Chapter Eight

1
Chapter Eight

• Building a Digital Darkroom

2
The Computer

• Platform
• Windows versus Macintosh
• Processor
• Faster processors speed up operation
• RAM
• Larger images need more RAM
• Hard Disk
• Faster hard disks (7200 rpm) speed up saving and
  loading images

3
The Monitor

• Monitor size
• The bigger, the better
• 17, 19, 20, 21, 23
• LCD vs. CRT

4
CRT Monitors

• CRT is mature technology and reasonably priced
• Important characteristics
• Dot pitch (crispness)
• Refresh rate
• Resolution
• Flat-screen vs. curved-screen

5
LCD Monitors

• Prices are dropping
• Important characteristics
• Viewing angle
• Contrast ratio, e.g. 8001
• Resolution, e.g. 1280x1024

6
Printers

• Inkjet printers
• Most desktop inkjet printers are RGB
  printersthey accept RGB files and print them
  using CMYK inks.
• The best inkjet printers use six to eight
  different inks, e.g. cyan, magenta, yellow, light
  cyan, light magenta, black
• Some inks last longer than others on paper.

7
Software

• Standard, Professional Photo Editing Software
  Adobe Photoshop
• Other popular software
• Adobe Photoshop Elements
• Ulead PhotoImpact
• Jasc Paint Shop Pro