Camera

I really have two questions. One is about how digital cameras actually capture images and create image files. The other is about how cameras end up taking rectangular pictures. I mean, if you look at cameras. the lenses are circular, so how do they end up taking rectangular pictures, and why? Why are movies and photos always square, rather than circular?

well;; yes the LENS are circular. but the object inside the lens that actually captures the photo inside is a square, rectangular shape. the lens are circular so that the camera could get a 360 degree look at the object that the camera is capturing.

I am looking to buy a point and shoot camera for fun pictures with my friends. However, I am also going into graphic design and what a good quality picture. I definetely dont want to spend more then $200 on the camera alone (whithout buying the memory card, case, etc.). I also love the feature that allows you to just have a certain color stand out and have the rest of the pic black and white. What specific feature (the name of it) allows that on a camera? I have been looking at reviews of cameras and specifics and features but i dont know what im really looking for, since it doesn’t clearly state that it does it. Also, if you have a suggestion on a certain camera let me know! Please help me! Thanks!

I used to have a Sony Cybershot that worked great for fun pictures w/ friends and family. Are you familiar with Adobe photoshop or Corel Paintshop Pro XI? If you don’t have either you can get a free trial at their websites for 30 days. For a simple fix…..Highlight the areas you want black and white and change them to black and white in the program, …leave the areas you want colored. Personally, I think Corel is easy to use and has lots of neat options.

I am wanting to buy a nice digital camera within the next couple of days. I dont know a lot about photography but will hopefully be learning all about it by taking a photography class or by buying a book. Any suggestions one which make and model I should look into? Also, any suggestions on books that are helpful with learning about cameras and photography? Thanks!

If you want something really easy for snapshots, the Kodak cameras are really great.

If you want to learn how to use all the special features, probably a canon would be better because kodak cameras don’t usually have as many of those. Also, there are panasonic cameras that are really nice. I have one that does most of the things that the SLR cameras will do… It even has a 12X optical zoom, but it’s pretty small (for a camera with that type of zoom.) I love it. It was around $400, but that was about 2 years ago so I’m sure they are cheaper now.

I’m looking for a digital video camera, but i’m also looking for more information about them. I’m not sure what a mini dv is. I think thats what its called. I see some cameras have sd memory sticks. I like to use my computer to make movies and chapters chapters. I had an analog camera and putting videos on the computer didn’t have the best quality. Mainly I want a camera to take to events and to the races. I’m not sure what a decent megapixel would be. I don’t need something top of the line. brand doesn’t matter. Something practical and easy to use.

Short answer… I’d recommend Sony, first. it is the only brand of camcorder which has ‘night vison’… which is, the ability to record in zero-lux (no light… complete darkness)… as well as low-lux (low light levels). No other brand can do that.

Model would depend on your needs/wants. I don’t like the CD-burning thing… using battery power for the laser and the CD-transport motor, whenever the camera is turned on… : ( And then shock/vibration can be an issue… sometimes. Mini DV’s are like small tapes… it’s still digital. Tapes are cheap and easy… downside = with any tape, moisture/humidity can be an issue (but I’ve got several brands of cams, and my Sony has never let me down).

Memory sticks… well, if you can get them with a large-enough capacity, without costing an arm… it might be easier to xfer to computers, and some HDTV’s. But video takes-up a lot of space, unless you trim-down on the size and quality of the image… and that’s why I’m still using Mini’s.

I think the top 3 are going to be Sony… Panasonic… and Sharpe. I’ve got a Panasonic, too… it’s not bad… has a couple of features my Sony doesn’t… but i still prefer Sony… cuz of the night-vison.

When you’re shopping… pay attention to where the media is loaded from. Think about the cam being mounted on a tripod, and having to swap-out to fresh media… if it’s loaded from the bottom, that can be a real bummer. And think about the process of swapping-out and handling DVD’s, at the races… or during any event. All it takes is a spec of dust or dirt… a fingerprint… smudge… and it may or may not record properly.

I am curious as to why you are not suppose to point a camera (slr) at the sun. It is supposed to ruin your lens, buy why? If you have a UV filter, does it still ruin it? Are there any ways to take pictures of the sun without ruining the lens? Thanks

As suggested it’s the shutter that’s vunerable not so much the lens, even if the concentrated sun light does not actually burn a hole in the shutter the excessive heat can warp the mechanics of the shutter causing it not to operate properly.
Can the heat build up affect IS mechanisms too…I imagine so….regardless, it’s best to take care of your equipment. It’s why I have a lens cap tether on each of my lenses.

I own a few cheap cameras that wouldn’t sell anyway, so i’m thinking of interesting projects or uses for the cameras and lenses. I could give the working ones away, but what about the broken-beyond-hope ones?
Go Nuts! Its wide open.

You already said they were cheap cameras to start with so forget the idea of trying to sell them as broken for spares as cheap cameras are simply not worth repairing. If they are made of plastic you could smash them up and make an interesting collage out of the pieces. That’s a project you can think about the next time something really frustrates you as you’ll probably find smashing something up can be a therapeutic stress reliever and think of the unique piece of "art" it could create.

I have been interested in photography for many years and have finally got to the point where I feel a regular digital camera is holding me back from getting good shots. I am hoping to buy a Digital SLR Camera soon, but I do not know much about them to make an informed decision on which one to buy. There are so many choices. What do you recommend? Hopefully something less than $1000 please.

Do you want one with video,If yes, I would recommend Canon Rebel T1i.It is a good camera under $1000 that take good picture quality and also take HD video
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XURPQS?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001XURPQS

but if video is not a factor I would suggest Canon Digital Rebel XSi which cost your around $600 and save your money for another good lens
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YA85A?ie=UTF8&tag=computer0bd-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012YA85A

I would like to know YOUR personal experience with it or even this type [[brand]] of camera. It’s the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50K 10.1mp Digital Camera…

Here you go

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicFZ50/

2 Cameras left on Jan. 22, 2008 aboard Aloha Airlines flight # 4915. The flight was from Maui to Oahu. 1 camera was a Sony cam corder, and the other an Olympus digital camera. Both were in a Sony carrying case.

Contact the Airline at 1 (800) 367-5250. Ask if they have a lost and found number at Oahu. Hopefully someone turned them. Flight cleaning crews are sometimes known for pocketing left items.

i am trying to compare cameras for an upcoming trip to ireland and i am on a budget, but i dont want to sacrifice quality. and i really dot want a camera with disposable batteries. but i dont know jack about cameras, so any imput would be GREATLY appreciated!

I have been a long-time Sony camera buyer (higher end Prosumer level) and needed a grab-n-go camera and bought the W50 at Sam’s Club for under $200, and have loved it. It’s quality is good and it feels solid in the hand whether you’re pointing at the moon or an arm’s length self-portrait. Nice big LCD too.

The battery is a recharge and holds a charge for several hours of off and on use. Still, i bought an extra battery ($30 eBay) to be able to have one charged in my pocket just in case.

To me the point is it feels durable and slips easily into the pocket and has a viewfinder if it’s too bright to see the back LCD very well.