Saw the topics covered while researching this blog. Appreciated the fact that 'simple' questions are ok. Like, how DO I get a perfectly focused picture without a tripod? I've been taught to not hold my breath and to squeeze the shutter button. My camera is very capable of capturing an in focus picture, but it seems I'm not. My 53 year old hands just aren't steady any more. What's the trick?
Depends on several things. I would say the first is the person - as many can hold the the camera steady at 1/60 shutter speed or even slower. See what works for you and then work your apeature and ISO speed around that so that you never shoot at a slower speed. You of course have other options such as additional lighting, bracing your camera against a tree, chair or other staionary object. Do what is needed to shoot at a shutter speed that you can hold steady. You must also allow for movement of the subject also such as a moving car or a baseball. If you want to keep them in focus most likely you would need a faster speed, at 1/60 of a second a baseball may have went several feet. You can try to pan with a moving object. Just try a variety of subjects and note what works for you to have a baseline. The short of it is there are several variables and I know I did not list them all. Good luck
tikki wrote:
Saw the topics covered while researching this blog. Appreciated the fact that 'simple' questions are ok. Like, how DO I get a perfectly focused picture without a tripod? I've been taught to not hold my breath and to squeeze the shutter button. My camera is very capable of capturing an in focus picture, but it seems I'm not. My 53 year old hands just aren't steady any more. What's the trick?
Vibration Reduction or Image Stabilized lenses. The first is Nikon's version & the second is what Canon calls it. VR or IR lenses freeze the jiggles.
tikki wrote:
Saw the topics covered while researching this blog. Appreciated the fact that 'simple' questions are ok. Like, how DO I get a perfectly focused picture without a tripod? I've been taught to not hold my breath and to squeeze the shutter button. My camera is very capable of capturing an in focus picture, but it seems I'm not. My 53 year old hands just aren't steady any more. What's the trick?
several possibilities-you can use a monopod, or if you have a Nikon or Canon get stabilized lenses. If you own a Sony, Pentax or Olympus, the stabilization is built into the body, so that any lens that you put on the camera is stabilized. I'm a slightly shaky 66 year old, and my Sony cameras do well for me even below 1/30th sec(most times)!
thanks for all the helpful suggestions. can't wait to get back into taking pics! tikki
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