FAQ - Photography

Q: What camera setting is required?
A: Set White Balance to fluorescent, or 6400 Kelvin, or calibrate manually.

Q: How do I achieve large depth of field?
A: Set camera to Aperture Priority and set the F no to max., usually F8 and more.

Q: What is the required camera pixel count and specification for good internet pictures?
A: Despite manufacturers' claims, you can have very good pictures with 2mp and above. Most of my pictures are taken with Canon ixus 40 4mp pocket camera.

Q: Can I photograph reflective items, like jewellery, watches, etc.?
A: Yes, you can - you may have to find the best angle to avoid lights/camera/outside reflections. There is a piece of translucent opaque film included in the package, to be used over the light, if it shows a reflection.
 
Q: What is the expected life of the light tubes?
A: Expected life is 20,000 hours, which works out over two years continuous, or 7 years if used daily for 8 hours.

Q: Do I need a spare Light Tube, when the life is that long?
A: Yes, if you want to have spare in case of breakage, which can happen.

Q: Is the light quality at 100% available immediately?
A: Switch the lights 5 minutes before any critical shots are taken.

Q: Are the lights fixed?
A: No, you can reposition lights along the top and bottom surfaces of the box.

Q: Can I just use "point and shoot" camera?
A: Yes, you can, but it helps if you read the camera manual and explore the available setting. That way you maximise usefulness of your pictures. Also some picture editing program is useful for the final touches.

Q: What picture editing program do you use?
A: We use ACDSee for organizing pictures and editing - exposure adjustment, removal of background, and resizing the picture. Photoshop is excellent, as well as Corel, what you have got and how much power do you need. 

FAQ - Computer Upgrades

Q: Does that drive also work with regular USB 1.1 port?
A: Yes, it is fully compatible with USB1.1 and USB 2.0 ports.

Q: Does this drive need any external power supply?
A: In most cases, no. However, if you use some mini USB hubs that can't supply enough bus power, you can use the double USB cable to get more power

Q: What is a double USB cable?
A: It is a USB cable with an extra USB port to supply more power. Just make sure you insert the thick cable into correct USB socket.

Q: Do I need to install any driver to use this drive?
A: No driver is needed except for Windows '98

Q: Does this work with Mac?
A: Yes, it works with Mac OS 8.6 or later, but HDD needs to be formatted in FAT32.