Medium and Large Format Digital Photography
Digital Image Resolution
This chapter discusses the differences between dpi,
ppi, and lpi in the context of how much resolution
is necessary for various printers. Learn to optimize
both the quality of the images you produce and the
disk space required to work with digital images.
Scanning
Film vs. Direct Digital Photography
Using flatbed and drum scanners can be very efficient;
however, there are alternatives that you can consider.
Learn the difference between scanning film and
a “scanning back” in a large format
camera.
Pros
and Cons of Digital vs Film Photography (Medium
and Large Format)
With medium and large format, the differences between
digital and film photography change. Learn from
the experiences of photographers who have worked
with equipment of all sizes using both digital and
film technologies.
Digital
Backs for Medium Format Cameras
Considering all of the medium format cameras on
the market, and considering their cost, learn
all the ways that medium format is better than
35mm and even preferable than large format digital
solutions.
Hybrid
Digital Cameras to Hold Medium Format Digital
Backs
Hybrid cameras, which allow you to use a 35mm
lens with a medium format sensor, can achieve
professional results. Find out whether your expensive
35mm lenses can still be useful to you.
Large
Format Cameras for Digital Photography
Based on original research, learn about the pros
and cons of using large format cameras for common
situations including architectural and studio photography.
Learn the differences between 35mm, medium format,
and large format when it comes to digital capture.
Lenses for Medium and Large Format Digital Photography
Some top-dollar large format lenses are catastrophic
when used on a large format scanning back while
others work perfectly. Learn about the reality of
lenses for professional digital cameras.
Recommended Equipment for Creating a Digital
Studio
Based on his experience developing studios for museums
and universities, Dr. Hellmuth presents tips to
help you create an effective digital studio. Learn
about what equipment can still be used from traditional
studios, and what equipment needs to be replaced
to meet the needs of digital systems.
Lighting for Digital Photography
Digital technology requires different lighting techniques
and styles than traditional film lighting. Learn
about what kinds of lights work best with digital
cameras. (Special emphasis is placed on lighting
specially made for digital cameras such as CD, HMI
and HDI.)
Applications
of Professional Digital Cameras
Rollout Photography for Cylindrical Objects
This chapter features step by step instruction of
how to accomplish circumferential photographs using
a computerized turntable system resulting in an
impressive rollout photograph. Learn how to create
the turntable system and perform rollout photography
in your home or studio.
History of Rollout Photography Cameras
Expanding upon the historical research of Andrew
Davidhazy (Rochester Institute of Technology), learn
about recent breakthroughs in rollout photography.
Architectural Photography with Medium and Large
Format Cameras
Although Dr. Hellmuth has decades of experience
in photography, he majored in architectural science
at Harvard. Learn from first-hand experience about
lenses, cameras, and equipment that you can use
to capture impressive architectural images.
Nature Photography with Medium Format Digital
Cameras
Nature photography can be challenging with any digital
camera. Learn to distinguish the difference between
nature photography and landscape photography, and
learn why using a medium format system is better
than a large format camera for photography of flowers
and animals; but a large format is better for landscapes.
Landscape Photography with Medium and Large
Format Cameras
In order to print large format images of cityscapes
and wilderness, you need to use medium and large
format systems. Learn how to apply professional
techniques to capture beautiful landscapes and which
system is best.
Panoramic Photography with Digital Cameras
Panoramic photography can be quite a challenge.
Learn techniques, such as color management, to take
high-quality panoramic photographs.
The History of Panoramic Photography, 1840-1940
Based on the knowledge of panoramic photography
you’ll obtain in the previous chapter, get
a historic perspective of panoramic cameras long
before computerized turntable technology became
available.
Survey of Panoramic Cameras
This chapter discusses ultra-wide angle cameras
and reviews cameras of many sizes and shapes from
the past several decades. In addition, learn about
digital and film panoramic cameras with motors.
Product Photography with Professional Digital
Cameras
Photography for catalogues helped digital cameras
break into the professional arena because product
photography requires large quantities and high-quality.
Learn about the tilt-and-swing features of many
large format cameras as well as medium format systems
that offer traditional movements combined with a
digital back.
Taking Photographs with a Reprographic Copy
Stand
This chapter focuses on using a tri-linear scanning
back on a Kaiser copy stand. Learn the pros and
cons of working with a repro stand system in your
studio or home.
Fine Art Giclèe Photography
Some cameras are optically and physically incapable
of photographing paintings. Learn the techniques
of photographing fine art for giclèe printing.
Achieving
Top-Quality Results
Gray Balance for Professional Digital Photography
Point and shoot cameras perform an automatic white
balance and 35mm SLR cameras allow you to perform
a manual white balance for added precision; however,
professional cameras offer automatic and manual
gray balance options. Learn to take perfect photographs
that require no touch-up in Photoshop.
Adobe Photoshop for Professional Digital Photography
Although one of the goals of this course is to help
you utilize the software inside your camera, Photoshop
continues to be an indispensable tool for professional
digital photographers. Learn the most critical aspects
of Photoshop for photographers to help you improve
your results.
Professional Software for Working with RAW File
Formats
Recently, several software packages were developed
for working with RAW file formats including CaptureOne
from PhaseOne, a Camera RAW from Adobe. Kodak also
has its own RAW file software. Learn about the pros
and cons of each package.
Computer Workstations for Serious Digital Photography
Digital environments require powerful computers
to manage the large file sizes that cameras and
scanners produce. Learn about the best computer
workstations available to direct your digital environment.
Nicholas uses both Mac and PCs and knows their pros
and cons from years of experience. Explains difference
between single processor and dual processor computers,
G4, G5, Dell, HP, and others.
Color Management for Digital Photography
This chapter provides an introductory analysis on
color management to guide you through the massive
amounts of literature and web pages on the topic
while introducing you to the jargon. Learn invaluable
tips to help you make decisions about color management
tools and software.
Bit Depth and Dynamic Range
This chapter will help you understand the jargon
of digital imaging. Learn the terms and techniques
that are the foundation of digital technology.
Comparing a $1,099 Digital Camera to a $14,000
Tri-linear Scanning Back
This chapter will help you consider what you really
need out of digital imaging technology. Learn the
benefits and advantages of each price-level of digital
technology.
Workflow Summary for Medium and Large Format
Digital Photography
“Workflow” literally means, “the
sequence of flow of your image file from the moment
of capture, through digital imaging and color management,
to the printer.” Learn the most important steps
in digital workflow and re-examine your existing
workflow.
Assuring
That Your Results Are Top-Quality
Trade Shows for New Camera and Printing Technologies
Attending annual tradeshows is one of the best ways
to ensure that you keep up with rapidly-changing
technology. Learn about Graphics of the Americas,
ISA, SGIA IPEX, DRUPA, and other tradeshows relative
to wide format inkjet printers and digital cameras
Comprehensive Glossary of Digital Photography
Terms
Although dozens of glossaries exist on the Internet,
likely none are as comprehensive as this glossary
from Dr. Hellmuth. Created and edited by technicians,
students, and teachers, Dr. Hellmuth’s glossary
is only available to participants in this digital
photography course. Learn the jargon that is essential
to digital imaging.
FLAAR Reviews: Photo & Camera Magazines
This chapter includes a comprehensive review of
nearly every camera and photography magazine available
for both traditional photography and for digital
photography. Find out which magazines are essential
for you to read and which are a waste of time (and
why).
FLAAR Book Reviews: Medium and Large Format
Cameras
Although few books exist on medium and large format
digital cameras, there are several excellent books
on traditional medium and large format cameras and
lenses. Read the reviews to help you find the books
that are most suitable to your needs.
FLAAR Book Reviews: Basics of Photography
Whether you use digital or film photography, the
basic principals of photography never change. Find
out what books are the best for explaining the fundamentals
of exceptional photography.
FLAAR Book Reviews: Digital Photography
Few books discuss professional digital photography
with professionals in mind. Nonetheless, based on
Dr. Hellmuth’s research, find out what books
are worth you while.
FLAAR Book Reviews: Color Management
These reviews help you through the first step of
color management – finding the best books.
Learn which books you can skip, and which are essential
for serious digital photographers.
FLAAR Book Reviews: Adobe Photoshop
Dozens of books on Adobe Photoshop have been published.
While most are excellent, some are poorly organized
and edited. Learn about the titles that are most
appropriate for photographers working with digital
cameras who need to work with their images in Adobe
Photoshop.
