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ACCESS TO CVU |
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DIGITAL CAMERA USE |
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Duncan Wardwell (duncan@cvuhs.org) |
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If you're all thumbs then you can still take good snapshots |
PARTS ARE PARTS:
Identify the different parts and functions of your camera.
| On/Off button | What do you see and hear? |
| Megapixels | The number of dots of color in a picture. 2 megapixels is about an adequate snapshot size print. |
| LCD display | Can be used three different ways. Note the info available on the screen. |
| View finder | Is it better to use a different perspective? |
| Picture viewing mode | Compare LCD display above |
| Picture taking mode | Observe the LCD display info and learn to read icons. |
| Lens | Identify your specs |
| Zoom in/out | Do you have an optical, digital, or both? |
| Battery slot | Identify the “type” of your batteries |
| Other inputs | Identify the A/V, digital, DC terminals, tripod socket |
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Learn to read the structure of your camera before you try a manual. We'll push some more of your buttons later. |
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Practice these steps and you'll quickly learn how to take better pictures. Be sure to use your thumbnails. . .
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1. Turn on your camera and set to picture taking mode. |
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2. Compose a subject using your viewfinder; place focal point in center. |
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3. Slightly depress the shutter to initiate the auto-focus lock. |
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4. Maintain pressure on the shutter as you readjust your focal point to the Rule of Thirds (see diagram below). |
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5. Follow thru on the shutter to take a picture. |
| 6. Turn camera setting to picture viewing mode to examine results. | |
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7. Use a button, dial, or menu to change the quality and composition of your picture. |
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Compose your subject in any four "sweet spots" by the Rule of Thirds.
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TELL A STORY WITH EVERY PICTURE:
Don't be afraid to shoot many pictures. Every picture tells a story don't it?
Take a look at this photogalley. For each picture hypothesize on the desired effect, observe the composition arrangement and propose a way the picture could be improved by shooting again.
ORDER FROM A DIFFERENT MENU:
Use the icon buttons, dials, and menus on the LCD screen to make adjustments to the composition and quality of your images.
| Shutter button | Observe LCD display on partial/complete press |
| Picture viewing buttons | Magnify into one picture or view >1. Delete pictures one at a time or format the entire card. |
| Memory card slot | Identify the “size” of your card. This determines how many pictures you can hold before you need to download them to a computer. |
| Menu button | Practice scrolling and selecting different menu commands. Be sure to observe the icons on your LCD display before you take a picture. |
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CHECK OUT SOME OF THE EXAMPLES BELOW |
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Top view of Nikon Coolpix & Olympus Camedia
Camera structure and menu of Olympus Camedia
Camera structure and menu of Nikon Coolpix
Camera structure and menu of Canon Powershot
Use your buttons, dials, and menus to create these compositions:
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1. A detailed close-up with observable image qualities, |
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2. An example where flash on, flash off, or red-eye flash is utilized, |
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3. A dark foreground with detail, |
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4. A dark background with detail, |
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5. A body in motion yet not blurred, |
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6. The detail of a small object magnified. |