Matakuliah : U0183 / FOTOGRAFI 2
Tahun
: 2006
Pertemuan 02
Introduction to Digital Cameras
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Class 2 – Overview of covered materials
The introduction of digital cameras
The difference between of digital and analog format cameras
Advantages & disadvantages of going digital
New glossary of terminology & knowledge in digital
photography
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Introduction
Historical background of digital camera
Introduction of CCD & CMOS sensors
One of the major breakthrough in photography was the invention of
these light sensitive sensors. The sensors will detect light traces
when an exposure is taken. Then a mathematical calculation is
derived from the sensors and the calculation is then translated to
an image form. This image is then saved in a storage media.
The evolution of film
The basic one time non reusable film has evolved to a digital state
where now light can be stored in a reusable storage called the flash
memory – Different camera models tend to differ in the type of
storage that they use in the camera even though that they work in
a similar way.
For example some cameras uses compact flash as a storage media
while other cameras uses the secure digital or the memory stick as
a storage media.
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Contrasting Digital Anatomy
Similarity in digital and analog format
photography
Camera Components
In general the analog camera & the digital camera shares same
principle components and operating methods. (Eg shutter speed
& aperture , programmed, priority & manual functions)
Photographic Techniques
They also share the same principles of basic picture taking and
(Eg camera handling & camera techniques such as depth of field,
freeze, panning & etc)
Lighting Techniques
The same lighting principles that we learned while using the
analog camera can also be applied when using a digital camera.
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Contrasting Digital Anatomy
Differences in digital versus analog format
New / Additional Knowledge
In general the analog camera & the digital camera shares same
principle components and operating methods. (Eg shutter speed
& aperture , programmed, priority & manual functions)
New Terminology
They also share the same principles of basic picture taking and
(Eg camera handling & camera techniques such as depth of field,
freeze, panning & etc)
Adaptation in Character
The same lighting principles that we learned while using the
analog camera can also be applied when using a digital camera.
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Contrasting Digital Anatomy
Differences in digital versus analog format (cont)
Cutbacks & Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of using a digital camera is that most of
our wide lenses will suffer a cut back in the viewing area of at
least 33% (unless for a few exceptions of some very expensive
camera models)
The reason for this is that it is very costly to make digital CCD /
CMOS sensors to the size of regular analog film thus causing the
camera to be very expensive (Eg the Canon 1Ds uses a full
frame CMOS will cost about USD $ 4000 versus the Canon 20D
that sells about USD $ 1200)
Computer Literacy
Today’s digital photographers will have to have a least some
basic editing skills by using a computer and an image editing
software to compete for better results than using a regular
analog film which is controlled mainly by the labs
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Contrasting Digital Anatomy
The advantages of going digital
Advantages for professionals
No more expensive polaroid
Quicker turn around time
Meeting faster deadline requirements, which means getting paid
faster
Better Mobility (Less film to carry around)
Better Versatility (Less film type and iso variations to carry around)
Less risks when processing is involved
More customized results, especially if we do our own editing in the
computer
Advantages for general users
Instant results – this will determine whether to retake the picture
More economical – no more film to buy, prints to enlarge unless
necessary
More convenient – no need for scanning prints
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Contrasting Digital Anatomy
The disadvantages of digital camera
Disadvantages
Even the most professional photographer is getting too dependent
on preview which makes them unconfident when a preview is not
available
The inconvenience of having limited storage medias when traveling.
Bigger sized storage media might prove to be rather costly
investment for the general user
LCD Resolution is often not accurate (not WYSIWYG)
Corrupted files & bad transfers (especially for older digital cameras
when is low on battery)
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Introduction to digital images files
New terminology – only in digital cameras
File Format
Tiff
– Tagged Image File Format
Jpeg
– Joint Photographic Experts Group
Raw
– An image that is proprietary to certain camera brands
Raw format is a flexible file format for transferring images between
applications and computer platforms. This format supports CMYK,
RGB, and grayscale images with alpha channels, and multi channel
and Lab images without alpha channels.
Raw format consists of a stream of bytes describing the color
information in the image. Each pixel is described in binary format,
with 0 representing black and 255 white (for images with 16-bit
channels, the white value is 65535).
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Digital file formats
Choosing a suitable file format
TIFF – uncompressed
This format offers the maximum quality and resolution within the capability of
the camera than any other file format available. The TIFF format retains all
color and pixel information without discarding any unimportant data thus
making the file extremely large.
JPEG – high compression
The Jpeg format offers excellent reproduction qualities (only second to TIFF),
especially when as little compression is involved. An effective and efficient way
to store images when there is limited storage space in the media.
Raw – undocumented form (need special software to open)
The Raw format is designed to accommodate images saved in undocumented
formats, such as those created by scientific applications. Often troublesome to
manage but this file is extremely useful for huge optical enlargements
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Types of storage media
Flash memory as storage medias
Compact Flash (CF)
Most used in SLR & medium format digital cameras
Secure Digital (SD)
The favorite media storage for compact point & shoot cameras of several
brand names (except Sony cameras)
Multi Media Card (MMC)
A much slower and thinner version of the SD storage media, fits in most SD
compatible cameras except a few cameras will tend to accept only MMC
storage media
Memory Stick
The only storage solution for Sony digital cameras (except for certain Sony
models that would accept CF as a substitute storage media)
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Types of storage media (cont)
Flash memory as storage medias
XD
A unique and extremely small storage media commonly found in digital
cameras that is extremely compact. (commonly used in Fuji & Olympus
branded digital cameras)
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Other important terms
Understanding color in digital images
White Balance / Color balance
A term that commonly used in video and cinematography to create a neutral
balanced color (natural white & blacks) depending on the light source that is
available at the time of the shoot.
Daylight Balance (5000 – 5500 Kelvin temp)
This balance is the default balance that is similar to common analog films. A
setting that is very agreeable to outdoor lighting where bright sunlight is
available.
Tungsten Balance (3200 – 3400 Kelvin temp)
Very suitable to be used under lighting sources that is yellow in nature, such as
halogen lights. Will create a neutral white under
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Other Important Terminology
Working with color in digital images
Kelvin Balanced
Probably the most accurate way to produce a neutral color in any lighting
condition. The use of this feature is very specific and often requires a color
meter and plenty of experience in light surroundings.
Adjusting color balance for specific effects
By deliberately switching in between light sources and white balance, we can
create many different alternatives that would rely in very interesting results.
Tone & Color Calibration
A technique in adjusting brightness, contrast & color tones in your camera to
your computer monitor and a printer. The purpose of calibration is to obtain
consistent and predictable results beginning from the shoot until the final print.
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