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Book Description

There are two types of new photographers: those satisfied with their low-cost point-and-shoot cameras, and those more enthusiastic photographers who recognize the limitations of low-cost equipment and want to improve their pictures. No longer satisfied with simple snapshots, the enthusiast moves up to a more complex digital camera-one with interchangeable lenses and manual controls-to satisfy their artistic urge.

Assuming little to no knowledge of photographic terms, techniques, or technology, Beyond Point-And-Shoot is intended to help smooth the transition from photographic newbie to “real” photographer who is experienced, in-control, and passionate about their craft. Author Darrell Young explores various types of interchangeable-lens cameras, focusing on those with larger imaging sensors, such as digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.

Learn how to get the most out of your camera’s automatic and semi-automatic exposure modes, as well as how to move beyond those modes and take full, manual control of your camera. Watch your photography improve as you discover how to apply important photographic principles, such as depth of field, white balance, and metering. With this newfound knowledge you’ll move beyond point-and-shoot and begin taking truly great photographs.

Other topics include:

• Camera types Download Now »

Book Description

With this digital Early Release edition of Practical Computer Vision with SimpleCV, you get the entire book bundle in its earliest form – the author’s raw and unedited content – so you can take advantage of this content long before the book’s official release. You’ll also receive updates when significant changes are made, as well as the final ebook version.

SimpleCV is a cross platform (Windows, Macintosh, Linux) framework in Python that makes writing computer vision applications quick and easy. This book takes you through real world examples and applications using SimpleCV so that anyone, even with zero knowledge of computer vision, can use to create their own vision application in a few minutes with a webcam and PC. SimpleCV has its own integrated shell (command line) and code editor so you can rapidly test new techniques, load and run examples, view documentation, etc. The library also works with webcams, cell phones, the Xbox Kinect, and TI’s Beagle Board and Panda Board. There are 1-click installers for every platform, so you can be up and running any of the examples included in this book in a few minutes.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Getting to Know the SimpleCV framework
Chapter 3. Image Sources
Chapter 4. Pixels and Images Download Now »

Book Description

In recent years, Moore’s law has fostered the steady growth of the field of digital image processing, though the computational complexity remains a problem for most of the digital image processing applications. In parallel, the research domain of optical image processing has matured, potentially bypassing the problems digital approaches were suffering and bringing new applications. The advancement of technology calls for applications and knowledge at the intersection of both areas but there is a clear knowledge gap between the digital signal processing and the optical processing communities. This book covers the fundamental basis of the optical and image processing techniques by integrating contributions from both optical and digital research communities to solve current application bottlenecks, and give rise to new applications and solutions. Besides focusing on joint research, it also aims at disseminating the knowledge existing in both domains. Applications covered include image restoration, medical imaging, surveillance, holography, etc…

From the Back Cover
Image processing using optical or digital approaches are mature fields covered by many textbooks. However, in literature a gap exists in terms of and digital worlds and to enable better communication between them. The cover’s artwork of this book serves as a good illustration of this idea. In addition to traditional aspects of optics and digital image processing, this book includes the state-of-the-art methods and techniques currently used by the researchers as well as the most significant applications. It is necessary to emphasize that a book that cover both optical and digital domains including the fundamentals Download Now »

Book Description

GIMP for Absolute Beginners gives us an easy way to use the power of GIMP, and enjoy digital photography and graphics without worrying about application features.

GIMP is a powerful open source graphics and digital imaging application with almost all the features of its proprietary counterpart, Photoshop. But many of us are photographers and artists first, and we like to use our tools without having to think about them too much. GIMP for Absolute Beginners gets us to this stage without patronising users who haven’t used GIMP before.

But what can we actually do with photos and graphical images? These questions are answered in a photo projects chapter as well as a chapter on digital painting: Starting with making small changes to photos and adding information to them to creating paintings and drawings without photographic input.

What you’ll learn

• Learn how to install GIMP and navigate its interface
• Improve image quality with GIMP
• Increase your design prowess
• Have fun with digital painting projects

Who this book is for
Hobbyists, occasional designers, enthusiastic photographers Download Now »

Book Description

Start building electronics projects with Netduino, the popular open source hardware platform that’s captured the imagination of makers and hobbyists worldwide. This easy-to-follow book provides the step-by-step guidance you need to experiment with Netduino and the .NET Micro Framework.

Through a set of simple projects, you’ll learn how to create electronic gadgets—including networked devices that communicate over TCP/IP. Along the way, hobbyists will pick up the basics of .NET programming, and programmers will discover how to work with electronics and microcontrollers. Follow the projects in sequence and learn techniques for building your own Netduino-based devices.

• Get an overview of the Netduino microcontroller family
• Install the free Visual Studio Express, .NET Micro Framework, and Netduino SDK
• Write code that lets you turn Netduino’s LED on and off
• Learn how to increase Netduino’s capabilities with various expansion shields
• Measure digital and analog inputs with MakerShield
• Make a light appear dimmer or brighter with Pulse Width Modulation
• Use electrical pulses to play a song and control the position of a servo motor
• Create an app to control your Netduino over the Web

Table of Contents Download Now »

Book Description

Mastering the Fuji X100 provides the ambitious photographer with everything they need to know to operate this camera that has become an instant classic. Readers will learn about the features and capabilities of the X100 and will discover numerous tips and tricks for how to maximize its potential. Learn how to influence dynamic range, how to optimize focus, which film simulation is best, and much more.

The Fuji X100 is a premium digital viewfinder camera that combines compact size with sophisticated technical features and uncompromising optical quality. This unique camera already enjoys cult status and is used by many photographers as the ideal travel and snapshot camera. Nonetheless, the X100 is much more than an automatic snapshot camera—it is a sophisticated photographic tool.

In a layout suitable to the camera’s attractive design, this manual presents convincing imagery that attests to the fun you will have as you begin to push the envelope of your Fuji X100.

About the Author
Michael Diechtierow is a photographer by passion and a biologist by training, having recently earned his PhD in this field. As a photographer, he is equally interested in traditional photography and cutting edge experimental techniques.

Working with the Fuji X100 got Michael so excited that he spontaneously decided to sit down and collect his insights and experience for this book. Download Now »