AboutScott Valentine Expertise Most anything about digital post processing (Photoshop, etc), effects, and image restoration, some technical information about digital imaging systems, light and electron microscopy, optical physics and image analysis. I can help with shooting basics, lighting setups, and getting the most out of your digital camera. I am also an 'expert' here for Photoshop (Computers/Technology > Software > Graphics Software > Photoshop).
I am currently writing a book for Adobe Press on composite artwork using Photoshop CS4.
Experience I've been an image analyst and advanced amateur photographer for over 6 years. I run an Adobe user group, focusing on digital media, and have lectured on digital image capture systems. Currently, I am an administrator for a rather large instructional Photoshop forum
Organizations Adobe User Groups, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Advanced Imaging Specialists
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Physics, University of California, San Diego
Awards and Honors Winner: Best in Show and several category first place awards - Imaging Professionals of the Southwest Print Competition (multiple years)
Expert: Scott Valentine Date: 6/9/2008 Subject: Most Accurate/Realistic Images
Question Hi,
I want a digital camera that takes the most "accurate" picture of what the subject actully looks like. When people mention image quality is this what they mean, and what cameras features should I look for to get the most realistic image?
Thank You
Answer I've been thinking how best to answer this question, since it hints at a major misconception that many people hold; that the camera remembers.
Any current digital camera should have automatic white balance, focus, and exposure. These are what will comprise "accurate". However, your memory of a situation will almost never be the same thing the camera captures until you spend a lot of time working to make the two match. And even then, your memory combines contextual cues like smells, temperature, emotional state, a wider view, etc. There is no way the camera can match that kind of information.
Realism in a photograph is entirely up to the photographer. Choosing what elements of the scene to include or exclude, what point of view and angle, what exposure, what distance, focal length, depth of field, etc. are all elements the photographer chooses to convey a story to the viewer. Each of these pieces can be carefully controlled to manipulate how the viewer interprets the image.
So, I can't really give you an answer about what camera will give the most realistic image.
On the other hand, image quality is something that can be defined. It has to do with the type of sensor or film, metering capability, pixel size and density, processing engine, chip quality, lens quality, and myriad other aspects. There are technical aspects to image quality that can't be summed up here very well, but in general, "image quality" refers to noise level, color fidelity, and information density (pixels, color depth, etc.)
But again, I don't know what you are really after, so can't make a good recommendation. My suggestion is to figure out what features are of interest to you - size, cost, compatibility, lens choice, shooting modes, etc. - and start doing some research to narrow down the selections. You will need to determine how often you will shoot, what the end results will be (are you printing posters? billboards? stamps?), and your level of interest in learning photography.
Then, go to a store and try a few of your favorites out. Ask questions at the counter, and go verify the answers online whenever possible. Then you will be able to make a very informed decision.
I realize this is probably not the answer you wanted, but there is more in your question than you may realize. If you have more specific questions, I will do my best to give you a more focused answer.
