overview of acoustic treatment methods and materials, and advice on identifying and meeting the acoustic needs of your room.
Read blog entry...This short concept video demonstrates how Sports Illustrated might work in the near future using a tablet/mobile device. found via The Fischbowl
Read blog entry...A new JISC Digital Media screencast offering advice on microphone technique and choice for voice-over. Recorded for today's online surgery.
Read blog entry...Three new advice documents designed to assist you in choosing an audio interface for your computer system.
Read blog entry...New entry-level audio interface from industry heavyweights Apogee, aimed squarely at the podcaster, but boasting quality suitable for serious music usage.
Read blog entry...Flip has just announced the UK release of the MinoHD which, as you might guess, is an HD version of the Flip video camera.
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