| In addition to handheld digital cameras and camcorders, you can also capture digital images by using hardware connected to your computer. The devices used for this are computer-based cameras, which can capture both still pictures and motion video, and scanners, which can capture still pictures from existing images (such as pictures taken with an analog camera). You can jump to the information on webcams by clicking on Prev.
The flatbed scanner is the most common device for capturing existing images. A flatbed scanner looks much like a small photocopier, having a hinged lid covering a glass surface. Most scanners currently use an USB interface. If your computer does not have USB, you would need to add a USB port in order to connect a scanner.
| Compared to other digital video |
- Resolution:
Scanners offer the best resolution for converting existing photographs into digital images.
- Cost:
Scanners vary widely in cost, depending on the resolution and features. |
| Features |
- Maximum scan size:
This is the largest image which can be scanned.
- Resolution:
The higher the possible resolution, the better the quality of the scanned image.
- Scannable media:
Most scanners will scan in a flat image such as a picture. Some higher-end scanners are designed specifically as photo scanners, such as the PrimeFilm 1800u Film Scanner (Cat. No.: 950-1505), which is designed to scan 35mm film and slides. |
| Convenience |
- Controls:
Most scanners can be controlled using either on-screen controls or the buttons on the scanner.
- Software:
Scanners typically come with a range of software for image editing.
- Procedure:
Pictures can be converted by placing them on the glass, closing the lid and scanning them (as per the user's manual). While this can be time-consuming (depending on the number of images), it allows you to convert your existing pictures into a format which can then be e-mailed, published to the Internet or stored on recordable media such as recordable CD or DVD discs. |
On-line RadioShack Catalog: Scanners |
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