Hello all you birders who are thinking that buying a digital camera looks like
the way to get
yourselves some fantastic photos of the birds you are seeing.
As someone who has been thinking along the same lines I thought you might be
interested in some of
my thoughts on the facts, fiction, figures, traps and pitfalls as well as the
advantages of going
digital.
Oh, no!!
I hear some of you gasp as you remember some of my past postings on similar
subjects.
Well........I promise to try to keep the text concise, simple and to the
point.....the point being:
"Is bird-photography using a digital camera a viable and/or worthwhile process
for the average
birder to get involved with."
(This will probably extend over several postings so I hope the general
membership of this group will
accept that this is a relevant topic. From the responses to my recent posting
on this topic it does
seem that there is a significant number of birders who are interested.)
I don't intend to recommend particular camera models, accessories or software
(except in exceptional
circumstances). Any such products mentioned
will only be in the context of my personal experiences and as an example of the
type.
It should also be recognized that the Digital Photography scene is changing and
expanding by the
minute so it is not possible to guarantee any particular product will still be
available or in
the same form as described in my notes.
The notes are intended to be 'general' by nature and are intended to provide a
'starting point' and
guide for consideration of the topic.
Anyone intending to follow up on my notes should also check-out other sources
of information on this
topic.
So.......
I call this part: "Introduction" (See, I do have a wildly active imagination!)
What is Digital Photography?
Supplementary Question 1: What is a Digital Photograph?
A Digital Photograph is a photographic image recorded and stored as a digital
data file which can be
used
by a computer.
These digital files are stored on computer hard drives and removable discs
(floppy, cd, dvd, camera
media cards) and can be used to view the image on a computer or TV or for
printing out on various
home or commercial printers.
This gives the photographer the ability to turn their computer into a digital
dark-room where she/he
can do wondrous things with the image recorded.
This also gives the photographer another avenue for spending great lengths of
time in total
isolation oblivious to the rest of the world!
Alternatively, the image files can be taken to a 'participating' photo
developer where the images
can be 'professionally' printed on photo paper to create a product which looks
remarkably like the
snapshots we have all been used to since time immemorial.
Sup Q 2: How are Digital Images obtained:
Most people simply think of "A Digital Camera" as the answer to this question,
however, there is
another way: A Scanner.
Suitable scanners can be used to produce digital images of photo prints as well
as photo slides and
film negatives.
For photo prints a Flatbed scanner is used.
For photo slides and film negatives a 'dedicated' slide or film scanner is best
although it is
possible to get reasonable results from good, suitable slides/negatives using
some of the latest,
high resolution flatbed scanners fitted with a film adapter.
Scanners could be a viable alternative to digital cameras for those
photographers with a kit of good
film-cameras/lenses and who are reluctant at this stage to 'convert'.
It should be noted, however, that not all prints, slides and negatives are
suitable for scanning.
Scanning could probably be more appropriately called 'Digital Imaging' rather
than 'Digital
Photography' but I will tend to use the two terms in the same context.
In the next part to this series of notes I will delve into scanning in more
detail.
Sup Q 3: What is the difference between a Digital Camera and a Film Camera?
Answer: Basically, a Film Camera uses film and a Digital Camera doesn't.
In a Digital Camera, the film has been replaced by a combination of an
electronic sensor
(CCD/CMOS/etc) and a storage device (internal electronic memory and/or a
removable card).
In basic concepts the two types are otherwise the same.
It is a little more complex than that but only because the DC has a lot of
electronic features which
the film camera may not have.
But that is only because manufactures like to equip 'electronic' gadgets with
as many electronic
do-dads as they can think of, only because they can and not because they are
needed or even useful!
IMPORTANT!: To take good pictures with a Digital Camera requires the same
(basic) skills and
concepts as with the Film Camera.
Digital cameras are not 'magic' and will not instantly make you a better
photographer but they may
make it easier and cheaper (in the long run) for you to become competent and
they may, in fact, make
your photography more enjoyable.
Sup Q 4: What types of Digital Cameras are there?
Basically two:
- Compact (or consumer);
These are the fixed lens, pocket-camera type although some require large
pockets.
They are the substitutes for the similar looking film cameras and are suitable
for the same type of
photography.
This type can be sub-divided into Consumer (snap-shot or tourist type) and
Pro-sumer (more advanced
with better and/or more powerful lenses and better picture quality).
Some of the better Consumer and many of the Pro-sumer models can be used to a
limited degree for
Bird-photography.
- Digital SLR;
Many of these use the same (or similar) bodies as the film equivalents and
usually use the same
interchangeable
lenses.
More and more models from a variety of manufactures are coming onto the market
or soon will be.
This type is the most suitable for general bird-photograhy.
Note: Digiscoping is a fairly specialised form of photography and is best done
with a limited range
of Consumer digital camera models.
Sup Q 5: What else is needed?
- A reasonably capable computer;
- Image software;
- A reasonable degree of skill (or willingness to learn) with the computer and
software;
- A preparedness to spend endless hours looking at the images on your computer
screen;
- A large amount of storage space, e.g., large computer hard drive, CD/DVD
burner;
- A printer suitable for printing photo-quality prints (optional but desirable);
- An acceptance that Digital photography is initially, at least, expensive
compared to film
photography.
Sup Q 6: Is Digital Photography expensive?
Yes and no (you knew I would say that).
- Yes: the initial purchase of gear is much more expensive than for the film
equivalents.
- No: depending on how much digital photography is done, the running costs
should be much cheaper
than
for film.
An example for this would be the ability to easily control how many photos are
ultimately printed.
Also, it is possible to take lots and lots of pictures to obtain that good one
without worrying
about the cost of developing all of the duds.
So...are Digital Cameras suitable for Bird-photography?
The simple answer is: Some are and some are not just as with film cameras.
My experience has been that, with careful selection and a good understanding of
what is involved
with Bird-photography in general, it is possible to equip yourself with a
digital camera kit which
is capable of producing bird photos you can be very happy with.
I have three digital cameras, two consumer type and one D-SLR type, each of
which has its use for
different types of bird-photography.
I do admit that I get most satisfaction out of the D-SLR but newer, more
advanced consumer models
have come onto the market recently which many people may find perfectly
satisfactory.
My enjoyment and success with photography has increased markedly since I
converted to digital.
Tip: Digital images look much better on a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube, old
technology) rather than on a
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display, new technology) screen.
So ends part 1.
In the next part I will discuss film and scanners.
Cheers
Bob Inglis
Woody Pont
Queensland
Australia
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