隨身英語
Are smartphones killing cameras? 手機拍照的流行對傳統(tǒng)相機市場的影響
智能手機的普及和社交媒體平臺的出現(xiàn)讓人們更加方便地拍攝并分享自己生活中的點點滴滴。如今，還有人會去購買傳統(tǒng)的照相機嗎？新技術(shù)的發(fā)明是否意味著傳統(tǒng)攝影將被推出歷史舞臺？本集《隨身英語》探討這一話題，并介紹和 “攝影” 有關(guān)的英語詞匯。
Vocabulary: photography 詞匯: 攝影
We all love to take photographs. It's a simple way to capture a special moment, an amazing view, or just to show off your artistic skills. And it's great to look back through your photo albums and share your memories with friends. In essence, they show a snapshot in time. This hasn't really changed since the invention of photography in the 1830s. But one thing that has changed, is the equipment we use.
For many years, we have used traditional cameras to take our pictures with. Our images were captured onto camera film which was then processed into negatives from which photos were printed – a lengthy process. And we've have had a range of cameras to choose from – from the simple compact camera to more sophisticated single lens reflex, or SLR cameras.
But the biggest change has come with the development of digital technology. This has made taking photos quicker and easier. It's enabled us to take a snap and review our pictures instantly. We've been able to manipulate them in post-production, using software on our computer. And of course, we've been able to share them like never before – particularly on social media.
Of course, now we have the smartphone – a phone that is, well, smart because it can take photos and sometimes very good quality ones, and we can share them easily. So does that mean the traditional camera will eventually become obsolete? Figures from Japan show how the market is shrinking: shipments of compact digital cameras from companies like Olympus, Canon and Nikon were down 39% year on year.
But Phil Hall, editor of Tech Radar magazine thinks there's nothing to worry about. He told the BBC that while people are swapping their compact cameras for smartphones, "manufacturers are looking at the more higher-end premium cameras, high-end compacts, DSLRs, which are the ones you can attach lenses to, mirrorless cameras."
Certainly, the growth of the smartphone means more and more of us are taking photos and it opens our eyes to the creative possibilities it can provide. And for some, it can be a first step into getting into serious photography and pushing their creative skills. But whatever camera viewfinder we end up looking through, it's important to remember the basics of focussing, good lighting and framing - and getting your subject to say 'cheese!'
詞匯表
capture 拍攝
album 相冊
snapshot （一瞬的）概貌
picture 照片
processed 沖洗（膠片照片）
negative 底片
compact camera 小型相機
SLR camera 單反相機
snap 快照
manipulate 處理（圖片）
post-production 后期制作
smartphone 智能手機
high-end 高端的
premium 優(yōu)質(zhì)的、高級的
DSLR 數(shù)碼單鏡反光相機
lens （相機）鏡頭
creative 創(chuàng)意的，創(chuàng)造力的
viewfinder （相機）取景器
framing 取景
say 'cheese!' 說“茄子”（照相時為了讓人微笑而說的話）
測驗與練習
1. 閱讀課文并回答問題。
1. What type of technology has made taking photographs easier?
2. True or false: A compact camera is an example of a simple type of camera.
3. Where is a popular place to share our photographs these days?
4. What evidence is there in the article to show the sales of compact cameras is slowing down?
5. Why does the growth of smartphones mean more of us are taking photographs?
2. 請在不參考課文的情況下完成下列練習。選擇一個意思合適的單詞填入句子的空格處。
1. I like your painting. It must have been hard to ______ the different colours in the sky.
snap capture manipulate framing
2. If you want to sit in the front seats of the aeroplane you have to pay a ______.
smartphone high-end premium creative
3. Going to the museum gave us a ________ of what life was like during the war.
snapshot snap snappedshot snapshoot
4. Making videos for BBC Learning English is a very ______ process – we use lots of imagination and ideas.
processed premium creative manipulated
5. To encourage people to smile when their picture is being taken, we ask them to say ______.
cheesy! cheesing! chease! cheese!
答案
1. 閱讀課文并回答問題。
1. What type of technology has made taking photographs easier?
The biggest change in photography has come with the development of digital technology.
2. True or false: A compact camera is an example of a simple type of camera.
True. In the article, this type of camera is described as a simple compact camera.
3. Where is a popular place to share our photographs these days?
Social media is a popular place to share our photographs these days.
4. What evidence is there in the article to show the sales of compact cameras is slowing down?
The article mentions figures from Japan that show how the market is shrinking: shipments of compact digital cameras from companies like Olympus, Canon and Nikon were down 39% year on year.
5. Why does the growth of smartphones mean more of us are taking photographs?
Smartphones have built-in cameras which makes it easier for us to take and share photos.
2. 請在不參考課文的情況下完成下列練習。選擇一個意思合適的單詞填入句子的空格處。
1. I like your painting. It must have been hard to capture the different colours in the sky.
2. If you want to sit in the front seats of the aeroplane you have to pay a premium.
3. Going to the museum gave us a snapshot of what life was like during the war.
4. Making videos for BBC Learning English is a very creative process – we use lots of imagination and ideas.
5. To encourage people to smile when their picture is being taken, we ask them to say cheese!
