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The Magic of Film Scanner

A device that scans a photographic film directly to a computer is called a film scanner ; there is no need for any intermediary printmaking or any other equipment. Film scanners provide several advantages such as direct control of the photographer over aspect ratio and image cropping. Some models also come with specific software or paraphernalia that helps in removing scratches, film grain or enhance the color duplicate of old negatives. Film scanners generally accept 35 mm strips or 120 film and individual slides. This functionality allows the scanning platform to be utilized for various sizes and packaging.

They may seem insignificant and but dust and scratches can be a huge problem. A Film scanner has resolution greatly higher over a regular flatbed scanner . Usually it has between 2000 samples per inch (spi) and 4000 spi or more. With these resolutions, dust and scratches on the film are not anymore negligible, quite the opposite. Tiny flecks of dusts can result to unclear group of several pixels. Various techniques and technologies have been developed in order for film scanners to read films strips without too much difficulty such as median filter, infrared cleaning, and the old fashioned way of film restoration. Film scanner makers typically have their own name or label for such technique. Kodak launched ICE and is licensed by Nikon , Epson and Microtek. Canon produced its very own FARE (Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement) technology.

posted by instructionmanuals on Jan 22, 2009 2:19 PM | 19 comments
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The History of Camcorder

A video camera and a VCR are two inseparable devices during the time when camcorder was not yet out in the market. JVC introduced VHS while Sony launched Umatic and Betamax making video recording more mobile. The VCR comprised of a detachable cassette player and a television tuner unit. Since during that time video cameras were initially intended for TV broadcasting purposes, the introduction of portable VCR’s and camera made significant impact to the broadcasting industry.

The giants that were responsible for the popularity of portable video recording made another history in 1982 when they initiated the camcorder era . JVC launched the VHS-C format Sony started selling Betacam , considered as the first professional camcorder. The VHS-C was basically a reduced-size cassette version of the VHS. On the other hand, Betacam was designed to be a standard for professional camcorders. It provided more superior images because of the component video it utilizes. But it was not accepted instantly since handling and operating of the VCR was the responsibility of a video engineer. When Betacam came to the scene, cameramen were obliged to manage both the video camera and VCR . Nevertheless this downside was immediately disregarded by the fact that cameramen have more freedom to move around because the cables between them and the VCR were eliminated. Since then Sony’s Betacam promptly became the standard for studio video editing and news gathering coverage.

The Japanese corporation was not contented with the success of Betacam. In 1983, it launched the first consumer camcorder, the Betamovie. The unit was huge and is normally resting on a shoulder since one hand is not enough to hold it. A lot of other consumer camcorders were released to the market after then which are even bigger than the Betamovie. Sony’s version had only optical viewfinders with no rewind or playback functionality. Using its VHS-C format, JVC soon marketed its own camcorder. The VHS-C cassette can hold tape that record 40 or 120 minutes of video whereas the mechanical adapter had playback capability. But Sony was not ready to lose the fight and redesign the Betamax lineup to build the Video8 standard. This new device used a tape that has a width almost 35% smaller that VHS and Betamax tapes. Video8 made use of an all-new metal composition vide cassette that removes the trouble of short running time. In 1986, Panasonic made an entry by releasing its full-sized VHS/S-VHS camcorders version that record up to 3 or 9 hours of video time. It was a success to many videophiles, university TV studios and industrial videographers.

Camcorders continued to evolve significantly over time and the digital era was an exception. The DV and miniDV were launched in the mid-1990s. The cassette tapes for these devices were even smaller than their Video8 predecessors. The miniDV also featured a more enhanced audio and video quality. Digital8 and MPEG2-based DVD camcorder were the succeeding variations of the DV. Currently, an entry-level camcorder will cost you about US$100.

posted by instructionmanuals on Oct 29, 2008 5:32 PM | 2 comments
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Everything You Need to Know About Binoculars

For almost 300 years, binocular telescopes , or simply binoculars, have been part of almost every human activity.  It is use in astronomy, leisure, military, marine, science, tourism, and security.  From the time since binoculars have been discovered, its features and functionalities have evolved and become more and more sophisticated.  So if you still think that binoculars are just gadgets to view distant objects, then I suggest you read further.

Uses of binoculars :

  • Security – binoculars are not just all pleasure and fun.  They are also helpful in assisting various groups in maintaining and assuring safety and orderliness.  Police personnel use binoculars to monitor suspected criminals at a distance without being notice.
  • Sightseeing – nothing is more breathtaking than taking a closer look at magnificent places and structures without moving your feet.  Coin-operated binoculars are very common in most tourist destinations.  Binoculars are practical and handy devices that every traveler should bring especially for those who are always on the go.
  • Hunting – timing, speed, good reflex and of course effective gadgets are what you need when you are out there tracking.  Binocular telescopes specifically night-vision ones are great partners especially for adventurers who enjoy nocturnal excitement.
  • Astronomy – if you love observing stars, comets and other astronomical bodies then I do no have to give you reasons why binocular telescopes can be your best buddy.  There are binoculars that still perform to their utmost performance even when weather is bad or other natural hindrances impend.  Now it is easier to be amazed by these galactic phenomenons anytime and anywhere you are.
  • Marine – binocular telescopes used in various marine goings-on generally can withstand effects from extreme and weather occurrences such as temperature, fog, pressure and of course water.
  • Types of binoculars :
  • Compact – they have the same functionalities and features as their big brother counterparts plus portability and convenience. Compact binoculars are quite popular to frequent travelers and vacationers because of its handiness.
  • Waterproof – this type of binoculars are suggested for people who do marine activities and quite exposed to harsh environment.  Waterproof binoculars are usually nitrogen-filled, fog proof and some models also float in case you accidentally dropped it overboard.  They also have special materials like rubber coated case, improved lens caps, and customized straps.
  • Zoom – for activities and applications that require precise and detailed capture, zoom binoculars are the way to go.  Zoom binocular telescopes are excellent for military exercises, sporting events, and other extreme observations.
  • Night vision – they say it is the toy for the big boys.  With night vision binoculars, anything is possible even when the sun is down.  Thermal imaging, image enhancement, improved magnification are just some of the key features of night vision binocular telescopes.
  • Digital Camera – this is a combination of a digital camera and binocular telescopes .  This type of binocular is recommended for watching or observing objects that are usually in motion.  One can instantly take a photograph those hard to capture moments without changing equipment.

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The World of Digital Cameras

A digital camera is a camera that captures images on a light-sensitive sensor. It can record video or still photograph, or both. It has many features that are not available in film cameras such as displaying an image on the screen right after it was taken, the capability to save thousands of pictures, the ability to revise and delete images, and record video with sound. Nowadays, digital cameras are integrated in almost every high-tech gadget like PDA’s, notebooks, mobile phone , and even astronomical equipment.

Nearly every digital camera uses some kind of storage device to store image data. Some of the most common removable storage tools include CompactFlash (CF-I), Memory Stick, Microdrive (CF-II), MicroSD, MiniSD Card, MultiMediaCard (MMC), Secure Digital Card (SD), SmartMedia, USB flash drive, and xD-Picture Card (xD). The general data formats for digital camera images are the Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) and Joint Photography Experts Group (JPEG). Though there are a number of cameras, particularly DSLR cameras, that support a Raw format. A raw image data is an unprocessed set of pixels found from the camera’s sensor. Some manufacturers have their own formats to save raw data. Nikon has NEF type, CR2 or CRW for Canon, and MRW for Minolta. If you are planning to buy a digital camera or already have one, you may want to check the types of digital cameras listed below. The more you know about your gadget, the better you can take advantage of its potentials.

Bridge : Also referred to as SLR-like cameras, bridge types are high-end cameras that are sort of the combination of DSLRs and compact cameras thus called “bridge”. Models of bridge cameras currently out in market include the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs, Canon PowerShot S5 IS, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 and Olympus SP-570UZ.

Compact Digital : For informal and “snapshot” uses, compact cameras are highly recommended. They are small and very handy but the disadvantage with this type is some functionalities are compromised. Mainly all compact cameras have built-in flash typically of low power, restricted capability for motion picture, and macro capability.

Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) : It is a type of digital camera that applies an automatic mirror mechanism that guides light from the lens all the way through the viewfinder eyepiece. One of the reasons why DSLR has so much popularity despite its very high cost is its ability to replace and attach specialized lenses based on one’s photographic requirements .

Digital Rangefinder : A camera equipped with a rangefinder is called a rangefinder camera. It uses a focusing mechanism that permits the photographer to gauge the distance of the subject before taking the shots that are in sharp focus. This is in contrast with most digital cameras that have automatic focus. The first ever digital rangefinder camera is the Epson R-D1 which is the result of Epson and Cosina’s partnership.

Video Camera : This type are used to record images in motion such as professional video cameras (used in TV and movie production); camcorders (used by beginners and includes a microphone to record sound); and webcams (for people chatting over the internet).

posted by instructionmanuals on Oct 29, 2008 3:19 PM | 1 comment
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