Monday, March 7, 2011
Intro
Technology has changed our way of life throughout the years. Photography being one of the most revolutionary technologies ever created is often overlooked, but indeed not forgotten. The technical advancements range from taking pictures with camera obscuras to digitally capturing a moment onto a computer. Although the average person knows how to push the “snap” button to take a picture, photography actually plays a bigger role that affects us on a regular basis. Photography can be taken up as a hobby, a career, and even aid in the accumulation of information in databases. Photography helps to guide people through the most basic and complicated toils that one might face every-day.
When digital photography was first invented it was classified to be a world advancement. To ability to take a picture and see the end result within seconds on the camera seemed like something out of a Sci-Fi film. It took the cost out of buying film and the waiting that was needed to develop the pictures. Like all advancements in technology it became public shortly after it was created. Now in the 21st century is quite common to see people of all ages with digital cameras. As technology keeps advancing the size of the cameras seem to get smaller and smaller to fit the needs of the people. The purpose of this paper is to show some light on how digital photography has affected our everyday lives by providing the pros and cons that come with digital technology and provide some insight of what the future holds with photography and other technology advancements.
Background
The manner or “art” in which to capture pictures has changed dramatically since it was first introduced. The first pictures ever “created” came from a camera called camera obscura. This camera was a dark box with a hole on the end which would take in light that would be reflected off mirrors specifically placed within the box. Although these images could be displayed, they could not however be “developed,” but rather traced. Some historians even believe that photography dates back to Aristotle’s time. Recently in 1826, “French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce uses a camera obscura to burn a permanent image of the countryside at his Le Gras, France” (Leggat, 2001). This was the first recorded “permanent” picture ever taken which would later be known as “developed.” Niépce partnered up with Louis Daguerre, who on accident discovered a manner to produce an image that “made it possible to reduce the exposure time from eight hours to thirty minutes” (Leggat, 2001). This was later called the Daguerreotype.
The 1900’s was “puberty” of digital photography and photography companies. These years consisted of Kodak releasing the first dSLR and “Logitech produc[ing] the Dycam Model 1, a black and white digicam capable of storing 32 compressed images using 1 MB RAM” (Darling, 2007). As the years passed technology remained advancing at an incredible rate. The company Apple most commonly known for inventing the iPod released the first camera with a USB connection to home computer available on the market. Before the 20th century owning a camera and getting photos were expensive and a luxury, but as soon as these technologies started to advance the public was introduced to cheaper and “easier” to use cameras.
Benefits
When technology advances it is not just one form of technology that benefits, but rather all types. Digital photography benefitted immensely to the point that in the 21st century digital photography is at its peak. One of the many most common benefits of taking pictures using a digital camera is the ability to review the picture that was taken. This benefits those individuals who have a deadline and do not have the time or patience to wait for the film to be developed in which some cases all the pictures could not meet approval. By being able to review the pictures taken the consumer is given the ability to choose which as a result reduces the amount of time it takes to develop and select pictures. Saving time allows people to save money and focus on work, but using digital camera also dramatically reduces the usage of film. By not using film these pictures can be stored on a computer, these pictures can also be erased which frees up the memory on the SD card which allows for more pictures to be taken. Although one might think that it is better to purchase a film camera rather than to purchase a digital camera do to their price, it is actually the other way around. In the long run economically speaking using a digital camera would actually pays for itself do to not having to purchase disposable cameras and film. Another potential benefit is the manner in which the consumer has the ability to alter the image taken in many different ways. These changes can include the basics for example, changing the tone, color scheme, etc. Tones include sepia, negative, black and white, and even selenium. The consumer also has the ability to focus on an object by zooming in and also have ability to reduce the size of the picture by cropping it. Cameras are reducing in size at an alarming rate. It has reached the point that cameras now can fit inside the button of clothes. The variation of size allows cameras to be more user friendly depending on the users’ preferences. Although now the standard camera is pretty small it makes it easier to carry, easier to use, and a pretty neat fashionable garment.
Disadvantages
Although the digital cameras seem to be a flawless device it too has defects. A common defect in digital cameras is the glare that one might see when the picture is taken. These glares can be caused by another camera, bright lights, or the camera’s light reflecting of a mirror like surface. Another defect is the blur effect. One might move before a picture is taken or the user might have fidgety hands. All in all whatever the reason it is annoying and a permanent defect. Although it is possible to correct these errors by using digital photo correction software for a price. “Digitally stabilized pictures tend to look less sharp and have more noise” (Story, D. 2007). A major controversial disadvantage that accompanies digital cameras is that the cost. To some people it might not be ideal to purchase a digital camera if its purpose will not be put to use. There is also certain requirements cameras need for example: batteries, a charger, a memory card, a holding strap, a lens cleaner, a USB cord, and a carrying case. Since digital cameras use up a lot of battery life most cameras will last about an hour at most. “Many digital cameras run from AA cells (a "battery" is more than one cell), usually four of them, and they’re renowned for draining a set of alkaline cells in less than an hour of shooting. Sometimes much less” (Rutter, 1999). “This makes it necessary to keep a few spare batteries in hand, especially during lengthy photo sessions” (Joshi, 2009). Buying rechargeable batteries may seem like an appropriate solution to the problem, but in fact it takes quite a bit of time to charge them. “On the down side, ordinary NiCd chargers take at least a few hours to pump these cells back up again. "Trickle" chargers take about 14 hours” (Rutter, 1999). The fact that photography is digital does not make it free of error, if the pictures taken cannot be uploaded then it is pointless to own a digital camera. To be able to upload the pictures, a computer is needed. Everything nowadays runs on technology and the “need” for a computer and internet is starting to be an essential. Without a computer photos cannot be uploaded and without internet pictures cannot be sent.
Future
With technology progressively advancing, digital photography in the future will be either far more complex, but easier to use. In an interview from an article in the New York Times the chief executive spoke about the future of photography and its devices. “Devices to capture images will not only be in cell phones, but in jewelry, in glasses frames, in all sorts of multipurpose items that you carry or wear. And they will be able to correct problems like red eye when they snap the picture, not after the fact” (Deutsch, 2006). It has come to the point that scientists and inventors have made it possible to take pictures with almost any device. Some of those devices include: pens, watches, glasses, phones, etc. We can only guess what the future holds for the digital photography industry. As technology advances everyday, it will be only a matter of time until fantasy becomes reality.
Conclusion
With technology rapidly advancing digital photography will surely advance to an unimaginable level. Looking back at its past it is amazing to see how far we have come with photography in general and hopefully the cons of digital photography will be removed. All we have left to do is wait for the future to see what will come out next, which in technology time could be tomorrow.
References
Claudia H. Deutsch. (2006, January 7). A Digital Evolution at Kodak: [Interview]. New York
Times (Late Edition (east Coast)), p. C.3. Retrieved February 25, 2010, from Banking
Information Source. (Document ID: 959152441)
I used this article in order to obtain information on what the future of digital photography will be. It provided me with an inside look due to the article featuring the chief executive of Kodak.
Darling, A. (2007). A Digital photography timeline. Retrieved from http://www.annedarlingphotography.com/digital-photography-timeline.html
This site laid out the history of my topic out on a timeline
Do you really need digital?. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.digicamguides.com/introduction/pros-and-cons.html
The site was helpful to show my pros and cons.
Hahn, C. (n.d.). Digital photography technology. Retrieved from http://www.digital-photography-technology.com/
This website showed a very detailed and descriptive look at digital photography
Joshi, P. (2009, August 5). Advantages and disadvantages of digital cameras. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-digital-cameras.html
Rutter, D. (1999, February 01). More power for your digital camera!. Dan's Data pc hardware and gadgets independently reviewed, Retrieved from http://www.dansdata.com/cambattery.htm
This website helped with the revision of battery life in digital cameras
Leggat, R. (2001). Camera obscura. Retrieved from http://www.rleggat.com/photohistory/history/cameraob.htm
Story, D. (2007). Steady Your Shot. Macworld, 24(8), 78-80. Retrieved from Computers & Applied Sciences Complete database.
Technology has changed our way of life throughout the years. Photography being one of the most revolutionary technologies ever created is often overlooked, but indeed not forgotten. The technical advancements range from taking pictures with camera obscuras to digitally capturing a moment onto a computer. Although the average person knows how to push the “snap” button to take a picture, photography actually plays a bigger role that affects us on a regular basis. Photography can be taken up as a hobby, a career, and even aid in the accumulation of information in databases. Photography helps to guide people through the most basic and complicated toils that one might face every-day.
When digital photography was first invented it was classified to be a world advancement. To ability to take a picture and see the end result within seconds on the camera seemed like something out of a Sci-Fi film. It took the cost out of buying film and the waiting that was needed to develop the pictures. Like all advancements in technology it became public shortly after it was created. Now in the 21st century is quite common to see people of all ages with digital cameras. As technology keeps advancing the size of the cameras seem to get smaller and smaller to fit the needs of the people. The purpose of this paper is to show some light on how digital photography has affected our everyday lives by providing the pros and cons that come with digital technology and provide some insight of what the future holds with photography and other technology advancements.
Background
The manner or “art” in which to capture pictures has changed dramatically since it was first introduced. The first pictures ever “created” came from a camera called camera obscura. This camera was a dark box with a hole on the end which would take in light that would be reflected off mirrors specifically placed within the box. Although these images could be displayed, they could not however be “developed,” but rather traced. Some historians even believe that photography dates back to Aristotle’s time. Recently in 1826, “French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce uses a camera obscura to burn a permanent image of the countryside at his Le Gras, France” (Leggat, 2001). This was the first recorded “permanent” picture ever taken which would later be known as “developed.” Niépce partnered up with Louis Daguerre, who on accident discovered a manner to produce an image that “made it possible to reduce the exposure time from eight hours to thirty minutes” (Leggat, 2001). This was later called the Daguerreotype.
The 1900’s was “puberty” of digital photography and photography companies. These years consisted of Kodak releasing the first dSLR and “Logitech produc[ing] the Dycam Model 1, a black and white digicam capable of storing 32 compressed images using 1 MB RAM” (Darling, 2007). As the years passed technology remained advancing at an incredible rate. The company Apple most commonly known for inventing the iPod released the first camera with a USB connection to home computer available on the market. Before the 20th century owning a camera and getting photos were expensive and a luxury, but as soon as these technologies started to advance the public was introduced to cheaper and “easier” to use cameras.
Benefits
When technology advances it is not just one form of technology that benefits, but rather all types. Digital photography benefitted immensely to the point that in the 21st century digital photography is at its peak. One of the many most common benefits of taking pictures using a digital camera is the ability to review the picture that was taken. This benefits those individuals who have a deadline and do not have the time or patience to wait for the film to be developed in which some cases all the pictures could not meet approval. By being able to review the pictures taken the consumer is given the ability to choose which as a result reduces the amount of time it takes to develop and select pictures. Saving time allows people to save money and focus on work, but using digital camera also dramatically reduces the usage of film. By not using film these pictures can be stored on a computer, these pictures can also be erased which frees up the memory on the SD card which allows for more pictures to be taken. Although one might think that it is better to purchase a film camera rather than to purchase a digital camera do to their price, it is actually the other way around. In the long run economically speaking using a digital camera would actually pays for itself do to not having to purchase disposable cameras and film. Another potential benefit is the manner in which the consumer has the ability to alter the image taken in many different ways. These changes can include the basics for example, changing the tone, color scheme, etc. Tones include sepia, negative, black and white, and even selenium. The consumer also has the ability to focus on an object by zooming in and also have ability to reduce the size of the picture by cropping it. Cameras are reducing in size at an alarming rate. It has reached the point that cameras now can fit inside the button of clothes. The variation of size allows cameras to be more user friendly depending on the users’ preferences. Although now the standard camera is pretty small it makes it easier to carry, easier to use, and a pretty neat fashionable garment.
Disadvantages
Although the digital cameras seem to be a flawless device it too has defects. A common defect in digital cameras is the glare that one might see when the picture is taken. These glares can be caused by another camera, bright lights, or the camera’s light reflecting of a mirror like surface. Another defect is the blur effect. One might move before a picture is taken or the user might have fidgety hands. All in all whatever the reason it is annoying and a permanent defect. Although it is possible to correct these errors by using digital photo correction software for a price. “Digitally stabilized pictures tend to look less sharp and have more noise” (Story, D. 2007). A major controversial disadvantage that accompanies digital cameras is that the cost. To some people it might not be ideal to purchase a digital camera if its purpose will not be put to use. There is also certain requirements cameras need for example: batteries, a charger, a memory card, a holding strap, a lens cleaner, a USB cord, and a carrying case. Since digital cameras use up a lot of battery life most cameras will last about an hour at most. “Many digital cameras run from AA cells (a "battery" is more than one cell), usually four of them, and they’re renowned for draining a set of alkaline cells in less than an hour of shooting. Sometimes much less” (Rutter, 1999). “This makes it necessary to keep a few spare batteries in hand, especially during lengthy photo sessions” (Joshi, 2009). Buying rechargeable batteries may seem like an appropriate solution to the problem, but in fact it takes quite a bit of time to charge them. “On the down side, ordinary NiCd chargers take at least a few hours to pump these cells back up again. "Trickle" chargers take about 14 hours” (Rutter, 1999). The fact that photography is digital does not make it free of error, if the pictures taken cannot be uploaded then it is pointless to own a digital camera. To be able to upload the pictures, a computer is needed. Everything nowadays runs on technology and the “need” for a computer and internet is starting to be an essential. Without a computer photos cannot be uploaded and without internet pictures cannot be sent.
Future
With technology progressively advancing, digital photography in the future will be either far more complex, but easier to use. In an interview from an article in the New York Times the chief executive spoke about the future of photography and its devices. “Devices to capture images will not only be in cell phones, but in jewelry, in glasses frames, in all sorts of multipurpose items that you carry or wear. And they will be able to correct problems like red eye when they snap the picture, not after the fact” (Deutsch, 2006). It has come to the point that scientists and inventors have made it possible to take pictures with almost any device. Some of those devices include: pens, watches, glasses, phones, etc. We can only guess what the future holds for the digital photography industry. As technology advances everyday, it will be only a matter of time until fantasy becomes reality.
Conclusion
With technology rapidly advancing digital photography will surely advance to an unimaginable level. Looking back at its past it is amazing to see how far we have come with photography in general and hopefully the cons of digital photography will be removed. All we have left to do is wait for the future to see what will come out next, which in technology time could be tomorrow.
References
Claudia H. Deutsch. (2006, January 7). A Digital Evolution at Kodak: [Interview]. New York
Times (Late Edition (east Coast)), p. C.3. Retrieved February 25, 2010, from Banking
Information Source. (Document ID: 959152441)
I used this article in order to obtain information on what the future of digital photography will be. It provided me with an inside look due to the article featuring the chief executive of Kodak.
Darling, A. (2007). A Digital photography timeline. Retrieved from http://www.annedarlingphotography.com/digital-photography-timeline.html
This site laid out the history of my topic out on a timeline
Do you really need digital?. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.digicamguides.com/introduction/pros-and-cons.html
The site was helpful to show my pros and cons.
Hahn, C. (n.d.). Digital photography technology. Retrieved from http://www.digital-photography-technology.com/
This website showed a very detailed and descriptive look at digital photography
Joshi, P. (2009, August 5). Advantages and disadvantages of digital cameras. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-digital-cameras.html
Rutter, D. (1999, February 01). More power for your digital camera!. Dan's Data pc hardware and gadgets independently reviewed, Retrieved from http://www.dansdata.com/cambattery.htm
This website helped with the revision of battery life in digital cameras
Leggat, R. (2001). Camera obscura. Retrieved from http://www.rleggat.com/photohistory/history/cameraob.htm
Story, D. (2007). Steady Your Shot. Macworld, 24(8), 78-80. Retrieved from Computers & Applied Sciences Complete database.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Google Chrome: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Its quick
- multithreading approach
- Own task manager
- Dynamic tabs
- Cool looking
- No add-ons
- No RSS Feeds
- Privacy
- No status bar
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