What is Camera RAW?
September 24th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
What is Camera RAW?
When you press the shutter button on your digital camera, the image is exposed on a chip in your digital camera called a sensor. Color is typically captured on your sensor in 12 bits of color per color channel. All of this information is captured into an area of working memory in a format typically called camera RAW. From this buffer it is saved onto your memory card in the format you have selected in your menu system.
All cameras capture the image in a RAW format, but not all cameras give you the ability to save your image to your card in that format. Some point and shoot cameras give you a mode to save your images in RAW and most digital SLR cameras give you the option to save in RAW format. You typically have several image sizes in your menu to choose from, small, medium, large and each size comes with a level of fineness (normal or fine) that sets the compression algorithm that the JPEG compressor will use to save the image to your memory card. If you have a RAW setting in this menu then your camera will let you save your images as RAW files.
When your camera converts the RAW image data to JPEG, it reduces the color depth from 12 bits to 8 bits of data, so you immediately lose dynamic range of your color. Images with 12 bits of color depth hold 16 times the amount of information that an 8 bit color image has. You lose information in the highlights and shadows that you can never recover. Much of this discarded information is not even noticeable by the human eye, but it’s there, and if you keep it you can use it later to bring out the details in those highlights and shadows.
Lossless vs. Lossy
JPEG also compresses the image data to make the file smaller and part of it’s compression algorithm involves throwing away significant amounts of data. This is called “lossy compression”. You can see why JPEG files are smaller, they are throwing away picture information that your camera doesn’t think you need. Also, when your images are converted to JPEG, certain decisions are made during the compression process regarding camera settings such as white balance and your “creative zones” settings, that affect every pixel.
RAW images are compressed and stored in a lossless format, so all of the image data is preserved. This can make the file HUGE. RAW files also save all of the EXIF data, so it records all of your significant camera settings that can be used to help render your image in your raw converter program.
Why Pros Shoot RAW
Professionals shoot almost exclusively in RAW mode. Why? Because professional photographers want to have as much artistic control over the final result as possible. Why let your camera make your artistic choices for you? Cameras manufacturers are doing a better and better job of producing stunning JPEG images, but if you want to get the most out of your camera, you should consider shooting in RAW.
Disadvantages of Shooting RAW
RAW files can be big. Big image files means less images on your memory card, and more space used up on your hard drive. It also means longer file transfer times from your camera to your computer and more data to backup (you are backing up your pictures, right? If not, try Mozy, up to 2 Gigabytes for free!)
Photolabs, photo printers, and slideshow programs do not know what to do with RAW files, so you have to convert your images to JPEG to share them. This means more steps in your workflow. Special programs called RAW converters are required to convert your RAW files into into widely distributed JPEG files. But the right RAW converter program is where you unlock the artistic potential of your photography.
In my next post I will review several RAW converter programs.
Dean Johnson
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Action Photography Tips - How You Can Take Great Action Photos
September 22nd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
When it comes to capturing good action shots whether a teen’s latest skateboard maneuver or Fido’s latest antic one of the most important digital photography basics to consider is shutter lag.
More accurately called “processor lag,” this is the time that passes between the moment you press the shutter release button to the moment the camera actually gets the shot and you see the green light. Press too soon, and you end up with something completely different than what you expected.
Despite all of their advantages, compact digital cameras are slower than traditional film cameras. This article provides some tips for dealing with this lag, as well as tips for how to take more exciting and memorable action pictures.
1) Be Ready to Shoot While you can’t know if your child is going to make that soccer goal, try to anticipate when things are most apt to happen. Even professional sports photographers with fast cameras have to still anticipate actions so they can be in the right spot at the right time.
By having a better understanding of what you’re photographing, you’ll be better able to anticipate the actions and get better shots. So, if you plan to take pictures of your child’s soccer match, learn the rules of the game so you’ll know what to expect. If your child is dancing in the Nutcracker, watch a couple of rehearsals before you start taking pictures.
2) Before you get a new compact digital camera investigate what you really want. Unfortunately, you just won’t find a camera manual that tells you the amount of shuttter lag (or processor lag) that the camera experiences. Other factors can slow down the processing too, like the quality of the sensor and in dim lighting, the ISO setting. So check out what others are saying at photography forums and honest review sites, and read all the specs available.
3) Get a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) if You Can. They are more expensive than compact cameras but they are super fast. These cameras do not have shutter-lag issues, and if you’re shooting action indoors, you can ramp up the ISO without your photos being marred by the digital noise that you’ll get when doing the same with a compact.
Digital Photography Tips You Can Use with Any Type of Camera
Whether you have a DSLR, compact or an automatic film camera, try these photo tricks of the trade.
Zoom in on Faces Don’t always focus on the action. Look for the movement and expressions that represent the picture you’re trying to take like the smile of victory or the disappointing look of defeat!).
Tell a Story Look for shots that tell a story of the event. For example, begin with a shot of the team’s huddle or your fellow paddlers launching their rafts.
Freeze! To freeze the movement, set your camera setting to “sports” mode or set your shutter speed priority to a high setting. For an example of the difference in settings: freezing action in a soccer game requires a shutter speed in the range of 1/250 to 1/500, while freezing the tiny movements of a pet that appears to be sitting still, requires 1/125.
Blur the Background Take a cue from the sports photographers, and blur the background by decreasing the camera’s depth of field. If you’re using a camera with Aperture Priority, you can do this simply by decreasing the F Stop number. The lower the F Stop number, the more blurry your background.
Pan - This is a good alternative for digital compact users where dim light underexposes photos taken with sports mode/fast shutter speed. Panning works with automatic focus, but it only works when the action is moving in a fairly straight line. Here is how to pan the camera:
Set the camera to Autofocus. With your feet firmly planted on the ground, rotate your upper body and follow the subject with your camera. Just before you think the action will occur, start pressing the shutter release button half way down and continue following the subject until you’ve pressed the button completely down to get the shot.
Autofocus too slow on your camera? Focus on an area with a lot of contrast like a number on a uniform. Autofocus works better with more contrast.
Experiment with panning to get various effects. You might want to show some blur in the action to emphasize the speed of movement, such as with a race car.
And once you get an action shot you love, don’t forget to share it with others by putting it in a photo frame. Most action pictures go best in simple metal picture frames but wood photo frames with simple wood moldings also look good as they both don’t distract from the action photo.
Whether you are shooting a sporting event or taking photos of your dog playing frisbee, action photos are really a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. And once you master the digital photography basics (like compensating for shutter lag) it makes it all the more fun.
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How to Care for Your Favorite Photos and Frames
September 22nd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
If you have picture frames in your house, chances are good that you may not know how to properly care for them. Find out what you need to do to protect your pictures forever and how to keep your picture frames looking good for years.
Creating Duplicates of Your Important Photos
One of the best things you can do to care for your pictures, is to make sure you have a way to create a high quality duplicate. Thanks to technology, a digital camera makes it easy to take photos and to print them when needed. But what about the old photos you have on your walls or tabletops?Do you know where you keep all of your negatives, slides or CDs stored in case you need to replicate them?
Those special irreplaceable photos require high quality replication to help make sure that you never lose them.There are several ways to make copies of your special pictures, but it’s best to seek the help of a professional who will ensure your photos are properly replicated without damaging your photos.
Clean Your Photo Frames Regularly
Just like any other item in your home or office, picture frames get dirty and need to be dusted regularly.The best way to do that is to lay your picture frame face down on a thick towel. This will protect the frames finish and glass from scratching. Next, remove the backing and carefully take out the picture.
Once you have opened the back of the frame and taken out the photo, you can lift out the glass from the frame. Go ahead and clean the glass with a glass cleaner. Remember, though, if it is acrylic, just use soap and water.You should also use cloth towels with acrylic because paper towels can leave behind fine scratches on the acrylic.If you’re wanting to use conservation techniques and protect your photos , you should only clean the glass with a cloth as paper towels leave an acid residue behind on the glass.
The care of your picture frame depends largely upon the material and finish of your frame. To clean a wood picture frame with a smooth lacquer finish use a dust cleaner or a water dampened cloth. To prevent damage to your frame be sure before using any type of cleaner that your wood frame has a lacquered finish similar to a piece of furniture.And don’t forget to remove your photo from the frame before cleaning with a spray cleaner.
For unfinished picture frames that have raw or unprotected wood surface, be especially careful as they can be damaged if not properly cleaned.Unlike lacquered or finished wood frames with a protective finish, unfinished wood frames should only be dusted with a dry toothbrush or cleaned with a small handheld vacuum.This method cleans your frame off without leaving pieces of paper towel or cloth stuck to your unfinished wood frame. Avoid using dust cleaners or wood cleaners on unfinished wood picture frames as they can stain or discolor the bare wood frame.
How to Care for Your Metal Picture Frames
Metal picture frames can be cleaned in several ways. Use a slightly dampened towel moistened with water to clean aluminum or gold or silver colored frames.Wipe the frame carefully and then dry with a soft dry cloth to avoid leaving water spots.
If you have a precious metal frame, like a solid pewter photo frame, silver plated frame or sterling silver frame, you need to determine if it has a lacquered finish.In most cases, if you’ve had the frame for a while and it isn’t tarnished then it most likely has a lacquer coating. A frame with a lacquered finish should only be cleaned with a water dampened cloth and dried right away with a clean dry towel.
If you have an old silver frame that’s tarnished, then you can be pretty sure that it doesn’t have any lacquer coating and should be cleaned with a quality silver cleaner.Make sure to read the cleaner instructions carefully before applying. And, remember to remove your photo before you clean your frame to avoid damaging your photo.
Anytime you use any cleaner, always test a small section of the bottom or back of the frame to make sure the cleaner works well with your metal frame.Once you’re done with cleaning your metal frame, wash you hands so you don’t transfer any cleaning residue onto your photo. Before replacing your photo, make sure the glass and frame are completely dry before putting back your photo. If there is moisture remaining on the glass, you can run the risk of having your photo damaged if the photo sticks to the glass.
As you can see, its very easy to properly care for your frames and photos by following these simple steps. By regularly taking care of your pictures and frames, your framed photos will always look their best.
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Underwater Digital Camera: Capturing Moments Underwater
September 22nd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Memoirs are created just anywhere. And when I say everyplace, I mean that recollections are even createdunderwater – so the creation of underwater digital camera.
An underwater digital camera is not just used to capture underwater reminiscences; some skilled sea photographers also use underwater digital cameras in their business. Even sea biologists and scientists use underwater digital cameras to detain oceanic life and thus be able to study the life and material goods of the oceanic life. But I think it is safe to suppose that you, my reader, are neither a aquatic scientist nor a professional photographer. Like me, you are just some photo junkie who wants to detain underwater moments and just cant figure out how without ruining your cameras.
Please listen to me when I say that even water-resistant cameras cannot withstand underwater taking photographs. To be rainproof is to resist the water in definite levels, go under water in under the water to get the faultless shot is like throwing it out of the window expecting a pick-up truck to pass by and run over it.
Now if you’re really serious about using an underwater digital camera to imprison those wild and funny flash underwater, I suggest that you buy specialty cameras.
If you are shooting with your underwater digital camera, you need to take note of a few things to help you come up with the best images underwater.
Remember that as you farther under water, light diffuses. This means that your underwater digital camera will create images darker than those images you took while on land – this is because of the light diffusion the red spectrum seems darker. To avoid this, use white balance come up with natural colors. Also, pictures taken underwater will come up larger than pictures taken on land with the same zoom effect. Be sure to check your underwater digital camera’s viewfinder to check the right picture angle and size that you want.
An underwater digital camera with its built-in flash will manufacture sea show occurrence. It is a experience wherein your pictures come out as blurry and with white particles floating above it, to avoid this phenomenon it is advisable to use external flash for your underwater digital camera.
Before using your underwater digital camera, submerge the camera in the water first for several seconds then check if there are leaks through the case. Make sure that no grain of sand or piece of hair is stuck in between the seal to make sure that water will not permeate the case and thus wet your camera in the method. It is also advisable to put silica gel or two inside the case of your underwater digital camera as long as they don’t concern the camera’s operation. (Silica gel will keep the moisture from shapping inside your camera case.)
Also, retain information to always wash of salt when you’ve used it under salt water. If the salts are not washed off, in time they will come together; act as sands and cause leaks for your camera case. In cases when sands seem to get into the case, they are better cleaned off with streams of water.
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Impressions of Fine Art Nature Photography
September 22nd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
The truly amazing thing about fine art nature photography is all that it can inspire . You see an image of something truly majestic and it is as if you’re really there - you seem to be a part of it - it puts you in awe of the photo . And that is the impression photographers really want to instill in viewers who see their photos .
The impression that photography of nature make on every individual is subjective as photography happens to be. If several people view the very same photograph of fine art, they can all come up with different impressions. On one person the photography may make a bad impression , the other person may get a good impression and that third person may have an indifferent impression.
Take a look at a photograph of a duck . One person looks at it and makes a comment on the colors on the wings of the duck. How the duck’s reflection is so crisp and clear that it makes it look that a duck is right there with the other duck. Those drops of water that cling to the duck look like many little diamonds lying there on the beautiful warm brown duck feathers. Now, the second person looks at the fine art nature photo of the duck and says that the water looks murky and how the duck seems to look lonely . Then a third person may shrug and state … “it’s just a duck.” “so, it’s a photo of a duck.”
The fine art nature photographer definitely hopes that his photography makes more of an impression than a comment that “it is a duck” and a shrug of the shoulders. This is of course the beauty of how this type of photography makes an impression - open, honest and subjective . For those who are nature enthusiasts, nature photography becomes a huge part of life.
Fine art nature photography lets viewers travel to that place. If you look at a photograph of waves crashing against jagged rocks long enough , you feel like you are there - you can just about feel the warm sea breeze , smell and hear the water as it crashes on the rocks . This is the very way people should be impressed with a piece of nature photography.
Our lives include fine art photographs of nature by putting them on our home’s walls , used as our favorite savers on our computer screens , even centered on the T-shirts we wear with pride . Impressions that come along with fine art nature photography - whether good, bad or indifferent - allows us to form our own opinions about what we like and dislike . They make an impression that is everlasting .
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7 Reasons Why Basic Black Picture Frames are Always Best
September 22nd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Want to know what kind of frame will go with almost any picture or decor? Just like the perfect little dress, the answer is basic black. Black frames look good with just about any picture and blends with just about every decor. That’s why black photo frames are viewed as the most popular color of frame. So here are the top 7 reasons why you should consider using black photo frames in your home or office.
- Black is a standard color. Black is an easy color to match as there usually isnt much variation from one black color to another. Mixing a variety of different styles of black photo frames makes a stunning wall display. An entire display of different styles of black frames makes a fun and sophisticated way to make your photos really stand out.
- Black photo frames go with just about every finish and wall color. No matter if your walls are painted or are made out of stucco, brick or concrete, a black picture frame will blend with your decor. There is no color or wall surface that will clash with the beauty of a basic black frame.
- Black frames look good with every type of photograph- whether it’s a black and white print, sepia tone or a color picture. Black picture frames really make a black and white print stand out and should be your first choice when framing old black and white photographs. Black frames are versatile in their use. In addition to displaying photographs beautifully, black frames are also great for displaying important items like diplomas, certificates or awards.
- Black frames go well with all types of photographs. Whether you are framing portraits, landscapes, still-photos or candid pictures, a basic black picture frame is an excellent choice. Black frames are especially popular for still life photos and landscapes. Professional photographers frequently use black photo frames with their artwork because they nicely complement so many different types of photos.
- Black picture frames work well with a wide variety of interior decor at home or at work. Black frames blend well in professional settings like offices, art galleries, restaurants, doctor offices, retail stores and even auto mechanic shops. Black photo frames have universal appeal and can beautifully fit in with almost any surrounding. There are lots of different styles of black frames available like antique frames, ornate frames or even modern frames. Depending upon the style chosen, a basic black frame will complement a contemporary, modern or even old-fashioned home decor.
- Black picture frames make great gifts, especially if you’re not sure what to get someone. The gift recipient will always be able to find a photo to display in a black frame. So if you want to give a gift that is practical, useful and appreciated, you cant go wrong with a basic black picture frame.
- Black picture frames can be found just about anywhere and in any price range. With the huge selection of frame moldings in a variety of styles, shapes, thicknesses and decorative features you have all sorts of options for expressing your creativity and artistic talents.
Hopefully this article has helped show you the fun and stylish versatility of the basic black frame. This versatility and being able to find whatever style, size and shape you want, makes black frames a great addition to your home or office.
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