Digital Camera Basics

Misty Freeman

Georgia CTAE Resource Network

2010

Definitions

Digital Camera• a camera that encodes an image digitally and

stores it for later reproduction.

Memory Cards• the storage mechanism most widely used for

"digital film.”

Digital Advantages

Immediate review of finished image. Selective print or use of image.

• No waiting to develop an entire roll of film.

Memory cards are reusable.

Care of Digital Cameras

Always use the lens cover when camera is not in use.• Ensure lens is clean and fingerprint-free prior

to taking images.

Use padded camera case. Only use batteries specific for camera.

Maintenance of Camera

Clean the surface with water.• No harsh chemicals.

Never leave in extreme heat or cold. Never store near any magnetic device. Keep away from liquids.

Using the Digital Camera

Turn on the camera and check the battery.• Note: Battery life depends on how long the

camera is turned on, not how many pictures are taken.

Insert media to record digital images.• Note: Internal memory or removable disks/cards

may be used to store images.

Taking a Still Picture

Use the standard setting for taking generic pictures.

Explore options on camera for specific lighting and settings on camera.

Press and hold the button half way down to capture the focus indicator.

Press completely down to capture the photo.• MYTH: Hold the camera still for a few seconds after

the button is pressed to prevent blurred images while the camera stores the image.

Recording a Digital Video Clip

Change the setting on the wheel on top of the camera.

Press and hold the button to begin recording your video clip.

Press the button again to stop recording. Limit recording to 30 seconds or less.

* Options vary by camera

Downloading Pictures

Make sure the camera is turned off. From images/video on internal memory:

• Plug the USB cable into both the camera and the computer.

• Turn the camera on.

• Follow the directions to download the pictures to a folder.

From removable storage (card):• Using the card reader on computer, view images.

• Move images from card reader to your folder.

Inserting a Picture in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint:• Click Insert, Picture, From File

• Navigate to the folder with your picture in it

• Double click on the picture

• Resize as desired

Notes

TIP: Inserting the picture directly from camera instead of saving it to your directory first saves computer memory.

Once inserted, images may be formatted and edited.

Resize the image proportionately. • Using corner handle on image

Inserting a Video Clip into PPT

Retrieve your movie clip from your camera and save it in your folder.

In your PowerPoint file:• Click Insert, Movies and Sounds

• Choose Movie from File

• Make sure your folder is selected

• Click on the movie clip you wish to use

• Click OK

Movie Clip Notes

Movie clips can be resized by using the sizing handles.

Once a clip has been inserted, you must click on it to play it.

File Types

Acceptable file name extensions for PICTURES• .gif

• .tif

• .jpg or .jpeg Acceptable file name extensions for

MOVIE CLIPS• .mpg

• .avi