Point and Shoot Performance Tips
By BELLvu
6 Aug 2009
There is nothing better than a nature hike with your camera, but a recent run of bad weather prompted me to take a point and shoot holiday indoors instead.
I'm a big fan of point and shoot (P/S) cameras. They are wonderful bits of technology. When I first got serious about photography I used to haul around a big metal-bodied Canon 35mm and three lenses for a combined weight of about 10 pounds. All I need now is an exra pocket!
Anyway- if you can't go to nature, bring nature to you. Along with groceries I picked up a bunch of tulips and embarked on my indoor adventure.
Rainy overcast days provide a nice even light source that works well for close-ups. Just set up near a window. I shot all the accompanying pix with a 5mpx digital Canon Powershot A530 set on macro focus. I like to use the "P" or program mode on the dial so I can shoot without flash and customize the saturation, contrast, sharpness and individual colors - all of which I set to maximum. Left to their own devices on auto setting, digital cameras tend to overexpose and undersaturate.
I put the flowers in a vase and just observed at first. I noticed backlighting was the most interesting - acheived by putting the vase between myself and the window. I composed the shots on the camera's LCD screen while hand holding the camera for manuverability. You may notice when positioning the camera and changing the viewing angle, that the color tint of the light changes. This has to do with the lens coating and reflection of the light sources. Play around until you get the desired effect.
If your camera has spot metering, use that or center weighted metering. The metering area and focal point/area will be in the same bracket and this gives you more control. If in doubt, read your camera's manual to learn what is adjustable and what isn't. Even the simplest P/Ss tend to pack more abilities than we ever think to use!
Most digital cameras strive to put everything in focus and this can result in a flat-plane, one dimensional, uninteresting photo. To get around this, try focusing/metering on front or back sections of a flower, the petal, stem or leaf and also changing the positions of the flowers. Go in as close as you can, experiment and have fun varying the backgrounds and perspectives. See how may differnet looks you can get out of one bunch of flowers.
It's a good exercise and you may even learn some new tricks. You can do this with any camera but it is a bit more challenging to stretch your P/S's limits. It kept me amused on a dreary housebound day and I got a much improved performance from my little pocket camera!
4 responses
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Ann Reece gave props (6 Aug 2009):
I enjoyed reading your story and will use some of your tips. I normally shoot with a Nikon D70s. Recently I bought a Nikon P90 that is a bridge of sorts between my D70s and a p/s. I love it, the camera is an awesome and powerful thing and the zoom is fantastic! I also carry a p/s that I call my "purse camera", so usually I am never without a camera of some sort : ) I voted on your story. Take a look at my 2 stories if you want to.
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Charles Hess said (7 Aug 2009):
Good story, some good ideas in there. I'm still a film guy who uses digital when he has to...Nikon all the way. Voted for you.
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Mary Brown gave props (31 Aug 2009):
Great story & lovely photos! Thanks for all of your helpful hints. I'll give them a try.
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Zerina Phillip gave props (9 Sep 2009):
vote. Wonder story. Creativity in photography would always go on. Photos are lovely too.
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