• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

Need a new camera, advice?

P

Parker

Limp Gawd
Joined
Apr 18, 2006
Messages
418
I was sporting a Canon Powershot S45 until my niece dropped it. Now I'm in the market for a new camera. I loved the pics that my Canon could make but I did not like the continuous struggle of trying to get "blur free" pics.
So these are my terms:
-Small Camera (preferably one of the near credit card sized camera that fits in your pocket)
-Takes good pics
-Does not blur pics
-I prefer just the LCD instead of the viewfinder/LCD combo
-Under $400
I'm thinking something like the Fuji Finepix Z series or maybe the Canon Powershot SD630.
 
I can't recommend anything since I only shoot SLR, but I will say this. Blurry pics are most likely a product of shaky hands.

That said, how are the Fuji F11s? They're supposed to have a sensor that produce usable pics with high ISOs (800, 1600). I know a couple people who shoot with the older Fuji F10.
 
I'll admit to the shaky hands sometimes but it also happens with objects in motion. I even have trouble getting good pics of my baby just from him turning his head or moving his arms/legs. Perhaps that's an issue with shutter speed...?
 
Definitely could be a shutter speed issue. To freeze motion or get rid of motion blur, you will need a fast enough shutter speed to counteract the motion. Of course, different situations call for different minimum shutter speeds. Outside with daylight this isn't really a problem, but inside, lighting conditions generally are darker so the camera (in auto mode) will probably be using much slower shutter speeds than it would outside.

You could also resort to flash and manually set the shutter speed to something faster like a 1/100, but I'm not sure if your current camera allows such functionality, or if you just don't like flash (and I couldn't really blame you for that either). ;)
 
Most cameras have a Sport mode. This is designed to give you a fast shutter speed. I personally like the newer Canon cameras with 6-7 MP. Some of them have image stabilization which will also reduce blur. Finally, if you get a Canon with the digic 3 processor in it, The camera will automatically detect up to 8 faces in a photo and focus on all 8.

Later

(Technically, it doesn't focus on all 8, it adjusts the aperture to control the DOF to ensure all people are in focus. Digic III just makes it so you don't have to think/worry about it.)
 
You need the image stabilization and, shooting in sports mode for sure. I use it on my D50 for close ups when the wind is blowing what Im shooting around. I suggest you go to http://dpreview.com and, look at you prospective choices features and, at the user reviews too.
 
I went with Canon SD630. Yesterday I went up to Best Buy to look at cameras and get a good feel for them. Then I went home and bought it on Newegg :D Thanx for the replies.
 
*UPDATE*

Been enjoying the SD630. My only complaint right now is that the majority of my pics are grainy, not as clear as my previous camera. But I do get some pics that are crystal clear.
 
Parker said:
*UPDATE*

Been enjoying the SD630. My only complaint right now is that the majority of my pics are grainy, not as clear as my previous camera. But I do get some pics that are crystal clear.
Click to expand...

Are you shooting in low light?
 
From what I've noticed so far, yes. But just recently I went to an indoor car show and the pics came out the same. The lighting wasn't that bad.
 
Parker said:
From what I've noticed so far, yes. But just recently I went to an indoor car show and the pics came out the same. The lighting wasn't that bad.
Click to expand...

Cameras need lots of light.
Are you using the auto ISO mode? The camera is probably bumping up the ISO to compensate, leaving you with grainy pictures.
 
Parker said:
From what I've noticed so far, yes. But just recently I went to an indoor car show and the pics came out the same. The lighting wasn't that bad.
Click to expand...

Put it in manual, force the ISO to 400 or below (100-200 preferably) and if its too dark use the flash. This will get you cleaner pictures. its all about WHAT you are shooting and where you are shooting and how. If the subject is standing still try a portrait mode if you can hold it still. Longer shutter=more light and lower ISO also more detail.

If its low light, and it's holding still use a night shot mode. Again it will be hard to hand hold it if you have a shaky hand.......but longer shutter=more light, lower ISO and more detail. Futz around with the scene modes.

If the subject is moving, in low light.....you have no chance of getting what you want in a pocket camera. Sorry....you can't have a fast shutter speed in low light and have a decent pic.
 
Parker said:
From what I've noticed so far, yes. But just recently I went to an indoor car show and the pics came out the same. The lighting wasn't that bad.
Click to expand...

First indoors I would adjust your White Balance for the type of indoor lighting. Then you want to turn your Noise Reduction on. I would still use the 400 ISO myself. Shoot some test pics and, see what you get. Also if you have a White balance preset in your option, then use a white or, gray card and, set the white balance manually. You will need to shoot in either manual or, Apature Priority for the settings to hold.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top