 BetterPhoto Member |
Taking Pictures of Computer Monitor Hi, I'd like to ask a question with regards taking a picture of computer monitor. My first attempts were rather unsatisfactory. It came out to be blurry/unfocused. The objects (on the computer screen) were mostly black and white, the picture turned out fuzzy. However, if I attempt to take a different picture (colourful flowers, for example), it seems to turned out great. I don't know why... Any advice? P.S. I use a Olympus Epic Deluxe point and shoot camera. Thanks.
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Tom McKinlay |
The images on a computer screen like that of a TV screen are refreshed 25 times a second in the UK. In the USA 30 times a second. Therefore when photographing your screen use a shutter speed of 1/8 or 1/15 of a second so that several image scans of the screen are recorded. If you use 1/30 or 1/25 of a sec you will only get part of the image.
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John A. Lind |
Tom is on the right track. The shutter speed your Epic is using, if exposing correctly, is slow. As Tom mentions, it needs to be slow because of the monitor scanning rate. Your problem with blur could easily be camera shake and not focus. I suggest using a sturdy, rigid tripod and a remote release. Olympus makes an IR remote release about the size of a car remote door lock key fob. If your Epic doesn't have this remote feature, very carefully (and slowly) press the shutter release. Hold the camera with both hands, letting the weight of your arms press down on the camera body as you do this; you don't need to add additional pressure on the body with your muscles. When the shutter fires, don't let up on the button right away, but wait a half-second or so before moving your finger. -- John
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Glenn Theal |
I agree with Tom's answer for the most part. However, I am not sure that he is correct on the refresh rate of a computer monitor. A computer's refresh rate is determind in the monitor control panel. Most refresh rates are >75Hz which is 75 cycles per second, which is flicker free to the human eye. Often, this can increase depending on the video card that you are using and the settings. You will need to check the rate yourself. Eitherway, I would agree with him on the shutter speed. Your camera's shutter speed is probably too slow to correctly capture the image. The fact that the image is being refreshed may also be playing havoc with the camera's ability to get a focus lock. I would recommend using a faster shutter speed and establishing a focus lock on an object of equal distance from the camera as is the screen then recompose the image. Also make use of John's tips for taking a shake free photo. Cheers,
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