tilt in images: Ok, maybe I know the answer to my own question which would be pay closer attention. But I notice that almost all of my photo's, especially landscape all tend to be...

CocoaRoger Loc: Cocoa Florida

Ok, maybe I know the answer to my own question which would be pay closer attention. But I notice that almost all of my photo's, especially landscape all tend to be about 2-4 degrees tilted clockwise. I know this because that's usually the amount of counterclockwise in PP to make them horizontal. But in the photo it seems extreme and obvious while when I'm taking it I don't see it at all. Maybe this is my eyes, or lack of attention or could it actually be a lens or camera issue?? Here's examples and it's not just this one shoot, it's always. But I swear when I'm looking through the viewfinder I see no tilt. Oh btw, this is my first DSLR, I've never had any problem with horizon previously with my old POS, and even older film cameras. Could it just be that I'm not used to the extra weight? But still, why don't I see it at the time I take it? My eye?

Izza1967 Loc: Bristol, England

I also suffered this problem at first so I bought a hotshoe spirit level. After losing it while moving positions I now just roughly line up using the auto focus points in the veiw finder and haven't needed to pp re-level them since. Hope that helps.

It's only going to really matter if you are trying to fill the whole frame where re-leveling may cut part of the subject off.

I also have a friend that shoots close to 1.5 degrees out each time so you are not alone :)

CocoaRoger Loc: Cocoa Florida

Izza1967 wrote:

I also suffered this problem at first so I bought a hotshoe spirit level. After losing it while moving positions I now just roughly line up using the auto focus points in the veiw finder and haven't needed to pp re-level them since. Hope that helps.

It's only going to really matter if you are trying to fill the whole frame where re-leveling may cut part of the subject off.

I also have a friend that shoots close to 1.5 degrees out each time so you are not alone :)

I hadn't thought of using the focus points as a ''level'' thanks.

CocoaRoger Loc: Cocoa Florida

I have a D3100 and as far as I have found there is no way to project the grid on the screen or viewfinder such as the rule of 3's grid or anything else. I'd love to have that grid visible but can obviously estimate it.

Izza1967 Loc: Bristol, England

I don't know if there is a Nikon equivelant but the Canon 60d has an electronic single axis level which shows on the rear lcd screen, wish I had one of those sometimes.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

What to you see in the viewfinder before you shoot?
Are you pressing the shutter button too hard?
Does it do the same thing for all of your photos?
Have you placed it on a tripod with a level yet?

bullfrogs Loc: Chico, Calif.

Picture Window has a very easy application to straighten horizons.
It draws a straight line and you can move it up or down in the middle and on one end.
Very simple
Bullfrogs :thumbup: :thumbup:

Level

mpmango

The first step in troubleshooting this is determining if it's you or the camera. Put the camera on a tripod with a cable or remote release, level it with a guide perfectly and shoot. If this shot is ok, then it simply a matter of practice for you to shoot straight hand held.

Bridgeman Loc: Missouri

I am thinking that the problem may be the way you press the shutter button. If your entire hand tightens up when you press the button you may be pulling the right side of the camera down ever so slightly. Try to keep your hands relaxed, and ease down on the shutter button by just moving your trigger fiinger.

derekmadge Loc: Waterloo, Ontario,Canada

Bridgeman wrote:

I am thinking that the problem may be the way you press the shutter button. If your entire hand tightens up when you press the button you may be pulling the right side of the camera down ever so slightly. Try to keep your hands relaxed, and ease down on the shutter button by just moving your trigger fiinger.

That's a common problem and I have to make a conscious effort to be a smooth operator when pressing the button. My Pentax K5 also has a built in vertical and horizontal level in the display but I only switch it onwhen shooting things like buildings and horizons.

mvy Loc: New Hampshire

I have the same problem, which I believe is caused by my faulty vision. I've got one eye to work with, which seems to throw off my stereoptic vision. I'm glad it's an easy matter to correct, but it does take time when post processing a large number of photos.

ggiaphotos Loc: Iowa

And here I thought I was unique :lol: :lol: . I thought it was a recent problem for me, but looking back, it has always been there I think. I just have learned enough now to recognize I have a problem but PP (which I didn't know how to do before) is an easy fix. Also, in camera leveling can be done too. OR knowing I have the tendency to tilt, take the time before pressing the shutter to check the level of what I see in the view finder.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

CocoaRoger wrote:

Ok, maybe I know the answer to my own question whi... (show quote)

Simple - you do not see it because your viewfinder does NOT show 100%. Looking through the viewfinder of all but higher end DLSR' you will only see about 95% coverage ------ so yes and no. Yes you are not paying attention and No it's not your eye.

DoctorChas Loc: County Durham, UK

Let's not forget that, sometimes, a dutch angle shot (one where neither vertical or horizontal lines lie parallel to the frame edges) can be very dramatic. There are times when a even a slight cant to the horizon can yield a creative result.

Besides, diagonals are funjust ask Akira Kurosawa :D

=:~)

CAM1017 Loc: Chiloquin, Oregon

CocoaRoger wrote:

Ok, maybe I know the answer to my own question whi... (show quote)

Are you using a tripod? If you are, your camera needs to be leveled to the horizon prior to shooting. Some tripods have a bubble level for this purpose.