Digital imaging refers to a type of multimedia where images of specific real life objects are taken and transferred to the Internet. It is sometimes referred to as digital image acquisition. The storage, printing, and processing of these images is all part of digital imaging arts. In some cases, the displaying of those images is also part of digital imaging.
The traditional way of taking one of these images is through the use of a digital camera. The images are then uploaded onto a computer where they can be altered or left as is. Older photographs can also be part of digital imaging if they’re scanned into a computer. There are other images falling under this banner that include those taken by radar and telescopes.
General image databases
Digital image databases were created to give users a place to save and store their images. Even a small amount of pictures saved on their hard drive can result in a slowdown of their computer. If the hard drive crashes, all of their work is lost. Using a database prevents that. One good resource is the Madison Digital Image Database. It’s free to use, but users must first setup an account. These websites also give users access to images that they might not find anywhere else.
The New York Public Library Digital Gallery also has images available for use as does the Manuscripts and Archives Digital Images Database.
Digital imaging
Digital imaging resources are available for those who don’t understand the concept and those who need a little help or clarification on certain issues. Take for example Digital Imaging Tutorial. This website contains a ten step process that explains the fundamental basics of the concept. Digital Imaging also contains information, as well as links to other online sources.
Those with a little more experience will be interested in ImagingInfo. In addition to articles written about the topic, they also list product reviews and step by step tutorials.
Sources for digital imaging
Sources for digital images are online locations where individuals can gain access to digital images. The Library of Congress gives users access to all the images in their database, as does Art on File. Art on File lists images of art and architecture from around the world.
Users can also try the Advanced Image Search at Google to access millions of pictures and the Digital Library System of the Fish & Wildlife Department. That website focuses on images of things found in nature.
Image quality & conservation
Conservation and preservation of digital images is something that concerns all digital photographers. They have to worry about problems with their own computers as well as the reliability of the files. Another issue they have to face is the collection itself and making it easy to find images. Two resources that many people like are PhotoBucket and Flickr. Both of these collections allow users to upload images for free onto their server and access those images at anytime they see fit.
There are also some conservation programs set up by museums to preserve the work housed inside their walls. They want to ensure that the work still exists in some form, even if the building is gone. A good example of that is The Frick Collection.