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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 42: National Icons >> Challenge #42: National Icons: Eligible Category > Made in Japan
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02-NOV-2003 Jim Chaney

Made in Japan

I dug out all of my old computer parts looking for one that had "Made in Somewhere" written on it. This was the best I could find.

Canon PowerShot G3
1/60s f/5.6 at 28.8mm with Flash hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time29-Oct-2003 01:20:50
MakeCanon
ModelPowerShot G3
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length7.2 mm
Exposure Time1/50 sec
Aperturef/2.8
ISO Equivalent
Exposure Bias
White Balance (-1)
Metering Modematrix (5)
JPEG Quality (6)
Exposure Program
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Guest 03-Nov-2003 00:22
Maybe this will be a good compromise. The outer parts of the image aren't as out of focus as the first picture , but not as in focus as the last picture . I think I was also able to get just a little more out of the colors too.
Paul Donovan 02-Nov-2003 12:19
Jim, You'll hate me for saying this - but I see your point re: the old one. However, being more constructive: I think you got the colours and lighting etc. 'better' in this one - it is technically a pretty damn good 'product' type shot of a circuit board - straight from a MAPLIN catalogue or whatever, however I think you've lost the effect I personally liked whereby the DOF caused us to focus on the chip with Yamaha and Japan on it. This pic seems to be more in-focus across the whole image (others seemed to want this, so you may have got it spot-on for them). I think this image gives you more to play with whereas the other one had built-in issues that you couldn't address (you can do stuff like grain, blurring after taking it, but its tough to take them out when you are stuck with them). Basically I prefer this image and its up to you now what you do with it, if anything. I'd be tempted to try to draw attention to the central chip, but I am perhaps a bit over-zealous with PS anyway...... just my 2p worth.
Guest 02-Nov-2003 10:25
By the way, when you upload an image in place of another one, is there a way to make it update the EXIF data? I manually edited it because it was still showing the EXIF data for the old image.
Guest 02-Nov-2003 10:21
How about this? I still shot indoors, but using the flash and a lower ISO this time. I also cleaned the card, alot of that noise from the first image was dust. The compressed air wouldn't get it off, so I had to use rubbing alcohol and tissue paper. I took some more shots, and saw places that I missed. I had to clean again, and take more pictures.

At first I couldn't get a picture I liked using the flash, then I had an idea. I set a mirror at the other end of the card, and it worked! It bounced the flash back across the card giving an even look and bringing out the colors a little.

This is the first image if you want to compare. There's still something I like about the first one, the colors look "warmer" to me.
Paul Donovan 01-Nov-2003 09:39
I like this image. I agree re: colours, but if this is the best you could reach colour-wise without it looking overdone then it's fine. I kinda like the depth of field. Not all photos IMHO should be totally in-focus and DOF is a tool as I see it that can be used to draw attention to a subject as this does. Did we talk about using Neatimage to try and reduce the grain/noise?
Gayle Knowles31-Oct-2003 10:31
I threw out hundreds of these and other computer parts at work this week! We did a spring clean of the workshop and no sentimentality was spared. These days, most of the parts ore made in Taiwan or China.
Gayle
Guest 31-Oct-2003 10:22
I do have shots where everything is in focus, but I don't like the way it looks. I think having the chip with Japan on it focused in the center with everything around it out of focus, puts the spotlight on that chip.
Guest 31-Oct-2003 06:00
To summarize suggestions below: (1) Use a tripod or other fixed perch for camera. (2) Decrease aperture/increase f-stop. (3) Try it outside, but you need to diffuse the light. An easy technique is to take two card tables and place them top to top, so legs of one are sticking in the air. Spread a white sheet over this and shoot inside the tent you've made with the sun coming in from the side or top. Play around 'til you find something you like. The 420EX is great, but the sun does a pretty good job of lighting too :-)
Guest 30-Oct-2003 13:09
I had to use ISO400. I tried several shots with the flash, but they just didn't look good at all. I'm getting 420EX in next the week or two. I may take the card outdoors and try some shots at a lower ISO.
Neil 30-Oct-2003 10:03
Your colour adjustments have worked well. DOF stands for depth of field. More depth of field means that more of the picture in front, and behind the focal point is also in focus. The picture has has a bit of noise, maybee the ISO was a bit high?
Guest 30-Oct-2003 02:34
OK, I boosted the colors a little. This is an old SoundBlaster 16 Value card that came out of a 486 that I can't bring myself to throw away. The card really is a dull green color, it's not as bright green as the newer PCB's you see today. I know I've seen the term before, but please remind me what DOF is.
Guest 29-Oct-2003 12:42
I thought about doing a similar image but I didn't want to tear my computer open or dig out the ones! This picture could do with a bit more DOF and I'd play with the levels a bit to see if I could get a bit more richness out of the green motherboard.