A digital image can be modified, enhanced or even made to lie. This was not so in the case of negative or transparency. They could not be made to lie because the alteration was easily noticeable. But digital image and manipulation go hand in hand.

Maybe, manipulation is a strong word to use. A more appropriate word would be digital enhancement. This is what every photographer tries to achieve – to improve the quality of the picture. He does this by using photo-editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Photopaint.

Some of the characteristics that the photographers play around with on the computer screens are: color, angle, size, pixellation or removal of distracting elements like tables, chairs etc. If need be, the photographers also use a digital brush to change the color of eyes or remove identifying marks. All this, and more can be done with the tools available in any good photo-editing software. The picture invariably comes out looking better.

No one will complain if the changes improve the quality of the picture. But there are times when photographers go further and alter parts of the picture. They import another face or person into the picture or change the surroundings. When they do this they are clearly guilty of manipulation. The photograph then is not a document but a lie. It can prove to be dangerous if it was submitted to a court of law. It could very easily upturn a verdict if the manipulation was of a quality that could fool digital forensic experts.

The danger is that the manipulation tools are so easily available. Anyone can buy photo-editing software, and edit or morph pictures of celebrities. There have been scores of cases when pictures of celebrities have been morphed and hosted in compromising positions on the net. This is indefensible; all acts of manipulation need to be punished.

Some photographers put forward the argument that it is impossible to capture reality. They are right. Even the best digital cameras cannot capture colors in the same way that the eyes do. But this is not manipulation. This is acceptance of reality. Actually, we should feel happy that we can capture nature so closely now.

What is more important is that we don’t manipulate digital images. We should limit ourselves to enhancing their quality.

Product Description

Instantly recognizable, the classic Box & Circle ELPH design of the PowerShot SD770 IS Digital ELPH houses a 3x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer, perfect for the everyday photographer. High-end specifications include 10.0-Megapixel Resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens. Spectacular images are easy to create, thanks to advanced Canon technologies like Face Detection and Motion Detection Technologies that eliminate blur. Improved Face Detection Technology automatically sets the focus, exposure, flash, and white balance; allowing greater freedom of shooting throughout the image capture process. Motion Detection Technology automatically detects subject movement and optimizes exposure control and ISO settings to reduce image blur. DIGIC III Image Processor for superior image quality and improved functionality. Print/Share Button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with select PIXMA Photo Printers and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers. Shutter Speed - 1/60-1/1500 seconds, 15-1/1500 seconds White Balance - Auto, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H), and Custom Built-in Flash - Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off; FE lock, and Slow Synchro Flash Range - 12 to 11-feet/30cm-3.5m (W), 12 to 6.6-feet/30cm-2.0m (T) when sensitivity is set to ISO Auto Shooting Modes - Auto, Camera M, Portrait, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, Underwater, ISO 3200, Indoor, Kids & Pets) Night Snapshot, Color Accent, Color Swap, Digital Macro, Stitch Assist, and Movie Dimensions - Width 3.39 x Height 2.13 x Depth 0.80 (86.0×54.0×20.4mm) Weight - 4.59 ounces (130 grams) with camera body only.

Manufacturer Description

Instantly recognizable, the classic “Box & Circle” ELPH design lives on in the PowerShot SD770 IS Digital ELPH. This sleek, slim head-turner is the perfect everyday camera. High-end specifications include 10.0-megapixel resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens. Spectacular images are easy to create thanks to advanced Canon technologies like Face Detection and Motion Detection Technologies that eliminate blur.