Digital Cameras Basics

Digital Cameras Basics
What is different about digital? Take your first steps into the world of digital photography with this introduction to using a digital camera. Learn to love your camera and use its automatic settings to capture better photos. Transfer them to a computer and edit them to use in documents and learn how to email them to share with others.

* Wednesday 1:00pm - 3:00pm at Library, Minchinhampton
* Fee £40.00
* Started: Jan 13, 2010
* Duration: 5 weeks
* Code: DC9E09C1VB

* Thursday 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Castle, Cecily Hill
* Fee £40.00
* Started: Jan 14, 2010
* Duration: 5 weeks
* Code: DC9E09C1WA

* Thursday 10:00am - 12:00pm at Tetbury (Tetbury Learning Centre)
* Fee £40.00
* Started: Jan 14, 2010
* Duration: 5 weeks
* Code: DC9E09C1VC

What does the course involve?
Practical exercises using computers and digital cameras. A series of informal and relaxed sessions to help you get to know your camera, or find out which features to consider when buying a new digital camera.

What will I study?
Using a Digital Camera What can you expect of a digital camera? In what ways is digital different from film photography? Take photos using one of the college digital cameras or your own, review them and delete unwanted photos.

Moving photos from the camera to a computer Learning how to download your photos. Organising your photos so you can find them again on your computer.

Learning how to take better pictures Using focus, flash and basic scene mode settings. Getting creative with your photos looking at aspects of composition.

Editing your pictures Learn how to change or improve your pictures by cropping, rotating or using automatic colour balance.

Sharing and using your photos Using email and other options. Inserting your photos in letters and leaflets.

What are the entry requirements for Digital Cameras Basics?

* You do not need to have studied this subject before.

How is the course assessed?

* There is no assessment for this course

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have used a computer before?
You will be transferring photos from the camera to a computer, so will gain more from the course if you have basic IT skills. However, computer experience is not essential and your tutor will help you as much as possible. No camera experience is required.

If I use my own camera, what else will I need for the course?
You will need to bring the USB cable that came with your camera. You should also bring the instruction manual. Make sure that the camera has fully recharged batteries before each class and, if you have them, bring spares.

How is this course different from the other digital camera courses you offer?
This is a ten-hour course for beginners or near beginners. The pace of the course depends on your existing knowledge and that of your fellow students. If you feel it looks too simple for you, take a look at Digital Cameras Beyond the Basics.

What happens if I cannot download pictures from my camera during the course?
Downloading from your camera to college computers is normally performed using the Microsoft Windows XP Scanner and Camera Wizard or using a card reader. Very occasionally, depending on the make and model of your camera, this may not work. In these circumstances, the college will provide a camera for you to use during the course.

Do I need any other special equipment?
You may choose to buy a flash drive to store your photos between classes. Prices vary but you should not need to pay more than £10 for one with enough capacity.

Will I be able to send pictures by email or use the Internet on this course?
We recognise that many of our learners want to send photos by email and access relevant web sites. We will include this wherever possible, but as many of the venues for this course, such as village halls, have no Internet connection, this will not be feasible when you are on a course in a non-college venue.

Will this course help me if I want to know which camera to buy?
While we would not recommend a specific make or model, the course will give you some guidance as to which camera features might be relevant to your needs.

I want to learn more about photographic art - Is this the course for me?
We hope that by the end of the course you will be able to express yourself more freely with your camera and take better pictures, but this course aims to help you better understand the technicalities of digital photography.

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.