Editing Your Digital Images
While the use of digital cameras has made it easier for photographers to quickly check whether or not they like the shot theyve taken, there are still usually flaws that need to be touched up or a crop that will make the image more dramatic. Because of this, they need to use image editors to produce their desired results.
While image editors that are built-in to the computers OS (take Microsoft Paint, for example) can do very basic editing, power users such as professionals and web designers need more powerful programs.
There are a number of good image editors out there that are popular among photographers and web designers alike. For one theres Adobe Photoshop.
Ever since it was released in 1990, its use has become an industry standard in the image editing industry. Then theres Corel PHOTO-PAINT of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite.
This program specifically targets photographers who wish to edit their images using the computer.
Another photo editing software is GIMP which stands for GNU Image Manipulation. The good thing about this photo editor is that you can use it in a variety of operating systems
such as Windows, Mac and Linux/Unix.
For those who are used to the Photoshop interface, theres the GIMPshop developed by Scott Moschella.
Google has also developed Picasa which is a basic photo editing and organizing software which can be useful to photographers who only need to crop, fix red eye, and adjust the hues on their photos.
Digital Camera Care and Maintenance
Like most electronic devices, digital cameras need extra care when being handled. They have sensitive components that may be damaged by improper handling.
We therefore came up with several tips to help you maintain your camera so that you can use it for a much longer time.
1. Keep your camera from getting wet unless it is indicated that it is waterproof. Otherwise, moisture will build up inside it which will destroy your cameras internal
components.
2. If you are using a rechargeable battery for your camera, the time will come when it no longer works as well as it used to.
Typical Lithium Ion batteries last up to 500 cycles after which a decline in its performance can be noticed. Dispose of your batteries properly and replace them with new ones.
3. Always keep your lens clean. This is especially the case if you have a digital SLR as its lens is more complex and need better maintenance. Read your users manual on how to
maintain your cameras lens.
4. Avoid dropping your camera. As mentioned earlier, your camera contains sensitive equipment which may be destroyed
due to excessive shaking or impact.
5. When shooting pictures in the sea, make sure to protect your gear by waterproofing it well. Salt water can corrode your camera.
Therefore, you should gently wipe its surface with a cloth dipped in fresh water to rinse off remnants of salt water on your camera. Wipe it dry after.
Digital Camera Buying Guide
Every year, more and more cameras are being produced by different camera manufacturers. They differ in design, features and a lot more which makes buying a new digital camera confusing especially for the non-techie.
Dont fret, though. We have provided you with a list of some things you have to look out for when buying a digital camera. Read them below.
1. How many megapixels do you really need?
More advanced cameras come packed with more pixels. But before shelling out tons of money for that gazillion megapixel camera, keep in mind that there are other factors that have to be considered when buying a camera.
Besides, a study showed that people, even experts, cannot see the difference between the prints of pictures taken by 5 and 10-megapixel cameras.
2. How much memory do you need?
Are you the type of person who prefers to store your images on your camera instead of your computer? If thats the case, then you need to buy a memory with a larger capacity for your camera.
Its also the case if youre a professional photographer using a digital SLR since cameras of this type use up more memory to store high-quality pictures.
3. Batteries are the lifeline of your camera.
Therefore, when you buy a digital camera, you should make sure that a back up battery can be found easily just in case you run out of juice (which always happens when you least expect it).
You should consider buying rechargeable batteries since they save a lot of money than buying the single-use variety.
