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Why Eye?

Wednesday March 21, 2001 - 4:55 PM EST - By Alan Graham

Working Within the E2 Limitations

The most important aspect of working with any digital camera is learning the limitations of the camera and figuring out a workaround. It is crucial to test the camera in a wide-variety of situations, learn what effect those situations have on the images and then learn how to get what you want out of the image. In order to get the best results from any low to midrange digital camera, you must use some type of image editing software. I use Photoshop, but I am sure most people don't want a $600 program for a $200 camera. One option is that you could look for a version of Photoshop 5.0 LE (Limited Edition) bundled with a scanner or purchase it separately on Ebay for around $50. For all of the adjustments I have made with the images here, I could have used the LE version. There are also a number of other image editing applications that can perform the same changes. Check your hard drive, you may already have one.

Lighting - The biggest limitation I have found with the EyeModule2 is the fact that it takes poor images in low-light. If you really want the image and the lighting is poor, you will find that there are three "contrast" settings built into the camera (upper right hand corner of screen - Brighten, Normal, and Darken). Set the camera to Brighten and be very still while taking the shot. Later, you'll find that you can probably improve or rescue the image in Photoshop.

Focal distance - Although the E2 is rated at 18" to infinity, you will find that images in the far-off distance will not have much detail to them. Unless you are taking a picture of something that is enormous (Shaq, for example), you can expect images that are a considerable distance will lose quite a bit of detail and seem to "run together." The fix for this is simple, don't take the shot or get closer.

DON'T MOVE - the E2 threw me for a loop the first time I used it. I figured that it would work exactly like the original, so I slid it in, and started taking pictures. Not one of them turned out. Each one looked distorted and blurry. With the original EyeModule you just point and click, you instantly grab the shot. With the E2, there is a short delay between when you press the capture button and when it takes the shot. Until the Visor asks you if you want to save the image, for goodness sake don't move a muscle. Once I figured this out, every shot I took came out perfect.

Take Three - If the lighting or other variables aren't ideal, then I suggest you take at least three shots. I always take two shots in case one doesn't turn out, plus if I am not sure about the lighting, I will take another with a different contrast setting.


Fixing Images >>

Story Sections
Why Eye?
>Working Within the E2 Limitations
Fixing Images
The Proof is in the Puddi...er Pictures
The Untouchables
Just for Fun...
Spy vs. Spy
Why do I need this?

Related Links
EyeModule 2 Review
Buy EyeModule 2
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