your cartGoing Digital - Getting the most from your Digital Camera
We've put together a few tips to help you get the most from digital photography. We keep up with the latest technology, so please feel free to ask us if you have any questions!
Getting ready
A few accessories will help you get the most enjoyment from your camera.
- Additional memory card: Don't risk running out of space when the perfect shot presents itself! Memory card prices have never been lower, so make sure you have enough.
- Additional batteries: Digital cameras need a lot of power, so rechargeable batteries are a must. Keep some spares on hand so you don't miss a shot.
- Card reader: More convenient than dealing with cables every time you need to transfer your pictures to your computer.
- Carrying case: A good camera bag will protect your digital camera (especially the LCD screen!) and keep all your accessories in one place.
» read more about digital camera accessories
Resolution & Image Quality
Resolution is the measurement of how many pixels ("picture elements" or dots) make up your image. The more pixels in an image the sharper it will look in larger prints. It also allows for cropping on smaller prints while maintaining good quality.
Digital cameras allow you to change your resolution setting anytime you wish. Choose settings based on the largest size photo you expect to print from the images you are shooting. Shooting at a resolution much higher than needed for the print size you intend to make will not yield a sharper photo. Higher resolution images create larger files which will reduce the number of images that will fit on your card and they may move slowly on your computer. High resolution files can be downsized in a computer, however this may negatively impact your image quality.
Changing resolution will change how many photos you can fit on your memory card. Most cameras indicate how many photos you have left on a card, based on the resolution setting.
| Print size: | Minimum pixel dimensions |
Minimum megapixels: |
Recommended megapixels: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×6 | 800×600* | 1 | 2 |
| 5×7 | 1280×960 | 1 | 2 |
| 8×10 | 1600×1200 | 3 | 4 |
| 11×14 | 2000×1500 | 4 | 5 |
| 12×18 | 2000×1500 | 4 | 5 |
| 20×30 | 2500×1800 | 5 | 6 |
* This size also good for email and many web uses
Compression is another factor in image quality and is different than resolution. Digital cameras (and digital photo programs) usually save images in JPEG format. JPEG reduces the amount of information in your file to reduce the size of your file - this is called “compression”. Compression greatly reduces file sizes allowing more images to be stored on your card. On digital cameras these settings are usually called “fine, normal & low”. For making prints, the normal (or middle) setting is often the best choice for quality and file size. The low setting will allow more images to fit on your card. These images may look good on your computer, however prints may be poor quality. For most uses the JPEG format is the best choice. When maintaining maximum image quality is important, save images in the TIFF format. Since TIFF does not compress files there is no loss of quality, though each file will be very large requiring much more memory than a JPEG file would.
Resolution and compression can be confusing, but you can always talk to Dan’s experts for more information.
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A good looking picture |
Low resolution will cause a “jagged” appearance to edges and a lack of details. |
Too much compression will cause a loss of subtle color variations creating a “blotchy” look. |
Exposure
Digital cameras automatically adjust the exposure for you. Compared to film, digital images are less forgiving when not properly exposed. It is important to make certain you are within flash range, which on most models is only 10 feet. Whether inside or out avoid shooting towards the light as this may cause your subject to be under-exposed.
Red eyes
Flash modes: |
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red-eye |
fill flash |
flash off |
Just like film cameras, digital cameras may cause red-eye when shooting inside with the flash. Red-eye is caused by the flash being close to the lens. Digital cameras offer a setting to reduce the appearance of red-eyes. Usually activated when an “eyeball” symbol is shown (see below). Even with this feature, you may still encounter red-eye. Fortunately, it is easy to correct for this before printing, either with software like Photo Finale or when your bring the images to Dan's.
Digital zoom
Using a digital zoom will reduce image quality. We recommend using the optical zoom only, then cropping the image to your liking afterwards. This will result in better picture quality. Many cameras have the digital zoom turned “on” by default. This feature can usually be turned off, ask for assistance if needed.
Saving your settings
Most digital cameras return to the “default” settings when you turn them off. You may wish to shoot at settings other than these, especially for resolution. By going into the cameras option menu you can tell the camera to keep your preferences instead of resetting. You can always change them again at any time. Stop by and ask Dan’s experts for help on this setting if you'd like help.
Avoiding shutter delay
Digital cameras have a slight delay from the time you press the button until the picture is actually taken. During this moment the camera is adjusting the focus, exposure and color balance. This may cause you to miss the exact shot you were hoping for. By framing up your subject and pressing the shutter button half way, right before you anticipate shooting, the camera will take its readings and shoot instantly when you fully depress the button. Ask us for more tips on using this technique.
Changing ISO settings
Many digital cameras allow you to change the “ISO” or sensitivity setting. Most models will default to a lower setting, usually 100. When shooting in low light try increasing the ISO to 400. This will record more of the existing light to possibly improve details in the shadow areas. We suggest experimenting, as every camera has different capabilities and results will vary.
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ISO 100 |
ISO 400 |
Miscellaneous options
White Balance - For most situations keep this on “Auto”. If set incorrectly your photos will have either a yellow or blue cast.
Sharpness, contrast & saturation controls are available on some models. Except when experimenting, we suggest keeping these at the original settings. Changing these may effect your ability to get good photos.
Fun with your digital camera
Try some of these fun ideas with your digital camera:
- Macro shots- digital cameras allow you to get much closer than film cameras.
- Black & white or Sepia- give your photos a classic look in black or brown tones.
- Movie mode- shoot short video clips and email them to friends and family.
Adjusting Images on Your Computer
If you are going to have Dan’s make prints for you, do not adjust the images. Our expert technicians use state of the art machines and software to adjust each image for you at No Charge. Since every computer monitor is calibrated differently, the corrections you make could negatively impact your photos. Feel free to crop, using a software program that maintains the proper proportions. Dan’s recommends Photo Finale.
Computer related tips
Windows Update- We suggest every 3 months you go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Microsoft posts updates to help your computer run better and prevent some viruses. Older computers may require doing this in order to load new software.
Disk Defragmenter- Found under “system tools” in your computer. Running this program keeps you hard drive organized to allow faster access to files and reduces the chance of a file becoming corrupt, or unreadable.
Empty your Recycle Bin- Sending items to the “recycle bin” still leaves the file on your hard drive taking up space. Double click on your Recycle Bin and under “file” choose “empty recycle bin”.
Storing your digital images
Digital cameras make electronic files, not negatives. Dan’s recommends transferring your files to a CD for long term storage. Computer hard drives can fail resulting in lost pictures, plus it may be difficult to move pictures to a new computer when you upgrade. Dan’s will make a CD of every image on your card or in your online order for only $2.95.
Digital photo technology is still rapidly evolving, feel free to ask how we can assist you.
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Going Digital
Why Dan's?
"While experimenting with our digital images, we had Dan's print a set and two different discount labs print a set. We were very dissatisfied with those from the discount labs. We will never have our prints done anywhere but Dan's again. The quality is clearly noticeable."
-Janice of Cherryville