Taking good pictures with a point and shoot
Nov 3, 2019 07:33:11 #
Bob Mevis wrote:
Also, too many tutorials on YouTube to count. I like Brian Petersens books on photography.
Yes. I also like Bryan Peterson's books. The one that I have read in the library is about the exposure triangle and on the front cover he states how you can take a great picture with with any camera. That sorta contradicts the rush for the latest and greatest.
Nov 3, 2019 07:52:00 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Senrab wrote:
I enjoy photography but am not particularly interested in using an SLR, so I would appreciate some tips on how to use a point and shoot to take good photographs. I would also like to get some pictures on the best point and shoot cameras to use.
You will get a LOT of advice on this subject. Here is mine. I get beautiful 20X30 prints and 36X50 canvas prints from my point and shoot Sony HX99. It can shoot RAW, has a pop up viewfinder (great for shooting outside) a 24-750 mm ZEISS lens, a tilt screen, and fits into a belt pouch for when I am on vacation.
Now, as to tips on how to use a point and shoot to take good photographs, that my friend, is all up to you. Taking good photographs is the same with ANY camera. Here is a good place to start.
https://www.bing.com/search?FORM=QISBDL&q=how+to+take+good+photographs+on+youtube&PC=QI03
Below are some grab shots taken with my Sony HX99.
Nov 3, 2019 08:03:02 #
Shoot like you were using a dslr, after all you are capturing a moment.
Small cameras are great but harder to keep still and larger ones are easier to use.
You probably want a simple bridge camera, looks like a dslr but it’s not. They are easy to use and the telephoto ability helps you fill the frame. Canon and Sony and Nikon all make reasonably priced models.
Welcome and have fun! You’ll learn a lot here😀
Small cameras are great but harder to keep still and larger ones are easier to use.
You probably want a simple bridge camera, looks like a dslr but it’s not. They are easy to use and the telephoto ability helps you fill the frame. Canon and Sony and Nikon all make reasonably priced models.
Welcome and have fun! You’ll learn a lot here😀
Nov 3, 2019 08:06:19 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Start with learning how to take good photos with ANY camera. The basics are all the same. What I call "system" cameras give you interchangeable lenses and lots of accessory options that you won’t want to use. Point and shoot cameras have a non-interchangeable zoom lens and most all of the other digital features that system camera have. As for quality, there are many decent ones in the $500-$800 price range, give or take. Go to a good camera store and handle a few to see what features interest you m
Nov 3, 2019 08:23:26 #
First, get "Understanding Composition" by Brian Petersen. Take the time to read it before you start thinking about which camera.
Second, I really love KEH as a source for used cameras. I just bought a little Nikon P & S from them for $8. Great to have a little camera around all the time.
Third, it's your journey, take the time to figure out where you want to head first and research the type of camera that will help you get there.
Good Luck
Second, I really love KEH as a source for used cameras. I just bought a little Nikon P & S from them for $8. Great to have a little camera around all the time.
Third, it's your journey, take the time to figure out where you want to head first and research the type of camera that will help you get there.
Good Luck
Nov 3, 2019 08:32:25 #
1) I would suggest using a camera with a viewfinder so you don’t have to hold the camera out in front of you.
2) Learn to squeeze the shutter release gently to not incorporate movement.
3) Be aware of your background.
4) Try very hard to get horizons straight in your pictures. This can be fixed in post processing but if you fill the frame with your subject as previously suggested you may cut off part of the picture you don’t want to cut off.
5) Don’t turn on the flash thinking you will light up something 100 feet away.
2) Learn to squeeze the shutter release gently to not incorporate movement.
3) Be aware of your background.
4) Try very hard to get horizons straight in your pictures. This can be fixed in post processing but if you fill the frame with your subject as previously suggested you may cut off part of the picture you don’t want to cut off.
5) Don’t turn on the flash thinking you will light up something 100 feet away.
Nov 3, 2019 08:45:58 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
Welcome home.... You are getting great advice. Yes you can make fine pics with a P&S camera - subject matter, composition, technique, fill the frame, learn the game....you can make "photography" as much, or as little a part of life as you want, enjoy the ride......
Nov 3, 2019 08:48:27 #
Regarding camera brands / models, I have a Canon Powershot G9X II after replacing an earlier Sony Cybershot that died after 10+ years. (It seems the battery died, not the camera). Both are pocket-sized cameras, about the size of a deck of cards. There are multiple 'G' Canon and Sony Cybershot models, some with different focal length zooms, others capturing in RAW Yes / No. Pick one that has the feature set / cost that fits your needs. A few example results from the Powershot.
Radar Tower by Paul Sager, on Flickr
AT Millipede by Paul Sager, on Flickr
Virginia at sunset by Paul Sager, on Flickr
Radar Tower by Paul Sager, on Flickr
AT Millipede by Paul Sager, on Flickr
Virginia at sunset by Paul Sager, on Flickr
Nov 3, 2019 09:33:00 #
The responses to my inquiry are very much appreciated. I started taking pictures using a Nikon P600 that was a gift. Does any one have any tips on how to get the best out of this specific camera.
Nov 3, 2019 09:40:06 #
Senrab wrote:
I enjoy photography but am not particularly interested in using an SLR, so I would appreciate some tips on how to use a point and shoot to take good photographs. I would also like to get some pictures on the best point and shoot cameras to use.
What CHG_CANON said. Also, learn about composition and light. Think outside the box and avoid following the herd. Use post-processing to enhance your images. Peterson's book on composition is a really great read.
Make the grass as green as you want. MILC or otherwise...
Nov 3, 2019 09:40:17 #
Senrab wrote:
The responses to my inquiry are very much appreciated. I started taking pictures using a Nikon P600 that was a gift. Does any one have any tips on how to get the best out of this specific camera.
Find out about camera-holding skills, especially when using lots of zoom. It's all about avoiding camera shake, particularly at the instant you activate the shutter. Squeeze the shutter release, don't jab it. Stand relaxed and steady, or ideally find something to lean against. Some believe in using the viewfinder, which involves holding the camera against your face for steadiness. If sharpness is critical, think about getting a monopod or tripod.
Nov 3, 2019 10:13:49 #
Welcome to the Forum, you have gotten very good advice so far, in the end it is all up to you.
Nov 3, 2019 10:43:12 #
Nov 3, 2019 10:46:53 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
This is a decent camera that can take good pictures. Look for good light, sun-at-your-back type of shots, scenics that interest you. Keep things as simple as possible and don’t expect the camera alone to make the perfect shot. YouTube is your friend for instructional info on your camera modes and settings if the manual is too technical for you. Stay away from the maximum zoom limit for hand holding, keep it to 300mm or less. Avoid low light situations. Many many other suggestions to make but you’ll probably figure it out in short order.
Nov 3, 2019 10:48:11 #
Gene, this is some of the best advise I seen given in this blog.
Much of the time, advise goes straight to gear. A cellphone is all you need to learn the key fundamentals of photography, i.e. composition, lighting, colors, posing, etc. The step-up from cellphones to a 'grown-up' camera's is a much smaller step.
Much of the time, advise goes straight to gear. A cellphone is all you need to learn the key fundamentals of photography, i.e. composition, lighting, colors, posing, etc. The step-up from cellphones to a 'grown-up' camera's is a much smaller step.
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