Shooting Modes II —– Shutter Priority Mode
February 5, 2009
For the light to strike the image sensor the shutter has to open for a certain amount of time the rest of the time light is kept out of the camera. A faster shutter speed lets little light to strike the sensor thus the image is considerably darker, while it is the reverse for slower shutter speeds.
Ideally aperture and shutter, both perform the same function of letting in the light on the image sensor to be recorded on the image. Aperture and Shutter are inversely proportional to each other; i.e. in case the aperture is small (lets in less light) then you need to have a slower shutter speed for proper exposure. However you can get creative and combine a larger aperture with a slower shutter speed. Though both of them perform the same function they vary vastly when it comes to the impact they produce on the image quality. The aperture determines the depth of field of a photo while the shutter determines the sharpness of the image.
Slower shutter speeds are best suited when the camera is placed on a tripod. This is because the image can get blurred due to handshake. Ideally longer shutter speeds are used for taking shots at night or when the surrounding is dimly lit. Faster shutter speeds are widely used in sports photography or a car race etc. to quickly freeze the action.
| Image shot with shutter speed of 1/25 sec | Image shot with shutter speed of 1/1000 sec | |||
 |
 |
|||
| In the above figure, as a slower shutter speed is used the water droplets have all been combined to give a cloudy effect. | In the above figure, as a faster shutter speed is used the water droplets have all been shot distinctively to give a realistic effect. |
These days almost all cameras include a shutter and aperture priority mode along with a program mode and an automatic mode. In the Program mode or manual mode you can set the aperture as well as the shutter as per your requirements. In case you want the correct combination or both then you can either select the automatic mode. In the semi-automatic mode, you can select either aperture or shutter and the camera will decide the other. Which mode you would like to go for is purely a matter of choice and convenience.
Shooting Modes I — Aperture Priority Mode
February 4, 2009
Ideally the aperture adjusts the size of the opening through which light passes through the camera's image sensor. Thus in case the aperture is small it indicates that less light reaches the image sensor and delivers darker images. Whereas higher aperture means more light reaching the image sensor thus delivering brighter images.
Aperture Priority mode is not a relatively new concept, it was incorporated even in the traditional and earliest cameras in a much simpler and easier way.
The aperture also has a part to play in the sharpness of an image like the shutter speed. With the change in the aperture there occurs a change in the depth of field which eventually affects the sharpness of an image. For example, in case of landscape photos a larger DOF is required thus a smaller aperture is used. This results in the entire image being sharp, however in case of portraits the DOF is small, aperture is large, thus only the subject that is in focus is sharp while the background will be considerable softer.
Aperture settings are called f-stop and these actually indicate the size of the aperture opening. The standard lens on a digital camera will range from about f/2 to about f/16. As the f-stop gets larger the aperture size gets smaller, it will be easier to remember this if f-stop is considered as a fraction. A Fast Lens is defined as a lens that can be opened to a wide aperture for the given focal length. For example a a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.6 opens wider as compared to the one that has a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Faster lenses are useful when you need to photograph in low light surroundings or while shooting fast moving images like a sports event.
 |
 |
|||
| Aperture of f11.4 | Aperture of f4.0 |
Panoramic Photography – The Technique of Photo Stitching
February 3, 2009
Panoramic photography is a form of digital photography that can capture images that have elongated fields of view. Ideally an image that is greater has a field of view greater than that of the human eye is termed as panoramic. The resultant image generally takes a wide strip form. Panoramic photographs have been taken in sections and pasted together since ages. This was initially done by using a special camera that could rotate in order to reproduce the panoramic shots on a long strip of film. These days it has become relatively simple, you just need to take a series of shots, digitize it and later stitch it together.
The first patent for a panoramic that was obtained had been submitted by Joseph Puchberger in Austria in the year 1843. Later in 1844, Friedrich von Martens from Germany developed a technically superior panoramic camera. After a couple of years in 1888 flexible film was invented, which revolutionized the art of panoramic photography.
This form of photography became increasingly popular to record wars, exploration details, scientific and technical developments and orchestra shows etc. However as time progressed people started using panoramic photography for various purposes like capturing natural wonders on the world and major tourist spots, major events etc.
But there are a few factors to be considered before shooting panoramic images. Firstly, while shooting horizontally or vertically, ensure that you stand in the same position whilst rotating the camera. Secondly, in case of a 360-degree pattern the first and last shot must connect and overlap with each other. Ideally, the images must overlap by 30-50 percent horizontally and at least 10 percent vertically. You must avoid placing subjects that move in the overlapping areas but do not combine with the nearby objects; however you can place different and distinguishing subjects in each overlapping area.
Before you purchase a panorama software you need to check a for few details. Ideally the software should be in a position to handle multiple rows of images. Next you need to check if the software is comfortable with different sized images or same sized images.
Now you can use the panoramic stitching software to stitch these images together. Although the software can automatically even out the lighting effects it is your duty to ensure that you avoid extreme lighting effects while shooting. If possible try and lock the exposure for the particular series of shots. The last step would be to load the panorama images and arrange them in one or two rows and then start the stitching function. Firstly it will stitch the images together and later smoothly blend the overlapping parts.
Panoramic Photography has evolved a long way since it started. These days many cameras like the GE A735 Digital Camera come with in-camera panoramic stitching facility which save you the trouble of loading the images, sorting them and then start the stitching software
Seven Simple Tips For Breath-Taking Snaps
February 2, 2009
Tip #1 :
Hold the Camera to the Subject's Eye-Level
 |
For capturing the magnetic gazes and mesmerising smiles you need to hold the camera at the eye level of the subject. However the subject need not have to look into the camera, holding it at the eye level itself will create an personalised image.
Just imagine how this snap would have come out if taken from top. Thus it is important to go down and shoot from the subject's eye-level to obtain the true-to-life expressions |
|||
Tip #2:
Prefer a Plain Background
 |
Before taking a snap always ensure to check the background of the subject. In case the background is cluttered or filled with other objects such as lots of plants and leaves then it will remove the emphasis that the subject needs. A plain background on the other hand adds prominence to the subject.
As shown above the polar bears gain more prominence as they are shot in a plain background. |
|||
Tip #3:
Try to Flash Outdoors on in Brightly lit areas
 |
Ideally flash is not required in well lit areas. However there is a possibility of this light casting a shadow on the image. In such case it is advisable to use the flash, which helps in brightening up the faces and accentuating the subject.
The use of flash in this situation has helped in delivering a realistic image, else the butterfly would not appear as it has now, there would be some dark shadow cast upon it due to the effect of the sun. |
|||
Tip #4:
Make maximum use of the Camera's Macro Mode
 |
The macro mode of the camera determines the closest range at which clear and precise images can be shot. In case you are capturing flowers or insects or animals; then either move close to the object or zoom till the object fills the camera's viewfinder and then shoot. This helps in producing realistic images.
A complete naturalistic effect has been obtained in this flower due to use of macro mode. |
|||
Tip #5:
Turn the camera around to take vertical snaps
 |
Some images like portraits, tall buildings etc. are enhanced when they are shot with in the vertical format. In such cases ensure that you turn the camera sideways and shoot vertically.
For example a realistic image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is obtained only when a vertical snap is taken by turning the camera sideways. |
|||
Tip #6:
Always check for the Maximum Flash Range
 |
When images are shot beyond the flash's maximum range, then it may result in dark images. Generally the maximum flash range in most cameras is 10 feet. Thus ensure that you always capture images that fall within 10 feet.
For example if this image would have been shot as it is without getting close to it or without zooming, then the result would have been a considerable dark image with fewer details. |
|||
Tip #7:
Check the Effect of Light
 |
While taking snaps constantly check the effect that light would create on the image. Like images taken with the sun over your head will result in pictures having a dark shadow across the face. Thus it would be better if you could move the subject away from direct sunlight or select the correct scenic mode before shooting.
For Example in this snap if the sun would have been overhead then there would be dark shadows cast on the child's face thereby resulting in an unsatisfactory image. |
|||
UK’s Top 10 Compact Digital Cameras for the year 2008
January 14, 2009
Canon IXUS 980 IS Digital Camera
This Canon piece is one of the few compact cameras to feature a viewfinder. It features a 14.7 mega-pixel resolution and 3.7x optical zoom to produce good quality images. It uses the DIGIC 4 processor and a complete manual mode that gives better creative control. Additionally this Canon IXUS 980 IS Digital Camera includes Face detection technology, anti blur technology, Auto Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection Technology and a high light sensitivity factor.
Ricoh GX200 Digital Camera
This Ricoh GX200 Digital Camera features a 12 mega-pixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a 4x digital zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD display screen along with a Smooth Imaging Engine III processor. Its positive points include a good and sturdy build, an excellent macro, fabulous portrait mode and easy AF/AE adjustment. This camera gives a higher light sensitivity up-to ISO1600 for sharper images. The only disturbing feature of this camera are that it does not have an in-built viewfinder, however there is a provision for attaching an external viewfinder.
Canon Powershot G9 Digital Camera
This compact digital camera is a favourite amongst a few professional photographers. It features a 12.1 meaga-pixel resolution, 6x optical zoom, a DIGIC III processor, automatic red-eye correction and 25 shooting modes. Its advantages include a good macro range, the facility to be able to add a lens adapter for more creativity and sturdy camera exterior. The drawback is that few of the shooting modes do not function very effectively. However this features most of the functionalities desired by the consumer.
Nikon Coolpix P6000 Digital Camera
The Nikon Coolpix P6000 is a performance based camera that features a 13.5 mega-pixels of picture resolution, a 4x optical zoom, a 4x digital zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD display. It has an in-built GPS unit that records the locations as geotags. Its exclusive functions include Face-Priority feature and a D-Lighting function. It also includes LAN connectivity for faster uploading of images. Overall this camera comes with easy to navigate menus and produces better colour effects. The only possible drawback of this Nikon Coolpix P6000 Digital Camera is the instructions are a little complex to interpret initially, but once you get used to the navigational functions it is a child's play.
Samsung NV9 Digital Camera
Samsung has managed to incorporate many new technicalities in the NV9. It primary features include a 10 mega-pixel picture resolution, 5x optical zoom, 11.4x digital zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD display. Its additional features include Dual Image Stabilisation, Face Detection technology, Blink and Smile Detection Technology, Automatic contrast adjustment, a Beauty Shot option wherein the camera automatically adjusts the sharpness and lighting effects to produces beautiful images. However this camera has a slow shutter lag and at higher ISO's it produces noisy images. Apart from these two disturbances, this Samsung NV9 Compact Digital Camera is a great device to play with.
Sony Cyber-Shot W110/S Digital Camera
The W110 is yet another addition in the Cyber-Shot Series. This Sony Cyber-Shot W110/S Digital Camera features a 7 mega-pixel picture resolution, a 4x optical zoom, a 8x digital zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD display. Its functions include Face and Smile Shutter Detection Technology, High Light Sensitivity of ISO 3200, automatic Scene Selection, Auto Red-eye correction and multiple language support along with Bionz processor for superior quality blur-free images.
Olympus 1030SW Digital Camera
Olympus has introduced a water-proof, shock-proof, crush-proof, dust-proof and freeze-proof compact digital camera. It features a 10 mega-pixels picture resolution, a 3.6x optical zoom, 5x digital zoom and 2.7-inch LCD display. This Olympus 1030SW Digital Camera includes a host of features such as recording higher resolution images of fish and underwater fauna, includes many automated features and scenic modes. As it is completely automated, this may not be the ideal device for you if you prefer to have manual modes.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - FX35 Digital Camera
The Panasonic FX35 features a 10 mega-pixels picture resolution, a 4x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch LCD display screen. Its features include MEGA O.I.S lens-shift stabilization, PictBridge Compatibility, a Venus Engine IV processor, 21 scene modes and Face Detection Technology. The distinctive feature of this camera is its capability to record 720p HD motion picture and it enables you to watch HD motion pictures on large screen high definition TV by a direct output function. The only possible drawback of this camera is that it is fully automated; hence this Panasonic Lumix DMC - FX35 Digital Camera offers very few manual modes to choose from. So if you are looking out for a camera to experiment with, then unfortunately this is not the one but the functionalities offered by this camera gives you value for your money.
Fujifilm FinePix F50FD Digital Camera
The F50FD comes with a 12MP image resolution, a 3x optical zoom, 8.2x digital zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD display screen. Its features include Face Detection Technology, Dual Image Stabilisation, Higher Light Sensitivity of ISO 1600 and Continuous Shooting Mode. This Fujifilm FinePix F50FD Digital Camera also features Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. The drawback of this camera is that it does not perform very well under low light conditions. However if you try its low ISO settings, it is able one of the best images.
Ricoh R8 Digital Camera
Ricoh R8 is a camera with a lot of advanced functionalities. It includes a 10 mega-pixel resolution, 7.1x optical zoom and 4.8x digital zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen along with imaging engine III processor. It includes a Face Recognition function and provides CCD Shift vibration that reduces blurred images. This Ricoh R8 Digital Camera comes with a 1cm macro and AF and AE spot control technology along with continuous shooting facility. The drawback however is that all the continuous shots get recorded as a single image and this camera also produces some nasty noise. But overall a decent camera that can produce some exceptional images.
