Tech Talk
Sports Imaging
Like the standard film camera, digital imaging technology
uses a lens to focus the image on a focal plane. While the film camera relies
on a film to capture the image, the digital relies on a sensor. As light strikes
the array of picture elements (pixels), which make up the sensor, it is converted
to a current that is then passed onto a digital or A-D converter. From the
A-D converter, algorithms are then applied to the data, converting it to a
digitized image file.
Talk Digital Imaging
Digital Imaging Sensors
Digital sensors are silicon chips consisting of rows of millions of tiny
photo diodes, which convert the light into an electronic signal.
CCD And CMOS
The two types of sensors used to capture images in digital cameras. Both
can produce excellent results.
CCD (Charge Coupled Device): Sensor type use in the full-size Instant Replay
and the Outdoor Cameras
CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor): Sensor type used in all Image
View models and the Compact Instant Replay
Pixels and Megapixels
Pixels are the tiny squares of color-similar to dots on a newspaper photograph
or grains on a photographic print-that make up a digital image. The higher
the pixel count, the higher the photographic resolution. A megapixel (MP)
equals one million pixels.
Interpolation
Interpolation is a method of increasing the number of pixels in an image
after it is photographed. The pixels actually captured by the camera’s
sensor are rapidly analyzed by software that creates and adds new similar
pixels to the photo file. Some Bushnell imaging optics provide user options
for higher interpolated resolution settings, but all specifications are
listed at the true pixel count of the digital sensor, not an artificially
inflated number.
Resolution and File Size
The total number of pixels used to produce a digital photo is the primary
factor that determines the resolution, or ability to reproduce fine detail.
More pixels equal higher resolution, which means a larger data file to store.
File Compression or “Quality”
In addition to high and low resolution settings, many digital cameras also
provide user options for selecting the “Quality”, or amount
of jpeg file compression that is applied when photos are stored in memory.
Higher “quality” settings use less compression, but take up
more storage space.
Storage Cards: Digital “Film”
Storage cards are small removable “flash” memory devices used
to hold image data from a digital camera, reducing or eliminating the need
for high-capacity internal memory. Many of the Bushnell digital imaging optics
have a storage card slot, either for an SD (Secure Digital) or a CF (Compact
Flash) card, the two most common types currently used in cameras.
USB Mass Storage
Cameras with USB Mass Storage don’t need a driver for Windows 2000/SP.
When you connect the camera to your PC, it will automatically be identified
as a new “Removable Disk”, just as if it were an external hard
drive. Your photo files stored in a folder on this “Disk”, and
can be copied or moved to the location of your choice or opened directly from
the camera within your photo software.
Flash Memory
Flash memory is “non-volatile”, meaning it retains the photo files
and user settings even if the power source is removed for a long period of
time. Many cameras have electronic components which preserve the memory contents
for a few minutes to allow time to change batteries. However, it is always
a good precaution to download your latest photos before changing batteries
or storing the camera away for several weeks.
Focus Systems:
One of these three methods of focusing are typically used in digital cameras,
and all can be found in the wide variety of Bushnell digital imaging optics:
Fixed Focus: The lens is fixed in place, and optimized for maximum depth
of field (zone of apparent focus). Works well for distant subjects such as
spectator sports (but lacks close focus capability), and rapidly moving subjects
it may sometimes be difficult to maintain focus with other systems. (All Image
View models and Compact Instant Replay, 110718 has dual zone near/far focus)
Auto Focus: Electronics calculate the distance to the subject based on contrast
detection or by an infrared beam, then a motor rotates the lens to the appropriate
focus position. (Outdoor Cameras)
Manual Focus: Allows the user to freely set focus, usually by rotating a
knob or the lens barrel. Requires more user interaction, but often yields
the sharpest results, and allows the user to determine and quickly change
the primary subject of interest. (Full size Instant Replay and 11-8000 Digital
Monocular)
Camera Settings
The “default” automatic setting on digital cameras work fine in
most situations, but some cameras will also let the user override “auto” and
adjust one or more of the following if necessary or preferred:
EV (Exposure Value): also known as exposure compensation. Allows setting
deliberate under or over exposure by a fine amount, such as “+1.5 EV” (one
and a half steps overexposed)
ISO (Sensitivity):As with film, low ISO numbers (100-200) will produce the
highest quality but require the most light. Higher ISO settings will allow
photos in low light without flash, or faster shutter speeds to stop action,
but with increasingly noticeable digital “noise”.
Scene Presets
Some cameras let the user select from several preprogrammed “scenes”,
which optimize internal camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, point of
focus, light metering) for common types of subjects or situations, most commonly:
Landscape, Sports/Action, Portrait, and Night Scene.
White Balance: Auto white balance electronics identify a white reference
point (wall, clouds, etc) in a scene and apply overall color correction if
needed, so the whites retain a neutral appearance. If this produces poor results,
user presets for daylight, cloudy, tungsten and fluorescent bulb lighting
are often available.
Special Features
Self Timer-when this feature is selected, the photo is taken following
a short delay after the shutter button is pressed. Used to prevent camera
shake, or to include yourself in the photo.
Sequential Shot – shoots a quick burst of multiple frames (usually
3-5 in a row), to increase chances of capturing the peak of the action.
Macro Focus – a close focus setting that allows the user to fill the
frame with a small object, often only a few inches from the lens
Movie Mode – allows the camera to shoot and playback short video or “movie” clips.
These are usually stored in the common “avi” format, and can be
played back on any computer with Windows Media Player, QuickTime, or other
widely available software.
Water Resistant (“Weatherproof”) Cameras
The Bushnell Outdoor Camera is designed to be water resistant, or “weatherproof”.
This means that it will not be damaged by rain (short of a monsoon!) or accidental
splashes of water at the lake. It is not intended to be fully submerged in
water or used by divers, but will withstand conditions commonly encountered
by campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who may be reluctant to risk
an expensive “chrome” camera on their outing. The Outdoor camera
is also shock resistant and features rubber grips for secure handling.
 TRAIL CAMERAS TECH TALK
PIR (Passive Infrared)
Security Sensor device that senses motion like a typical motion detector.
Requires Infrared Energy and Motion to trip sensor.
Event
Any time that the PIR senses motion it counts it as an event. Events are
recorded to SD Card in a text file. Events are recorded continuously during
operation.
Image
A digital picture recorded on the SD Card when motion is sensed. Images
are taken at the desired delay between images.
Image Delay
Delay between images taken by the camera. This is set by the user, based
on wildlife activity in area.
IR Flash
LED Night Vision flash. Sends a burst of Infrared Energy which is invisible
to the human eye. Especially useful for night photos when a visible flash
is undesirable such as in high pressure hunting areas. (Found on model 119900
only)
Camera Flash
Xenon Flash used for night photography. Typically oversized to achieve
greater flash range for hitting game out further.
SD Card
Memory card used to store images and events inside the game camera. 32MB
card included.
Battery Life
Time at the camera will function in the field. Dependent on temperature,
number of images and number of flashes during that time.
Setup
Methods required for setting date/time and camera imaging settings.
Camera Settings
Image Mode: Allows the user to select either still or movie mode. For still,
the unit will take still images. If movie, the unit will take a 15-second
movie clip instead of a picture each time the camera is activated.
Camera Delay: Three-position switch allows the user to select preference
of camera delay – 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minutes.
Security
One of the most important requirements of any trail camera. Bushnell Trail Scout units
have 4 security levels – Padlock, Tree Bracket, Cable Lock and Software
Password.
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