The Settings tab of the camera (Fig. 12) of Altami PhotoKit program allows you to control the camera settings directly from the app.
NOTE: The range of available settings differs depending on the camera model. Settings that are not supported by this model, will be presented on the tab as unavailable.
Fig. 12 Tab “Camera Settings”
Available the following control elements:
Image quality selects the optimal quality of a captured image, the higher the quality you select, the more space the image will occupy on the disc, the longer will be the shot.
Image size: here you can determine the size of a captured image, the bigger size you select, the more space the image will occupy on the disc, the longer will be the shot.
Exposure mode: here you can choose one of the available exposure modes:
Exposure — amount of light, the quantity that determines the effect of light irradiation on the photo cell (in digital photography). Exposure when shooting time-dependent effects of light on the photocell (extracts) and illuminance — the density of the luminous flux incident on the surface of the material. In practice, when shooting shutter speed is regulated by opening the shutter for a set time, and the density of the luminous flux by aperture lens, i.e., calculated by the formula: exposure = light intensity × exposure time. By changing the shutter speed and aperture is provided to adapt the quantity of light radiation that enters the camera lens from the subject to one which was able to perceive photocell with limited sensitivity. In most modern cameras the exposure is determined automatically.
Automatic (P).. Shutter speed and aperture are automatically adjusted by the camera.
Shutter priority. You can set the exposure value (shutter) manually, and the optimal aperture value will be adjusted automatically.
Shutter priority — mode of modern camera with automatic exposure measurement. In this mode, the photographer sets the desired shutter speed (exposure time) and the number of the aperture selected by the camera automatically based on the measurement of light sensitivity of the photocell, the set exposure compensation. The shutter priority mode is used in cases when the photographer wants to control motion blur. Setting the shutter speed, the object can be “frozen” longer — to set the necessary degree of fuzziness.
Aperture priority. You can set the exposure value (shutter) manually, and the optimal aperture value will be adjusted automatically.
Aperture priority — mode modern camera with automatic exposure measurement. In this mode, the photographer sets the desired aperture setting and the shutter speed (exposure time) is selected the camera automatically based on the measurement of light sensitivity of the photographic material, the set exposure compensation. The aperture priority mode is used in cases when the photographer wants to control depth of field and aberration. Setting a small aperture (large f-number), you can get a greater depth of field, reduce aberrations (up to a certain limit). On the contrary, a large hole can effectively separate the object from the background or to give it the necessary softness.
Manual. You can manually set shutter speed and aperture value.
Exposure compensation means specified by the photographer shift the exposure (combination of exposure time and aperture) relative to the values calculated by the camera automatically. The need for such correction is caused by the algorithm for calculating exposure which is simple enough. It is said that all objects have a medium gray color (18% on a scale from black to white). If the shooting scene does not fit into this model (and it usually is), then the automatic system is wrong. While in film photography, this problem is not as significant due to the large photographic latitude of negative film in digital photography, it may become a significant problem.
NOTE: When working with images of micro-objects use the mode automatic exposure Auto (P). It is suitable for most shots made in the mode of intense light.
The flash mode allows you to select the appropriate connection mode of the flash when shooting. When shooting in combination with a microscope we suggest you to turn the flash off.
Flash compensation allows you to adjust the flash at a given interval.
Exposure value: in this field You can select the optimal shutter speed when working in Manual mode or Shutter priority mode. Shutter speed – the time interval when the shutter of the camera is open to receive the frame (of exposure), i.e. light-sensitive photographic material is subjected to the continuous action of light.
The aperture value in this field you can select the optimal aperture setting when working in Manual mode or Aperture priority mode.
White balance allows you to select a white balance setting that matches the conditions of photography. A list of available white balance settings determined by your camera. The colors of the image will be most natural when choosing a white balance that matches the lighting conditions.
NOTE: When you shoot images obtained by a light microscope, it is recommended to choose the value of the Bulb (Fig. 12).
Focus mode – select the auto focus distance corresponding to the terms and subject photography (Close-up or use the Auto option (auto focusing distance)).
Focus point, depending on the selected values, the camera will focus automatically on either the entire image or on its central part.
ISO, increase the sensitivity value (ISO) when shooting at low shutter speed (high shutter speed) or if you want to reduce the risk of blurred images when camera shake.
NOTE: When working with images of micro-objects, object photography and photographing for receiving identification of images, choose the minimum ISO value (usually 100, or Auto).
Backlight allows you to enable or disable the backlight during shooting a subject of research.
