If you own a point and shoot instead of an SLR, don't worry, I still have tips for you too! A point and shoot camera has all the settings decided by the camera, but that does not mean that you have to be stuck with a bad picture of the camera's "brain" doesn't make the right decisions.
FOCUS. The lens will generally autofocus on either the largest subject or the closest subject in that it sees. If the subject that you want is blurry and another image is sharp, try moving a small amount to help the camera see your idea. Subtle changes, sometimes even just inches in any direction, can help a camera refocus on the correct item. Read your camera manual to figure out exactly how your specific model focuses and that will help you understand why it picks what it picks.
EXPOSURE. In my opinion, the greatest downfall of point and shoot cameras if the lack of control over exposure. Using the subject in front of a window example again (because it is a very common problem), there are methods to fool your camera into the correct exposure. Remember that a camera is designed to set up for the brightest spot in the shot. (Newer cameras have a matrix that helps alleviate this problem--they combine the data from several spots in the field to make the photo better.) One of the simplest, but not best, fixes is to turn on the flash. This will somewhat combat the light entering from the window. Of course you can always move your subjects, but that's not always possible. Step closer to your subject so that their clothing/face fills most of the frame, and the sunlight does not. Depress the shutter release halfway, which will tell the camera to gather its information. Keeping the shutter halfway depressed, step back and reframe your shot before pressing the release all the way down to actually capture the photograph. You have effectively just fooled the camera into doing what you want it to!
Again, have fun and experiment. Point and shoot cameras were designed to make your life easier. With a little bit of practice they can be your best friend.
This is a great little camera. Fast reactions, clear images. I've used several in the Canon elph series, starting with their APS format and have always loved them. Link from Amazon.
Showing posts with label point and shoot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label point and shoot. Show all posts
Monday, July 14, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Equipment: types of cameras
The market is flooded with a variety of cameras and it is easy to get confused as to the difference between the types. Here is a breakdown on the basics and who might find them useful.
SLR--Single Lens Reflex camera (this is the type of camera pictured). An SLR contains a mirror between the aperture and the shutter that reflects the light entering the camera. When the shutter is closed, the light is reflected through a prism and into the viewfinder. When the shutter is open, the mirror swings out of the way to allow light to pass directly onto the film. They also have lenses that are separate from the camera body so you can change the type of lens.
Benefits: One of the beauties of this setup is that the viewfinder accurately shows exactly the same image that will be recorded onto the film. SLRs almost always have interchangeable lenses so you can select the lens that best fits the occasion. ie, a telephoto for wildlife or sports, and a wide angle for landscapes or architecture. SLRs are also, depending on manufacturer, very dependable. Once you learn to use an SLR, they are very simple.
Drawbacks: They are a bit more complicated to learn to use than a point and shoot camera. They tend to be a bit larger and heavier than a point and shoot.
You might want an SLR if the idea of a little more control over your photos appeals to you. If you don't mind a little bit of a learning curve, then you will have fun with an SLR. Also if your friends are always asking to borrow your camera, and returning it broken, this is the camera for you! :)
Point and shoot: These cameras tend to include everything but the kitchen sink. The "brain" inside the camera focuses the lens on whatever object is in the center of the focusing grid, selects the proper shutter speed, and fires the flash. Unlike the SLR, the viewfinder is merely a small hole with a lens in the top of the camera, to the image you see with be slightly different than the image recorded on film.
Benefits: Usually smaller and lighter weight than an SLR. Takes little time to learn how to use. Can use one-handed.
Drawbacks: The camera controls the shutter speed, focus, and metering and photographer has few options.
You might want a point and shoot if you do not have time to learn to use an SLR. If you are always on the go, this type is easy to stick in a pocket, purse, or sports bag to take pictures of the basketball games or a snapshot with friends. This camera is less about professional shots than a fun shot.
SLR--Single Lens Reflex camera (this is the type of camera pictured). An SLR contains a mirror between the aperture and the shutter that reflects the light entering the camera. When the shutter is closed, the light is reflected through a prism and into the viewfinder. When the shutter is open, the mirror swings out of the way to allow light to pass directly onto the film. They also have lenses that are separate from the camera body so you can change the type of lens.
Benefits: One of the beauties of this setup is that the viewfinder accurately shows exactly the same image that will be recorded onto the film. SLRs almost always have interchangeable lenses so you can select the lens that best fits the occasion. ie, a telephoto for wildlife or sports, and a wide angle for landscapes or architecture. SLRs are also, depending on manufacturer, very dependable. Once you learn to use an SLR, they are very simple.
Drawbacks: They are a bit more complicated to learn to use than a point and shoot camera. They tend to be a bit larger and heavier than a point and shoot.
You might want an SLR if the idea of a little more control over your photos appeals to you. If you don't mind a little bit of a learning curve, then you will have fun with an SLR. Also if your friends are always asking to borrow your camera, and returning it broken, this is the camera for you! :)
Point and shoot: These cameras tend to include everything but the kitchen sink. The "brain" inside the camera focuses the lens on whatever object is in the center of the focusing grid, selects the proper shutter speed, and fires the flash. Unlike the SLR, the viewfinder is merely a small hole with a lens in the top of the camera, to the image you see with be slightly different than the image recorded on film.
Benefits: Usually smaller and lighter weight than an SLR. Takes little time to learn how to use. Can use one-handed.
Drawbacks: The camera controls the shutter speed, focus, and metering and photographer has few options.
You might want a point and shoot if you do not have time to learn to use an SLR. If you are always on the go, this type is easy to stick in a pocket, purse, or sports bag to take pictures of the basketball games or a snapshot with friends. This camera is less about professional shots than a fun shot.
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