Whatever happened to the most basic lesson? (Page 4): Two things: First, vibration resistance or image stabilization has made a lot of people counting on it for sharper images and...

gtheodore Loc: Fort Collins CO

Two things: First, vibration resistance or image stabilization has made a lot of people counting on it for sharper images and second, many do no more than publish in social networks making their not-so-sharp image look great. I encourage people to print; I think it’s the only way to judge quality. Of course, it’s the moment that counts but when we have time and choice, grab that tripod.

If one has to hand hold, put camera in continuous high and shoot three images. Very good chance that second or third image will be sharper than the first. It’s that trigger finger mentioned in later posts.

Drigby1 Loc: American Fork, UT

I Learned with old film cameras, with and without a tripod. I use my Canon SX 40 with mainly old school techniques, although at times a very low or high held picture involves twisting and turning the LCD to angle and hold the camera correctly for the shot.
Unless things have changed drastically, the phone’s screen as a view finder is highly superior to cameras LCD viewers.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

The world is a different place now than when a lot of us grew up.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

nadelewitz wrote:

One of the most important things for taking pictur... (show quote)

No disrespect intended but where do you get the idea that holding the camera isn't taught anymore? I don't seem to notice anyone holding a camera improperly. Furthermore I am not going to be the Camera Holding monitor to inform someone else, even good friends, they are holding the camera wrong when they seem to be perfectly happy with whatever photos they are now achieving.

Dennis

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

Picture Taker wrote:

The world is a different place now than when a lot of us grew up.

Isn't it just!

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

I have taken plenty of shots one handed and have gotten sharp images.
I think you just have to learn to adapt to the situation you are shooting in.
Sometimes you can't always have two hands on the camera when taking shots.

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

Country Boy wrote:

I was taught that just like shooting a gun, you don't pull a trigger or push a camera shutter button you squeeze the camera button or gun trigger which can be done without moving the basic structure. I agree that using your forehead does help, keeping your arms in tight is also a good practice but the squeeze of the shutter button is the true key to a great shot!

...yup! Stock-weld and breathe out!

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

nadelewitz wrote:

One of the most important things for taking pictur... (show quote)

Take a deep breath, let the air out, bring the camera to your eye, and take the shot.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

nadelewitz wrote:

One of the most important things for taking pictur... (show quote)

Image Stabilization helps many cameras and smartphones make sharp images with shakier hands.

Tripod adapters and gimbals are available for smartphones. Virtually any camera with a tripod socket can be adapted to some sort of gimbal.

There are always creative ways around the problem... But I agree, I'd much rather use an eye-level viewfinder and hold the camera in the classic stance.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Drigby1 wrote:

I Learned with old film cameras, with and without a tripod. I use my Canon SX 40 with mainly old school techniques, although at times a very low or high held picture involves twisting and turning the LCD to angle and hold the camera correctly for the shot.
Unless things have changed drastically, the phone’s screen as a view finder is highly superior to cameras LCD viewers.

Many smartphones have image stabilization, too. The latest models have extremely bright screens that can be adjusted for use in any environment.

I've said since the iPhone introduction that camera companies should partner with Apple, Samsung, etc. and add some of their goodies to dSLR/MILC cameras. The smartphone companies spend HUGE amounts of money on camera and imaging R&D.

Bill P

mwsilvers wrote:

I don't know what camera you are using but its is ... (show quote)

Bimgo! you just saved me a lot of typing, by explaining what I've been saying to no avail for years.

As to the cameras with out the eyelevel finder, just don't buy one, unless you like shaky photos. And my biggest problem with phones is ergonomic, that I don't shoot a lot of verticals and I don't like using the screen as a VF.

pdsilen Loc: Roswell, New Mexico

That's why I never shoot with my mobil phone.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

I am much more comfortable with an optical viewfinder but have learned to cope with the flip out screen LCDs which are never bright enough outboards for me.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

nadelewitz wrote:

One of the most important things for taking pictur... (show quote)

Don't we nowadays depend on 5 way image stabilizers in the body and lens? Why bother learning how to hold a camera steady? As a member of my college rifle team, I didn't need to relearn the skill when I bought my first Nikon. But you are right: first things, first!

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

CatMarley wrote:

Don't we nowadays depend on 5 way image stabilizers in the body and lens? Why bother learning how to hold a camera steady? As a member of my college rifle team, I didn't need to relearn the skill when I bought my first Nikon. But you are right: first things, first!

Well said. I also can't help but wonder what the numerical percentage is of camera users who take blurry photos from not holding steady. Whatever the number I suspect those people have no idea that they have the problem the OP tells us about.

Dennis