 Radha |
Shooting with an SLR. Hi all, I am an amateur in photography. I bought a Nikon D70 3 months ago and I try and shoot when I get time. I was wondering if someone could give me a few tips on how to shoot with an SLR - I am trying to figure it out myself, but I think I've reached the limit of my capabilities. I mean, the pictures don't come out all that sharp as they are supposed to, etc. Thanks,
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Michael H. Cothran |
Radha, Answering your question with any authority would simply be impossible. Here would be my suggestion to begin with - Give your new camera to someone you know, and who you respect as a photographer. Have them shoot with it under similar conditions that you have used it, and been unsatisfied with the sharpness. Compare their results with yours. If there's a difference, you will know the issue is in YOUR shooting techniques. If there's no difference, then start looking into your lens' quality, or the possiblity that you are either shooting in adverse conditions, or there is actually something wrong with your camera. I suspect that you may be using shutter speeds that are too long to hand hold. You may also be using an inferior lens, or even a good lens at its worst optical settings. The D70 is a quality camera, but its ability to perform well is dependent on the quality of glass you mount to it, and your ability to use said equipment properly. Michael H. Cothran
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Craig m. Zacarelli |
dont forget too, DSLR's are usually not as sharp as a point and shoot due to less compression, sharpness, and color saturation applied in the camera when the pic is captured... its a labor of love when processing shots in Photoshop or other programs..ya gotta love it or leave it. After processing, you should be able to get really goodpics from it.. there is a big learning curve ahead.. but with a little patience and asking questions here, youll get through it ok. And then there is lens choice and shooting condition... the better the lens, the less work (hoppefully) later during processing. And avoid camera shake and be sure your settings are correct... oh, then theres lighting, the more the merrier in most cases...lol to much too soon? sorry but.. thats about the long and short of it! for now...... Craig- Craig-
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Radha |
Thanks for your comments. I was wondering if you could look at the pictures I have posted along with this query and tell me what you think about them. Thanks,
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Radha |
Ok, I could not upload the images( I don't know why), but maybe you could look at my member gallery. I have just around 10 pictures now, but I will be glad to know what youthink about them. Thanks,
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John Rhodes |
Radha, I too shoot with the D70 and I admit there was a learning curve; in fact, I'm somewhere on the curve as we speak. I found the best practices, in addition to what has been previously mentioned, is to use a good quality tripod and use the wireless remote shutter release. The release is an optional item, but is very inexpensive. I observed in your gallery several problems that can be easily overcome by good practices. The third shot is out of focus. likely camera shake which can be cured with the tripod and remote. For excellent treatments of exposure and shooting techniques, I recommend books by the folks here on BP, and particularly those by Bryan Peterson; "Understanding Exposure' and his latest "Understanding Digital Photography." Best of luck,
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Sharon Day |
The only thing I would add is to get some images printed if you haven't done so. I thought my D70 was soft until I had a few prints made. Now I realize it's the monitor that doesn't display my photos all that well.
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Maverick Creatives |
Purdue University? It's quite likely that you will NEVER be satisfied with your images. There is always another lesson and it requires late nights and dedication to get it sharp enough to present to the class of "20____". *smile* Your camera is capable of fantastic clarity as can be seen by checking the images in bp taken my this instrument. It's new for you, take your time, practice, think, get into it. Sleep with it, hug it, pet it. It's art, patience and practice will produce the results you are looking for. Of course, there is always a course here that is worth every single penny. regards
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Radha |
Thanks, everyone! I will keep trying and keep my fingers crossed too!!
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Pete H |
Hello Radha, I looked at yuor gallery, and yes; they are all out of focus. Something you may consider is a problem that has crept into a number of D-70's..It's called "back-focus" That being said; I would do the following first: 1) Manually focus on a object with detail..get as close as you can and fill the frame. (Tennis ball is ok) 2) Repeat with autofocus. 3) Make sure your D-70 is set to "AF-S" (auto focus single area), and choose the "center" area. Now; if you are getting sharp photos with manual and NOT auto-focus, you have a camera problem.
Pete
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Samuel Smith |
hey radha, i'm sure if you check a good camera shop there in lafayette they would probably help you out some.jacks in muncie offer a beginning digital photography for 65 bucks.goes over settings and controls and white balance.or better yet if you bought the camera there in lafayette go back to where you bought it and ask for help.the idea that you may purchase additional accessories may give them some incentive. go boilermakers. i caught that gary? state road 26 runs thru my hometown about 50 miles east of purdue. best of luck,sam
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