Step 4: Data Input
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Digital Photo Print Guide
Step 4: Data Input
How to Input the Data
Here we explain how to transfer the data from your digital camera, scan film, and create the data actually
input to your computer.
First we'll explain the data input methods separately for color photos and for monochrome photos. Next,
we'll explain how to choose media (paper) size according to the resolution. Finally we'll explain the
knack and points to watch for transferring data to your computer.
Color photos
Digital cameras
When you use a digital camera, you can input your photos directly to your computer.
Digital cameras can be divided roughly into replaceable lens types (single-lens reflex, range finder etc.)
and compact types.
With single-lens reflex cameras as well as rangefinder cameras, you can change the lens to allow you to
photograph a range of different scenes. Also many offer a large CCD size, which makes them suitable for
expressing subtle nuances. Compact digital cameras are highly portable, but because they have a small
CCD size, they represent half tones poorly. This makes it difficult to take pictures with a lot of depth.
Scanning film
You can use a scanner to capture color negative and color positive film (transparencies) taken with a film
camera.
Scanners include dedicated film scanners and flatbed types that can scan printed photos.
Film scanners are generally more expensive, but they can produce detailed data at high speed. Scanners
that can scan sizes larger than 35 mm are even more expensive.
Flatbed scanners are a more affordable alternative to film scanners. They are more versatile, able to scan
film formats from 35 mm to 4 x 5" film and also printed photos. Overall, flatbed scanners offer good
price-performance; the scan quality of flatbed scanners is getting more comparable with film scanners in
recent years.
Scanning printed photos
For digitizing printed photos (reflected document), flatbed scanners are generally used.
Most types have a function for automatically restoring the colors of old, faded photos, so you can easily
scan and color correct old photos too.
