Digital Camera use and Applications

For this second tutorial we learnt about how cameras and other applications of digital technology are used in society. We also discussed how cameras have developed over the years and how they are becoming more commonly used in Occupational Therapy practice.

"A new technology is rarely superior to an old one in every feature". This quote is significant when looking at both postive and negative aspects of digital camera technology.

Positives: view photos straight away, able to see images easier, able to take as many photos as you like, easier to use, more storage is available on digital cameras.

Negatives: cannot view negatives, need computer to upload and edit the photos.

Photos can be stored onto computers, pendrives, and can even be plugged into the television to be viewed on there. There are simple transfers through email, facebook, and uploading to websites. Photos now days can also be sent by phone.

There are a number of ethical issues which can arise from image capturing. Such as, who will be able to access the photos (also known as greased data). There is also a need for informed consent, especially for an Occupational Therapist working in practice as the client will need to be informed of any photographs being taken in their environment.

Digital images are becoming more common in Occupational Therapy practice, they can be used in assessments with clients to review back on later. They can be used in the home environment and in other environments that the client deals with to see how the client works in those different settings.

Difference between Digital Zoom and Optical Zoom:
Digital zoom is linked to pixel count, therefore is more fuzzy looking. Optical zoom will focus in and keep the same amount of megapixel count. The more pixels the better the image.

Flickr
Flickr is a service which enables people to upload their photos and share them with other people who can view them. It is also a way for people to communicate with other people.

Megapixel
A megapixel is equal to one million pixels. The more megapixels means the better quality of images.