Digital Memory Lane
Quick FAQ
1}Will my slides look just like I see them on your monitor?
Probably not, I have calibrated my monitor to get the colours as accurate as possible. As well my monitor is a fairly new LCD monitor. An older monitor might not have as accurate colouring. In fact my whole computer has been optimized for digital imaging so items may appear faster on my screen.
2}Does it matter if I have a MAC or a PC?
For still digital images, it does not matter. Most of the popular formats like jpg are universal. However what are called RAW files are more camera manufacture dependent. As we are doing scanning and the final image will probably be jpg it does not affect us.
As I recently when it comes to video I am running a windows platform so my output cannot be easily seen on a MAC. According to the people at the MAC store a program called VLC Player can play AVI files.
3}Why do you use DVDs ?
I tend to use DVD’s for a few reasons, the first is they are amongst the cheapest method of storing images to move from one computer to another.
It is, as far as I am concerned, the safest way to move your images as well in that they cannot be easily erased. If you are considering archiving you digital images you can get archival DVD’s which are supposed to last for over 80 years.
4}What is a back-up system?
Back-up is a term that is used to describe a method of having another copy of either the complete system of your most important files, commonly your emails, financial information, images, still or moving or any other data you would have trouble replacing,
It can be as simple as an external hard drive or another computer built solely for the purpose of backing up any other computers you have, or an on-line system.
5}What is the best scanner?
That would depend on what you want it for. You can get scanners for around $100.00 that come with slide and film holders. Mine was about $900.00. If you get a lower priced one and are happy with the output, than that is really all that matters.
6}Can I use my home document scanner to scan my slides?
Again that will depend on what accessories came with your scanner. If it has slide and film holder that yes you can. If it didn’t that you have a problem because it has to be built into the scanner software to recognize the holders.
7What will has the greatest effect on the final product?
This is the most complex answer, to have a really great digital image you must start with a sharp, properly exposed image. Also make sure there is no dust, dirt of finger prints on the item to be scaned. The scanner glass must always be kept clean and dust free. If handling film of any type laytex or cotton gloves should be warn
If the scanned image is a print there are more variables. A professional print, sized at 5x7 and up can give you a very good output even if it is faded and colour shifted for today’s software can correct these problems.
What you see on your computer will very much is determined by its age. Newer computers have more internal memory and faster processors to will be faster. The hard drive will have a greater capacity, so able to hold more of your pictures. An LCD monitor is superior to the old tube type and draw much less power.
In general in the last 3-4 years there has been a significant push to both get the systems to draw less power as well as to produce less hazardous waste.