Love it or Leave it: Sony DSC-HX300
Feb 26, 2018 13:57:03 #
Hi all! my name is carol, i live in extreme southern illinois, and i am a hobby photographer. i purchased the Sony cybershot DSC-HX300 about two years ago for its zoom feature. i'm not good with bells and whistles and have probably not begun to tap this camera's potential. that being said, i take mostly nature pics and at max zoom i find it very difficult to hold camera steady. i am thinking of trading up to heavier camera with removable lens but don't want to lose the flip screen and resolution. I purchased a rather expensive polarized uv lens, but lost it the first time i used it because i probably screwed it on wrong. cybershot has VERY thin attachment surface. i want a lens with more grooves for attachments to stay more securely in place.
it is impossible for me to get a "clean" shot of anything at max zoom because of the light-weight issue and some vision problems. i have tried "selfie stick(?)"(which i did not like) and stabilizing camera on flat surface, but these options are not always available and i am not always successful regardless. it is not uncommon for me to just point in general direction of object, say a quick prayer, and shoot. not a great method, but one that has actually worked on a few occasions
i do have a few nice pics, but know that i am not likely to catch sell-able quality photos if i cannot resolve this issue. also, just curious, where does one sell pics?
any upgrade suggestions/advice/etc would be VERY much appreciated.
it is impossible for me to get a "clean" shot of anything at max zoom because of the light-weight issue and some vision problems. i have tried "selfie stick(?)"(which i did not like) and stabilizing camera on flat surface, but these options are not always available and i am not always successful regardless. it is not uncommon for me to just point in general direction of object, say a quick prayer, and shoot. not a great method, but one that has actually worked on a few occasions
i do have a few nice pics, but know that i am not likely to catch sell-able quality photos if i cannot resolve this issue. also, just curious, where does one sell pics?
any upgrade suggestions/advice/etc would be VERY much appreciated.
Feb 26, 2018 21:27:32 #
Your best option is a monopod. It doesn't need to be an expensive one. I have an HX400 which is the next generation from yours. B&H sells one by MeFoto for $39.00 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=397&fct=fct_brand_name%7cmefoto&origSearch=monopod&N=4075788738. I put a ball head on it and very seldom pull out my tripod.
Feb 26, 2018 22:27:57 #
tried that (the "selfie stick" thing) but found it awkward to use. i also do a lot of shots from my vehicle window since hip/knee issues keep me from being able to walk for long distances or periods of time. the monopod def does not work there...lol. will try the ball head though, hadn't thought of that. thanks :)
Feb 26, 2018 23:25:12 #
lovethatdogofmine wrote:
tried that (the "selfie stick" thing) but found it awkward to use. i also do a lot of shots from my vehicle window since hip/knee issues keep me from being able to walk for long distances or periods of time. the monopod def does not work there...lol. will try the ball head though, hadn't thought of that. thanks :)
Is your camera equipped with Image Stabilization? I'm not sure what their name would be, but look for words like "stabilization" and "stabilize" in the manual.
Update: I just found a review - this camera has a stabilization system called 'SteadyShot'. Make sure that is turned on, and use the highest shutter speed you can {1/fl or something like that, where fl is focal length of the lens, is essential}
Feb 27, 2018 05:22:40 #
lovethatdogofmine wrote:
tried that (the "selfie stick" thing) but found it awkward to use. i also do a lot of shots from my vehicle window since hip/knee issues keep me from being able to walk for long distances or periods of time. the monopod def does not work there...lol. will try the ball head though, hadn't thought of that. thanks :)
A monopod is not the same thing as a selfie stick. It's intended to be a more portable replacement for a tripod. I've used my monopod collapsed shooting out the car window when it wasn't practical to get out. Another use for a monopod is as a walking stick. In addition to a ball head, I have a quick release plate on my monopod so I don't have to leave the camera attached when I'm walking some of our local trails.
Feb 27, 2018 06:12:02 #
This is what I use. The Hand Held Helper. It can be used as you walk around for more stabilization. With faster shutter setting and continuous shots you can get better photographs.
www.coolcameragadgets.store
www.coolcameragadgets.store
Feb 27, 2018 10:05:02 #
I have purchased several HX-300 models for myself and family. I love them. But at full zoom (equal to 1200 mm) you will have difficulty getting a sharp image. If you got a full frame SLR lens this range it'd cost a fortune and weight as much as a person. A steady tripod is the best answer. My best moon shots come from the Sony DCS-HX-300 or Panasonic DMC-FZ70, but a solid tripod is absolutely necessary at the highest magnification. You usually shouldn't expect to hand hold at 1200 mm. Cranking up the ISO helps, but the small sensor quickly causes "noise and graininess. Super zooms are cool, but have their limitations. I tried to use them on eclipses and there wasn't enough light to get a good image on the electronic viewfinder. At the close end, macro, they are awesome.
Feb 28, 2018 03:45:09 #
I he the hx 300 too. it's a good camera. it has steadyshot which works really well. get monopod and you're good to go.
Feb 28, 2018 20:16:41 #
i often have problems with unsteady hands ( i find it impossible to take pix w a phone) but for my cybershot and dlsr i get great results by holding the camera out so that the strap acts as a brace. i use it when skiing where tripod or monopod aren't available
Mar 1, 2018 11:05:42 #
the only "steady shot" that i am finding is in the movie mode. am i missing something?
Mar 1, 2018 11:07:17 #
wow, this is embarrassing, can't remember the last time i used the strap...hahaha. yes, that might help :)
Mar 1, 2018 12:27:15 #
I have this camera. From my experience I've always got superb images with it. First you need to know how to use your camera and learn all about settings to get the most from it. Next, shooting at maximum zoom is not always the best. The closer you can get to subjects the better off you'll be within reason. Your camera has a remarkable Zeiss made lens that will produce very sharp and detailed images. I would advise you to practice, practice, practice. Learn how to shoot manually. If you can't do that with this camera...a bigger more expensive one isn't going to give you any better results either. Here's a link to some of my photos which will show that this camera can take some amazing photos. All of these are hand held photos. Good luck now...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/james-frazier/albums/72157646216293167
http://www.flickr.com/photos/james-frazier/albums/72157646216293167
Mar 1, 2018 14:59:00 #
HOLY COW! James, how did you do that?! Those pics are awesome! How did you get so close, especially to the eagle and the owl? And I can NEVER get a pic of a titmouse, they are so blasted flighty. It is obvious I have a LOT to learn. No, I do not know how to do anything manually and there is no-one I know to teach me. Are there classes, on-line, etc. (that don't cost and arm and a leg - I'm not looking to go pro)? I can go to our lower-town art studio and check them out, I guess. I have downloaded several tutorials on aperture, shutter speed, ISO; the volume of information makes my head spin. I am a visual learner, I learn by doing, not reading.
My dad was a professional photographer in college and in the army but he has been gone to Jesus for several years. It was getting his camera that renewed my love for photography. He had a 35mm that I took the lens from and put on a digital camera. I used it for about a year and then traded up to the Cybershot for the zoom feature. I gave the camera to my son and his wife when they got married because they did not have one.
So far, I have taken pics just for the joy of it, I tell people it's cheaper than paying someone $100 and hour to lay on a couch and it's like spending time with Daddy. But some of the pics are really good, and I think I could get better if I had some schooling. I don't like doing anything half-a*#$S...lol. will get some pics together to share with you in next reply.
My dad was a professional photographer in college and in the army but he has been gone to Jesus for several years. It was getting his camera that renewed my love for photography. He had a 35mm that I took the lens from and put on a digital camera. I used it for about a year and then traded up to the Cybershot for the zoom feature. I gave the camera to my son and his wife when they got married because they did not have one.
So far, I have taken pics just for the joy of it, I tell people it's cheaper than paying someone $100 and hour to lay on a couch and it's like spending time with Daddy. But some of the pics are really good, and I think I could get better if I had some schooling. I don't like doing anything half-a*#$S...lol. will get some pics together to share with you in next reply.
Mar 1, 2018 17:39:21 #
lovethatdogofmine wrote:
HOLY COW! James, how did you do that?! Those pics ... (show quote)
All you need is the desire to improve and you definitely have that. Try starting out by putting the camera in "S" Shutter priority mode. This lets the camera choose everything but the shutter speed. The shutter speed is changed by the thumbwheel on the back right side of the camera. Play with that for awhile, then try out the "A" mode for Aperture priority. Play with that and so on and so one. Just be patient and try things out. A good manual can be found somewhere online. I got one but can't remember the site. Get one and browse through it to get familar with how to change settings. Practice, Practice and practice some more. In a few days you should see some improvement. By all means...post some images. I'd love to see them. Oh, and having good processing software helps too. I use Photoshop Elements version 10. It's an older version, but still meets my needs. I choose Elements because it was cheap and I could learn so photoshop skills with it without blowing a ton of money. Good Luck... Oh, and one more thing...the Eagle and Owls were in bird sanctuaries healing from wounds. Those are great places to get close to raptors and other birds of pray.
Mar 1, 2018 19:52:39 #
just found something interesting. have been getting E:62:10 flashing on screen for months. hasn't shown up on pics and couldn't get rid of it so just ignored the annoyance. finally researched it and seems it has something to do with stabilization. hmmmmm. i have no extended warranty or service agreements. will have to look up paperwork to see how long initial warranty lasts.
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