{"id":1368,"date":"2018-07-19T17:41:03","date_gmt":"2018-07-19T22:41:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/?page_id=1368"},"modified":"2023-04-27T07:22:50","modified_gmt":"2023-04-27T12:22:50","slug":"using-your-smartphone-to-digitize-documents","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/presentations\/current\/using-your-smartphone-to-digitize-documents\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Your Smart Phone When a Scanner is Not Available"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Objective:<\/p>\n<p>To help you will understand how to use the camera in your smartphone to obtain high quality images of documents and photographs in environments typically encountered by genealogists.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Downloads<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/Presentations\/Camera_as_Scanner\/Using%20Your%20Smart%20Phone%20When%20a%20Scanner%20is%20Not%20Available%20Outline.pdf\">Handout\/Outline<\/a> (PDF)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/Presentations\/Camera_as_Scanner\/Using%20Your%20Smart%20Phone%20When%20a%20Scanner%20is%20Not%20Available.pdf\">Presentation Slides<\/a> (PDF)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>When You Should <u>NOT<\/u> Use Your Phone<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Why is a scanner so good at digitizing images?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>The Basics of Digital Images<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What is a digital image?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>How a Digital Camera Works<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital Image File Formats<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital File Formats: TIFF, JPEG, PNG, RAW and PDF<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Metadata\n<ul>\n<li>Good Software: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xnview.com\/en\/\">https:\/\/www.xnview.com\/en\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Resolution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Camera Basics &#8211; how a digital camera works<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Steps to Follow to create optimal images<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Make Sure You Have Memory Available<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Clean The Lens<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>And the screen!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Choose the Best App<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Camera+ (runs on iOS &amp; Android) gets best reviews<\/li>\n<li>Avoid using &#8220;scanning software&#8221; as you cannot be sure what they are doing to &#8220;optimize&#8221; the image<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Optimize the App Settings<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Resolution<\/li>\n<li>File Format<\/li>\n<li>Compression<\/li>\n<li>Flash or no Flash<\/li>\n<li>Adjust white balance<\/li>\n<li>HDR<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Get Good Light<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Sunlight (move the document near a window or take it outside)<\/li>\n<li>Bright single light source (lamp)<\/li>\n<li>Light from multiple directions (minimizes shadows and glare)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Minimize Surrounding Glare<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Dark, non-reflective background<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep the Document Flat<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Coins, Books, Keys, Rulers, Coasters, Hands, etc&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Fill the Frame<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Utilize as many pixels as possible to capture the image (not the background)<\/li>\n<li>Orient the phone to maximize resolution<\/li>\n<li>Do NOT use Digital Zoom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Keep the Camera Parallel to the Document<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoids distorting the image<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Stabilize the Camera<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Use the App&#8217;s anti-shake mode if available<\/li>\n<li>Mono-Pod or Tri-Pod (Suggested: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/stores\/Qualiassu-US\/page\/7F54057B-F20F-46B6-A7CB-C3DE21B29210?ref_=ast_bln\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Qualiassu Cell Phone Tripod<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Brace the phone against something solid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set the Focus\/Exposure area<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>On most phones: tap the center of the screen<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Large Documents<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Overview Picture &#8211; Entire Document<\/li>\n<li>Overlapping closeups (top left, top middle, top right, bottom left, bottom middle, bottom right)\n<ul>\n<li>Keep the camera at the same height<\/li>\n<li>Keep it parallel to the document<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Closeups of &#8220;important areas&#8221; (lets you zoom in with high level of detail)\n<ul>\n<li>How close is &#8220;too close&#8221;?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Does all of This Really Make a Difference? Yes!<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What About Wand Scanners<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What About a Flip Pal?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Why Not Use Scanning Software?<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Google PhotoScan &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/photos\/scan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.google.com\/photos\/scan\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>PhotoMyne &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/photomyne.com\/\">https:\/\/photomyne.com\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">References\/Additional Information<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#8220;Can I Use My Phone As A Scanner? Yes, But&#8230;&#8221; &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.picturesandstories.com\/news\/2018\/4\/4\/how-to-scan-old-photos-with-your-smartphone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.picturesandstories.com\/news\/2018\/4\/4\/how-to-scan-old-photos-with-your-smartphone<\/a><\/li>\n<li>The Best Ways to Scan a Document Using Your Phone or Tablet &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/209951\/the-best-ways-to-scan-a-document-using-your-phone-or-tablet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/209951\/the-best-ways-to-scan-a-document-using-your-phone-or-tablet\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>How to scan documents and photos using your iPhone &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.macworld.co.uk\/how-to\/iosapps\/how-scan-documents-photos-using-your-iphone-3665021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.macworld.co.uk\/how-to\/iosapps\/how-scan-documents-photos-using-your-iphone-3665021\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<em>The Best Camera Apps for Android and iOS<\/em>&#8221; &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/best-camera-apps-android-ios\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/best-camera-apps-android-ios\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>What is HDR? See &#8220;HDR Explained&#8221; &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/5991508\/what-is-hdr-and-when-should-i-use-it-in-my-photos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/5991508\/what-is-hdr-and-when-should-i-use-it-in-my-photos<\/a><\/li>\n<li>&#8220;<em>How to Photograph Pictures Under Glass &amp;\u00a0 Other Shiny Things<\/em>&#8221; &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.picturesandstories.com\/news\/2014\/5\/12\/how-to-photograph-pictures-under-glass-other-shiny-things\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.picturesandstories.com\/news\/2014\/5\/12\/how-to-photograph-pictures-under-glass-other-shiny-things<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>General Photography<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How to Crush Night Photography: 7 Secrets from a Pro:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterbug.com\/content\/how-crush-night-photography-7-secrets-pro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.shutterbug.com\/content\/how-crush-night-photography-7-secrets-pro<\/a><\/li>\n<li>A Helpful Explanation of Why Bit Depth Is an Important Camera Specification &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fstoppers.com\/education\/helpful-explanation-why-bit-depth-important-camera-specification-272770\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/fstoppers.com\/education\/helpful-explanation-why-bit-depth-important-camera-specification-272770<\/a><\/li>\n<li>A Beginner&#8217;s Guide to What Focal Length of a Lens Really Is &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fstoppers.com\/education\/beginners-guide-what-focal-length-lens-really-270770\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/fstoppers.com\/education\/beginners-guide-what-focal-length-lens-really-270770<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Everything You Need to Know About ISO &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/fstoppers.com\/education\/everything-you-need-know-about-iso-270316\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/fstoppers.com\/education\/everything-you-need-know-about-iso-270316<\/a><\/li>\n<li>How Many Megapixels Do You Need? &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/alphauniverse.com\/stories\/how-many-megapixels-do-you-need-\/?cid=ban-na-1787\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/alphauniverse.com\/stories\/how-many-megapixels-do-you-need-\/?cid=ban-na-1787<\/a><\/li>\n<li>How Autofocus Works in Photography &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/petapixel.com\/how-autofocus-works-in-photography\/\">https:\/\/petapixel.com\/how-autofocus-works-in-photography\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>6 Reasons to Use Aperture Priority Mode on Your Camera &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/reasons-to-use-aperture-priority-mode\/\">https:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/reasons-to-use-aperture-priority-mode\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>This is How Your Camera&#8217;s Sensor Sees The World &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diyphotography.net\/this-is-how-your-cameras-sensor-sees-the-world\/\">https:\/\/www.diyphotography.net\/this-is-how-your-cameras-sensor-sees-the-world\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>How Your Camera\u2019s Image Processor Determines Color &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitalphotopro.com\/news\/how-your-cameras-image-processor-determines-color\/\">https:\/\/www.digitalphotopro.com\/news\/how-your-cameras-image-processor-determines-color\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Color theory, RAW files, and RAW developers &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.diyphotography.net\/color-theory-raw-files-and-raw-developers\/\">https:\/\/www.diyphotography.net\/color-theory-raw-files-and-raw-developers\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/Presentations\/Camera_as_Scanner\/Using%20Your%20Smart%20Phone%20When%20a%20Scanner%20is%20Not%20Available.pptx\">.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Objective: To help you will understand how to use the camera in your smartphone to obtain high quality images of documents and photographs in environments typically encountered by genealogists. Downloads Handout\/Outline (PDF) Presentation Slides (PDF) Overview When You Should NOT<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1576,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1368","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1368"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1368\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3164,"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1368\/revisions\/3164"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rayson.us\/aehanson\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}