image quality

Article: Curves and Levels in Photoshop.An advanced image-editing tutorial

Learn good practices for adjusting images and the advantage of working in 16 bits.

Article: Full-frame DSLR shootout.Objective sensor test results

We know these cameras are good...but how good? They go head to head in the lab!

Article: How to determine your camera's ISO tipping point.At what ISO does image quality really deteriorate? Depends on your camera!

In my informal tests of compact digital cameras, it appears that ISO 400 is the point at which overall image quality begins to suffer. Your mileage my differ. Here's how you can determine your camera's ISO tipping point.

Blog: Is the Pentax K-x "better" than the K7?.DxOMark test results show better image quality among newest low-end DSLRs

The Pentax K-x is the less expensive sibling of the K7, so one would assume the K-x's image quality would, at best, be equal to, or more likely less than, the K7. One would be wrong.

Article: Does noise reduction work?.A close, thoughtful look at digital grain

How effective is noise reduction software built into compact digital cameras in improving image quality?

Blog: Sigma DP2: In a class by itself for pocketable HDR photography.The feature set and image quality of the newest Foveon-chipped compact from Sigma makes it perfect for pro-quality pocketable HDRI.

There's not a pocket camera in market that comes close to the feature set and image quality of the Sigma DP2 for serious High Dynamic Range Imaging, except for its Sigma sibling the DP1. And if you th

Article: Mud in the fast lane.Three compact digital cameras were tested at high ISOs. They all failed.

We've established that you'll get your best overall image quality with a compact digital camera at its lowest settings, but what happens at their highest ISO speeds?

Article: Slow down for sharpness.For compact camera image quality, the proof is in the blow-ups

A lot has been written recently about the adverse effect of shooting at ISO 400 or higher with a compact camera, but there's relatively little about what happens to image quality when you deliberately choose the camera's lowest ISO setting.

Article: Compact Digital Camera Image Quality Overview.More megapixels doesn't mean better quality.

It's time to blast away some preconceptions about image quality and pixel count on digital cameras.

Article: Ultimate Image Quality.Getting serious about image quality

Are your photos as good as they can possibly be? Almost certainly not. Not if you aren’t practicing the principles of ultimate image quality. Would you like at least some of your pictures, say those once-in-a-lifetime shots, to reveal ultimate image quality? Well, then, let’s get started.

Article: Be Prepared: The day of a location shoot.A digital shooting checklist, Part II

As much fun as it is to get to a new location and start shooting immediately, I've learned from experience (sometimes bitter experience!) that it's best if you first pause for a few moments to organize your thoughts and your gear.