BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photographic Field Techniques

Photography Question 

Lindall White
 

How to Keep Horizons Straight


I recently got a Nikon Coolpix for Xmas. I love it, but all my horizons have taken a dive to the left. I think it is just a matter of getting used to the smaller camera size, but try as I might I just can't keep it even. Short of getting out the tripod, have you any ideas on how to help.


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January 14, 2004

 

Mariah Milan Dagupion
  I had this problem as well when I got my camera. It's just a matter of your hand moving while you're pressing the shutter. Try exhaling as you're taking the picture to keep steady, but as always, a tripod is really the best route!


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January 16, 2004

 

Sean R. O'Connor
  Lindall, I agree with Mariah a tripod will be your best bet. You could also carry around a small level (the kind with the floating bubble) and hold it on the base or top of your camera while shooting to make sure your getting straight shots. Best of luck.


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January 19, 2004

 

Vincent Lowe
  Are you sure the camera is okay? The reason I ask this is because I have exactly the same problem with my new Minolta S414 when using the optical viewfinder. Just before Christmas I realised it wasn't me - there is about a 2 degree slant on the LCD screen compared with the viewfinder. I'm not familiar with the Coolpix but if it has an optical viewfinder you could easily check if this is your problem. Set the camera on a tripod and align the viewfinder against a horizontal edge, then check that it's also aligned correctly on the LCD screen.


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January 21, 2004

 

Paul Illes
  A monopod is much more portable and doesn't take any time at all to set up. It's easy to hold the monopod vertically in front of you and the camera wont be off on the horizontal, besides being much steadier.
Paul Illes
www.quiknet.com/~pilles


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January 21, 2004

 
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