» Tagged 'photography'

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family, Technology - by - December 20, 2008 - 05:46 Etc/GMT+5 - Be first to Comment!

In my previous blog post (HERE) I mentioned I thought my lens may be part of my problem in achieving good pictures. After some more research, I purchased a 50mm prime lens (f/1.4) and had a chance to try it this evening. Wow, what a difference.
This photo (of my beautiful wife) was taken by the light of the Christmas tree. A quick set and shoot. So there is hope for my photos after all.

Point, Shoot

Excellence in the Arts - by - December 17, 2008 - 15:02 Etc/GMT+5 - Be first to Comment!

Why is it that the better the camera you have, the harder you have to work for a good picture?

We have had several frustrating experiences lately trying to get a good picture. When I try to figure out why, it come down to a couple of fundamental issues and a question. In this case I have been dealing with a digital SLR camera, but the same applies to our video cameras, and possible many other gadgets and tools we use.

Issue one: Compromise
One of the big differences between a point and shoot consumer camera and a more professional SLR camera is to make a simple camera they have made compromises. Everything from the size of the image sensor to the glass used lower the final quality of the picture (even if it is the same mega-pixel count), but in turn, those compromises help hide the flaws of the photographer and setting.

Issue two: too many choices (& too little time)
The more choices given to us, the more settings we have to remember to check, figure out, set, tweak, adjust…. all taking much longer to try and get that shot. The point and shoot camera has a few minor changes that can be made, but you pretty much get what you get – and don’t worry about it.

So the question:
I still am wondering if there is something wrong with my camera. (it is a Canon Rebel XTi)
Even if I cheat the light meter, the pictures appear overly dark. Is this because I purchased the wrong lens? I went with the highly recommended (and high priced) Canon EFS 17-85mm IS USM lens – only to realize later that it is not a very fast lens (f/4-5.6). Most pictures are blurry unless a camera stand is used because of the long shutter speed. Seems to be a decent outdoor lens.
But put the camera on full auto and the pictures are dark, the color is often off and it wants to use the flash for everything! Then again, most point and shoot cameras also use the flash all the time… So is the darkness issue really just a dynamic range issue?

Maybe we need to slow down a little, take the time to really set up the camera for each experience, use a tripod if necessary, take a moment to fix the lighting – and keep that point and shoot camera close by for the times we need to shoot and run.