 What
is Digital Imaging?
Digital imaging refers to the conversion and
manipulation
of standard photographs, diagrams, and logos
in a digital format. It is also known as digitizing.
As an example, a flatbed scanner (see below)
can be used to convert a standard photographic
print that you took with a traditional film
camera. The scanner copies the photographic
print electronically to a computer and stores
it as a digital file. You can then manipulate
the digital file by changing its colors, or
adding text and other effects with a photo manipulation
program like Adobe
Photoshop.
What are some typical imaging devices?
Scanners
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There
are many types of scanners, such as flatbed
scanners (pictured), hand-held scanners,
and slide scanners. Similar to the way a
copier scans a sheet of paper, all of these
devices will scan a photograph (or slide
in the case of a slide scanner), and create
a digital "copy". The scanner
is attached to the computer and communicates
with software to save a digital image.
When Do I Use a
Scanner? When you have a photograph,
slide, or other "hard copy" of
an image.
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Digital Cameras
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Digital
Cameras (The Epson PhotoPC is pictured)
are very much like regular cameras except
they do not use film. They save an image
digitally in memory. You can take pictures
at different resolutions. Low resolution
images take up less space compared to high
resolution images. The images can then be
transferred (usually with a supplied cable)
to a computer. The least expensive digital
cameras start at around $100 and are of
the "point-and-shoot" variety.
The most expensive can exceed $10,000 and
will have interchangeable lenses.
When Do I Use a
Digital Camera? When you need
to digitize large objects. Digital cameras
eliminate the step of processing film because
the image is saved in a digital form. |
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Film Services
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As
mentioned before, you can take standard
photographs and scan them into a computer.
However, some photo-processing companies
offer services where they will make digital
"pictures" at the time of your
film processing. One popular way is Kodak's
Photo CD. Your images get professionally
scanned and saved to a special CD-ROM. You
can then view the pictures on your computer
with special software (supplied with the
Photo CD). PhotoWorks, and others, offer
to save your photos as files on floppy disks
for an extra charge. They also have a service
where you can download your photos from
their web site. More and more photo-finishers
are offering these digital services.
When Do I Use a
Film Service? When you own a
standard camera (35mm or other) and would
like to get digital images, along with your
prints, at the same time. This service eliminates
the need for you to scan the photos yourself. |
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What's Next?
Now you can take those digital images and manipulate
them to create simple graphics or works
of art that are limited only by your imagination
. . .
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