The very first camera setting you have to check after purchasing your camera is the "Language" as well as the "Date and Time". Make sure they are correct, otherwise adjust accordingly. In many cameras, the first time the camera is switched on, the "Language" screen appears on the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen. Once set, the "Date and Time" adjustment setting appears. If you are not sure how to set these items on your
camera, RTFM..:)
camera, RTFM..:)
Next is to decide on the "File Format", "Image Resolution" and "Compression Level". File format is the way your images are stored in the memory card. The most common and frequently used format is the JPEG or JPG (both pronounced as jay-peg) format. Some cameras allow the RAW format. JPEG files are compressed making the file size (in bytes) much smaller as compared to RAW files. Unlike JPEG files, RAW files still require further processing to make it as a viewable or printable photo. As a beginner, I suggest that you set the file format to JPEG. You may want to experiment using RAW at the later stage. In some cameras, images can be saved in both RAW and JPEG formats at the same time.
"Image Resolution" is the number of pixels contained in a picture. This is generally expressed in MP (megapixels or one million pixels). The higher the resolution, the larger and clearer photo print you can make. However, a high resolution photo will require more storage space from your camera's memory card.
"Compression Level" sets the quality of the JPEG image. There are usually three compression level settings in digital cameras, "low or basic (good)", "medium or normal (better)", "high or fine (best)". Images at "high or fine (best)" compression level will be clearer but the file size will be larger.
Set the appropriate "Image Resolution" and "Compression Level" depending on how you intend to use the pictures you are taking. For example, if you are shooting images for sharing on the internet, a 2MP (two megapixel) "low" compression level setting would be good enough. If you want to print your photo on an 8" x 10" paper and expect a clear image, set image resolution to at least 6MP (six megapixel) and compression level to "high". Set image resolution to the highest possible value if you are thinking of printing your photos in the future, but make sure you have high storage capacity memory card inserted in your camera.
Image resolution and compression level alone do not determine the overall quality of your photos. Noticeable outcome in your photos could also be affected by other camera settings, which I will try to dissect in my succeeding posts. Remember, camera settings are just tools to enhance your photos, and I suggest that you get familiar with these settings, but still, it is the "eye" of the photographer that makes the great difference.
Keep on shooting!
"Image Resolution" is the number of pixels contained in a picture. This is generally expressed in MP (megapixels or one million pixels). The higher the resolution, the larger and clearer photo print you can make. However, a high resolution photo will require more storage space from your camera's memory card.
"Compression Level" sets the quality of the JPEG image. There are usually three compression level settings in digital cameras, "low or basic (good)", "medium or normal (better)", "high or fine (best)". Images at "high or fine (best)" compression level will be clearer but the file size will be larger.
Set the appropriate "Image Resolution" and "Compression Level" depending on how you intend to use the pictures you are taking. For example, if you are shooting images for sharing on the internet, a 2MP (two megapixel) "low" compression level setting would be good enough. If you want to print your photo on an 8" x 10" paper and expect a clear image, set image resolution to at least 6MP (six megapixel) and compression level to "high". Set image resolution to the highest possible value if you are thinking of printing your photos in the future, but make sure you have high storage capacity memory card inserted in your camera.
Image resolution and compression level alone do not determine the overall quality of your photos. Noticeable outcome in your photos could also be affected by other camera settings, which I will try to dissect in my succeeding posts. Remember, camera settings are just tools to enhance your photos, and I suggest that you get familiar with these settings, but still, it is the "eye" of the photographer that makes the great difference.
Keep on shooting!
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