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8. QUALITY SETTING – Always use the highest quality image setting on your camera, for the largest file size. You can always make a larger file smaller, but you cannot make a smaller one larger.
9. ZOOM LENS – Most digital cameras come with zoom lenses. The “optical zoom” is when the lens actually moves in or out to change the size of the image.
Many can also do a "digital zoom" – do not use this for any purpose! All a digital zoom feature does is take the image at the long end of your optical zoom and cut out the center portion, resulting in a poor quality image. You can do the same by cropping an image taken at the long end of the optical zoom.
Note: - You will get the most depth of focus when using the lens at the widest setting.
- The more you zoom in, the smaller the depth of focus becomes.
10. Brighten the shadows – If parts of the model or scene are in deep shadow, there will be nothing to see in the dark areas. Reflect light into the shadows to brighten it up.
I made reflectors from two pieces of sturdy white cardboard hinged together with duct tape; this allows the reflector to stand on its own. One side was covered with aluminum foil that I had crumpled up first then flattened before gluing on:
 Home made reflectors, aluminum foil glued to one side of cardboard sheets. White side it used when less relfecting light is wanted. This breaks up the reflections so they do not look like a single point of light from a mirror. When less light is needed, I use the plain white side. Make sure when you lighten the shadows that you do not overdo it – there should not be two sources of light.
 Scene with no reflector, too much darkness!
 Same scene using a reflector, much better!
11. Set Sensitivity - The ISO setting in the camera should be set at the lowest number. This is similar to the film speed in film cameras, and denotes the light sensitivity of the camera sensor. The lower the ISO number, the better quality of your photos. Using higher settings can result in grainy images. Low is best!
12. TEST PHOTOS – It is a good idea to shoot some test photos with your camera using the above tips, to help judge its capability. Most point and shoot digital cameras will not have a great depth of focus, so test photos taken on your actual layout will help. If you want to take a photo of your favorite engine, a popular ¾ view of the model may not have the entire engine in focus. Reducing the angle of view towards a side on shot may result in more of the model being in focus.
The End of the Basics!
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