TECHNICAL INFORMATION

DIGITAL SNAPSHOTS

By PETER WEINBERGER

One advantage of digital photography is the amount of technical information that's provided after each exposed image. This information (called metadata) allows you to review the precise exposure, date taken, resolution, image size, just about any camera setting. Many of these numbers also appear in the camera's viewfinder and rear monitor. Although cameras vary on what is displayed, here are some key settings.

Shutter speed

This is especially important when using the telephoto portion of your zoom lens. Many fine pictures are lost due to blur from camera motion. Shoot at a minimum of a 1/30 with a wide-angle lens, 1/60 or faster for a telephoto. This is not an issue when the flash is on.

Focus indicator

A digital camera will let you know when an image is in focus. Most cameras have a solid green light that appears when the image is sharp. A blinking light indicates the image is not in focus. Hold the shutter release button halfway to lock the focus and exposure before shooting.

Flash mode indicator

This shows the mode status of the flash and when it is charged to fire. Like focusing, another color light will appear in the viewfinder. If you shoot candids, knowing when the flash is ready, and in what mode, is critical to picture taking.

Image quality setting

Set the image quality to the highest jpeg FINE setting. The lower settings will give you more images, but are only good for e-mails. It's easy to decrease the size of an image if needed.


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	DIGITAL SNAPSHOTS It’s easy to set speed, focus and image quality By PETER WEINBERGER One advantage of digital photography is the amount of technical information that's provided after each exposed image. This information (called metadata) allows you to review the precise exposure, date taken, resolution, image size, just about any camera setting. Many of these numbers also appear in the camera's viewfinder and rear monitor. Although cameras vary on what is displayed, here are some key settings. Shutter speed This is especially important when using the telephoto portion of your zoom lens. Many fine pictures are lost due to blur from camera motion. Shoot at a minimum of a 1/30 with a wide-angle lens, 1/60 or faster for a telephoto. This is not an issue when the flash is on. Focus indicator A digital camera will let you know when an image is in focus. Most cameras have a solid green light that appears when the image is sharp. A blinking light indicates the image is not in focus. Hold the shutter release button halfway to lock the focus and exposure before shooting. Flash mode indicator This shows the mode status of the flash and when it is charged to fire. Like focusing, another color light will appear in the viewfinder. If you shoot candids, knowing when the flash is ready, and in what mode, is critical to picture taking. Image quality setting Set the image quality to the highest jpeg FINE setting. The lower settings will give you more images, but are only good for e-mails. It's easy to decrease the size of an image if needed.