Borders (in-camera processing)

As the race for more megapixels fades, digital cameras are learning new tricks, like the ability to process an image right in the camera—after it’s been captured—but before it’s downloaded to a PC. Practical applications include red-eye reduction and exposure compensation, but there are some fun options, too. One of these is the ability to add borders to images.

This is not the same as the shooting mode that supplies a mask or frame that becomes part of the picture during composition. No, this happens after the image has been snapped, and that’s good because the procedure doesn’t interfere with the picture-taking process. It’s done later, at your leisure. And you can add different effects to the same image and try various combinations (whereas the Mask function limits you to one option per shot, since it’s applied at time of exposure).

One good example is the set of do-it-yourself borders Pentax packs into the Optio W30. You’ll find this feature in the W30’s “Digital Filters” menu. Many other cameras and camera brands offer border options.

Want to learn more about scene modes? Visit the Canonical List of Digital Camera Scene Settings.