ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, November 5, 1996 TAG: 9611050105
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At Home With Technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
Q: Everything seems to be 'going digital' these days. What do you think about the new digital cameras? My old SLR has seen better days. I'd prefer something more convenient. My wife likes the idea of exchanging family pictures over the Internet.
A: Digital cameras have arrived in force. More than a dozen companies have entered the fray, including some of the most respected manufacturers of conventional cameras.
The film-less camera was first introduced as a personal computer peripheral, simplifying the process of image capture. Pictures could be loaded directly into the computer, bypassing the sometimes arduous task of scanning. However, less-than stellar images and sky-high prices kept digital cameras out of mainstream photography. That is, until now.
Today, consumer models start as low as $300 with most priced just under $1,000. These cameras sport the same features and controls as high-end, though less expensive, SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras. Aperture settings typically range from f2.8 to f11 while shutter speed can usually be varied between 1/15 second to 1/500 second. Most are fully automatic, allowing manual override.
Other popular features include built-in flash, auto-focus and macro mode (for extreme close-up shots). Some digital cameras even have an interchangeable lens or electronic zoom, features missing on earlier models. Others rely on an adapter to get wide angle or telephoto capability.
Digital cameras can do tricks that no film-based camera can do. For example, some models have a pivoting lens assembly. This makes it easier to shoot at awkward angles. Another neat feature is a built-in color display. With some cameras, an LCD screen serves as the primary view-finder. One model even lets you zoom after you take the shot!
The most important reason to go digital is the lack of film - no more film to buy no more film to load no more film to process. Images are stored in digital 'flash' memory. This means they'll remain intact even if the batteries fail. Some models have a television output jack so you can show pictures on the tube or record them on your VCR. Talk about instant gratification!
To get the most out of a digital camera, you need to partner it with a personal computer. When the camera's memory is full, simply connect it to your PC and transfer the image files to disk.
So what happens if you run out of memory in the middle of your trip down the Colorado River? No problem, assuming your camera accepts a removable memory card (PCMCIA). These little cards can store hundreds of images. Some cameras even let you delete pictures you don't like.
All digital cameras come with PC software and an appropriate connector (most are compatible with both Macintosh and Windows-based PCs). The software allows you to organize, edit and export images. You can really have some fun with photo editing. Using a basic desktop publishing program, you could create a family newsletter or generate images for a web page.
The latest digital cameras produce images equal to or better than the most common PC video standard (640 by 480 pixels). This is fine as long as you use a PC or television for viewing. However, don't expect photo-quality images from your color printer. As a point of comparison, professional digital cameras (some costing as much as a mid-sized car) produce images of up to 1,600 by 1,200 pixels!
To receive a list of companies that manufacture digital still cameras, please send $2 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-625 Department TWN, P.O. Box 36352, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236-0352. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information on which companies make digital camcorders.
Tech talk
In digital cameras, resolution or image quality is a function of an electronic sensing element known as a charge-coupled device (CCD). Essentially, a CCD is a tiny array of light-sensitive transistors - each one representing a pixel. Most cameras can capture 300,000 to 400,000 pixels.
Send questions or comments to Butler at 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278.
LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Digital still camera.by CNB