Digital+Cameras

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Digital cameras allow you to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally, rather than on the traditional film. Digital cameras also allow the user to download or transform the pictures to a computer. There are even various programs that allow you to make any alterations to the photo itself. Once the picture is on the computer the user can edit the pictures or refinish the pictures however they like. Finding the right digital camera for you can get a little tricky, since there are so many kinds of camera's out there. A buyer needs to think about what purposes they want the camera for prior to figuring out what camera to buy. For instance, if you just want a camera to load pictures to social networks like Twitter, Facebook, or [|MySpace] than an average mega pixel camera will do just fine. But, if you are looking for a camera to make enlargements purposes than you need a high amount of mega pixels in your camera for it to function correctly. Unfortunately, there is always the question of wanting a nice camera but not being able to afford it, but for this you should always just use your best judgement and decide what is important to you. Once you have chosen the right camera for your needs, it is now time to figure out what projects and activities they can be used for in the classroom. You can find various examples and information right here in this wiki, but it is ultimately up to you to decide how you want to use it and if you need any additional information other than what is here. =====

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//You can use your digital camera in the same way that you used your film camera. With that said there are a few things that you are going to want to do differently, to ensure you get the most out of your digital camera. Below are a few tips to keep in mind:// =====

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1. ** Take lots of pictures. ** With the digital camera, you can take lots of pictures and then immediately edit and delete the pictures you do not like. If you didn't get the shot you want, delete and try again. =====

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2. ** Number of pictures. ** The amount of picture that that you can have on your camera depends on two factors. The two factors that determine the number of photos you can take before downloading are the resolution (quality the higher the resolution the less memory you will have) and the amount of memory in your camera. =====

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3. ** Invested in a memory card. ** Your camera comes with a small built in memory, but the SD cards are well worth it. You can also often simple insert the memory card into your computer, or photo print kiosks. There are different sizes of memory cards, so before buying consider how much memory you will need at a time. =====

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4. ** Don't always use the highest resolution. ** High resolution should be used for those picture that you know that you will be printing out. High resolution is especially useful when printing out great 8x10’s. I would recommend using medium resolution for everyday pictures. This will also give you more room for more great pictures. =====

1. ** Use the fill flash mode. ** (This helps avoid sunlight and shadows from ruining a perfect shot)
2. ** Try a polarizing filter when taking outdoor pictures. ** (This will help give your pictures more contrast and allow for a richer tone) 3. ** Get up close. ** (Don't be afraid to get in close if you can not get close enough be sure to use your cameras zoom features)

__**Examples:**__




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[|**Sony**] [|**Casio**] [|**Nikon**] [|**Aigo**][|**Fujifilm**] [|**Olympus**][|**Kodak**] [|**Panasonic**] [|**Canon**] [|**Samsung**] =====

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__**Ideas for Using Digital Cameras in the Classroom: **__ ===== **1.** **Enhance Writing -** One of the essential components of the writing process is creativity. So, what more expressive way can students start their writing process with the implementation of taking their own pictures throughout a weekend or a week. Students can select a picture to describe in detail using as many descriptive words as they can. This is great practice for them as their goal can be to describe their picture with such articulation that their reader can visualize their picture with their writing instead of seeing the picture in person.

**2. PowerPoints -** One of the great things about PowerPoints is the ability to be as creative as you want with every slide by adding media tools to enhance your presentation. With a digital camera you essentially have a tool on the go that can help explain your visual of anything around you. Let's say you are a science teacher and you are about to conduct a lesson on producers, consumers, and decomposers. You just so happen to be taking a stroll by the side of the road (this actually happened to me) and you encounter a hawk eating away at a dead carcass a few feet away. Usually a person's reaction to this will be that the sight is grotesque, but to a science teacher you can't help but get excited about your upcoming lesson and what is actually in front you. You look through your purse and pull out your camera, and start snapping away with delight. You have just created a personable media for your class and will definately incorporate it to your lesson. Not only did you see nature work at its best, but you know have proof of the consumer-decomposer process along with a visual of a scavenger. Think how excited your kids will be to not only see this, but see that you are interested in them, even on your time off.

**3. PowerMath with Variables -** With a digital camera you can essentially take picutures of anything to convey your thoguhts. WHile teaching alesson onvariables, you recap to your kids that a variable can be any letter or symbol that represents a number. If this is the case, then why nto use some of your creative pictures as various variables to students and have them come up with their own algebraic problem formulated as an expression or as an equation. This can be something neat and hands-on to do with the kids and it can always serve as a great motivational stimulus.

**__Pros and Cons:__ **
||= Unfortunately, using all the gizmo functions in your digital camera also requires you to use up most of your battery and you have to continue charging your digital camera after each use rather than just changing your battery when needed (you don’t always have an electrical plug next to you). || || ||= Although digital prints can be extremely cost effective, they may not produce the quality of work that you might get from a film camera. In order for you to get great prints you essentially have a capable camera (i.e. capable camera may equal a higher price). || Using a digital camera in the classroom can distract those students who have trouble staying focused and being on task. || Some of your equipment for usage can be damaged from student use or maliciousness. || Read more: [|How To Use Digital Photography, ___ vs. ___]
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 * = One of the best things about digital cameras is their convenience. With the LCD screens on digital cameras you simply switch the camera on and from almost any position snap a shot.
 * = Digital cameras in the most part are very small in size and are very easy to carry around with you. ||= Digital cameras can be extremely convoluted to use, so you may need extra time to remember how to use all of its functions.
 * = <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;">Printing digital pictures are very cost effective since most digital prints are much cheaper than regular photography costs.
 * <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;"> Using a digital camera in the classroom meets the Technology Standards and can increase student productivity with motivating them to something they can relate to. || <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;">
 * <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;"> Using a digital camera in the classroom can help students use their creativity without having to do the ordain tasks of writing to convey emotions. || <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;">
 * <span style="color: #0000ff; display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; text-align: center;"> Using a digital camera in the classroom can be easily adapted to any grade level. ||  ||

<span style="color: #00ffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">__**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Help Links and Resources: **__
<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 108%; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">[|What should I look for in a camera?] <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">[|Digital Cameras in Education] <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">[|Using Digital Cameras in the Classroom] <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">[|How To Use Your Digital Camera] <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">[|Examples of How To Use Digital Cameras In the Classroom] media type="youtube" key="Xioki5fCypA" height="344" width="425" align="center"

<span style="color: #00ffff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 144%;">**__Citations:__**
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: normal;">Shelly, Gary, Thomas Cashman, Glenda Gunter, and Randolph Gunter. //Teachers discovering computers//. 5th. Course Technology Ptr, 2007. 115. Print.