Do you like to take photos at night? I know I do. There's something magical about them - pictures of the moonlight sky and dazzling neon lights convey a special something that daytime photos can't.
When I started out taking digital photos at night, boy, did I have problems! The issue is that many digital cameras do not perform very well under low-light conditions. To take good night photos, there are some tricks you need to remember - so here are a few of them.
Tip 1: Use Long Exposures
The key to successful night photography lies in a long exposure. We’re talking about exposures measured in seconds. When a long exposure is used, more light is allowed into the camera, allowing the details in your night photo to be captured.
The problem with using long exposures is that you may shake the camera, resulting in poor pictures. The way around this is to use a tripod. I prefer to install a tripod with a shutter-release cable to ensure that I don’t jolt the camera at all.
Tip 2: Take Control Shots
One problem with digital cameras is that there are always some pixels on the image sensor which are bad. When taking day photos, these defects are not discernible. However, they are pretty obvious in night photos. How do we correct these? Here’s a simple way – take a control shot, then use image editing to subtract out those bad pixels.
This is how it works. The next time you’re out to take night photos, go ahead and snap a picture of Scene A, as you normally would. Then, when it’s convenient, take a photo of the exact same Scene A again, but with the lens cap on.
Now you will have two images, one night shot and one control shot (with the hot pixels). Load them up in say, Paint Shop Pro. Switch to the control shot and select Edit and Copy from the menu. Next, switch to the night shot and paste the copied image as a new layer. Then, select the new layer and change the Blend Mode to Difference and click OK. You’ll get the correct night shot with the hot spots subtracted out.
Tip 3: Try to Capture Motion
With a long exposure, you have many creative options when it comes to photography. This includes capturing motion. For example, have you ever wondered how those professional photographers shoot pictures of trails of car lights as they zoom down the highway at night? It’s all due to long exposures. Try to keep this in mind the next time you’re taking a night photo – you don’t have to restrict yourself to still images.
Tip 4: Play with the Aperture
In addition to shutter speed (which determines exposure time), you can play around with the aperture size of your digital camera. There are two scenarios here. If you set a long exposure, try to use a small aperture to avoid overexposing any stationary lights. in the picture. On the other hand, if you set a short exposure, try using a larger aperture to avoid any motion in your shot.
Tip 5: How to Use the Flash
As a general rule, I turn the flash off when taking night photos. There are some exceptions though – one specific example I can think of is trying to shoot a subject in the foreground, with motion trails of car lights in the background. In this case, bring along an external flash unit and shine it on your subject manually. Set a long exposure, then have your subject wait until the picture is taken.
Tip 6: When to Take Night Photos
When’s the best time to take night photos? I usually like to take them during dusk when colors and details are easier to capture. I’d recommend that you do some research on the evening before the photo shoot. Decide on the location, then come back the next day to take the photo at dusk.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has taught you some tips on taking better night photos. The important concept to remember is that a long exposure is need for good night photos. This means you need to keep you digital camera really, really still. Once you understand that, the quality of your night photos will definitely improve.
http://www.basic-digital-photography.com/how-to-take-night-photos.html
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Tips:Get my photo from my camera
What's the easiest way to get my pictures from my digital camera to my computer?
Most digital cameras exclusively connect to a computer's USB port via a simple cable. If you have a digital camera that's more than 5 years old, it may have come with a serial port connection. If you prefer not to download directly from camera to computer or if your new computer no longer has serial ports, USB card readers are your best solution. These card readers remain attached to your USB port at all times and don't require a power source. Simply take the media card out of you camera and insert it into the card reader's media slot. USB card readers will read the media card and permit you to download images to your computer. Additionally, the card reader will appear on your computer just like another drive letter so you can "drag-and-drop" image files to any folder on your computer. Check the accessories listed for your model for compatible readers, and also make sure that your computer meets the operating system requirements. (www.olympusamerica.com/store.)
Most digital cameras exclusively connect to a computer's USB port via a simple cable. If you have a digital camera that's more than 5 years old, it may have come with a serial port connection. If you prefer not to download directly from camera to computer or if your new computer no longer has serial ports, USB card readers are your best solution. These card readers remain attached to your USB port at all times and don't require a power source. Simply take the media card out of you camera and insert it into the card reader's media slot. USB card readers will read the media card and permit you to download images to your computer. Additionally, the card reader will appear on your computer just like another drive letter so you can "drag-and-drop" image files to any folder on your computer. Check the accessories listed for your model for compatible readers, and also make sure that your computer meets the operating system requirements. (www.olympusamerica.com/store.)
Tips:Print pictures without a computer or printer.
Did you know you can print out all your digital images even if you don't own a printer or a computer? Many photo processing labs, drug stores and camera stores have user-friendly kiosks that feature a printer with a computer. Simply insert your camera's media (xD, SmartMedia, or CompactFlash) into the dedicated slot and follow the easy steps on the computer to print them out in various sizes. These kiosks typically include easy-to-use features for cropping and editing your images, too, so you can get exactly the photo you want, and in just a matter of minutes.
If you have a computer but don't have printer, you're still in luck. There are a number of online photo services that allow you to upload your images and even store them on their site for free. Using their site you can then order photo-quality prints of your photos and have them delivered right to your door, or you can send a link to a friend or family member of your online album from which they can see all your great shots and even order prints for themselves. Many services also let these images be ordered to appear on t-shirts, mugs, and mouse pads, if desired.
If you have a computer but don't have printer, you're still in luck. There are a number of online photo services that allow you to upload your images and even store them on their site for free. Using their site you can then order photo-quality prints of your photos and have them delivered right to your door, or you can send a link to a friend or family member of your online album from which they can see all your great shots and even order prints for themselves. Many services also let these images be ordered to appear on t-shirts, mugs, and mouse pads, if desired.
Tips:How do I put more life into my batteries?
No matter what batteries you use, your digital camera knows how to suck the life out of them. But, there are some ways you can help preserve or even extend the power with which your camera needs to function.
Rechargeable batteries are a great way to conserve money and power. Ni-MH and Lithium-ion batteries - both used amongst Olympus digital cameras (type varies by model) - are rechargeable and can be recharged hundreds of times. Cameras using Ni-MH can also function on AA alkaline batteries that when used in conjunction with an Olympus camera featuring a newly-developed long-life battery circuit, will allow hundreds of shots to be captured (using the LCD and flash only 50% of the time). If the camera has an optical viewfinder, you can conserve battery life by shooting with the LCD turned off, and maintain even more battery life by shooting without a flash. Battery life can also be extended by about 3x if Olympus' long-life LB-01 (CR-V3) batteries are used. Further preservation can be achieved if you have a higher-end model that is compatible with a Power Battery Holder. This is a grip that attaches to your camera and gives you the ability to run off of only two lithium ion batteries for prolonged battery life.
Article from :
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_tipstricks.asp?category=1&qt=11
Rechargeable batteries are a great way to conserve money and power. Ni-MH and Lithium-ion batteries - both used amongst Olympus digital cameras (type varies by model) - are rechargeable and can be recharged hundreds of times. Cameras using Ni-MH can also function on AA alkaline batteries that when used in conjunction with an Olympus camera featuring a newly-developed long-life battery circuit, will allow hundreds of shots to be captured (using the LCD and flash only 50% of the time). If the camera has an optical viewfinder, you can conserve battery life by shooting with the LCD turned off, and maintain even more battery life by shooting without a flash. Battery life can also be extended by about 3x if Olympus' long-life LB-01 (CR-V3) batteries are used. Further preservation can be achieved if you have a higher-end model that is compatible with a Power Battery Holder. This is a grip that attaches to your camera and gives you the ability to run off of only two lithium ion batteries for prolonged battery life.
Article from :
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_tipstricks.asp?category=1&qt=11
Tips:Frame your shot.
Composition is the name of the game. Pay attention not just to your subject but also to what surrounds it. Is there a tree branch in the background that looks like it's coming out of your subject's head? Move your subject or your camera before you take the picture so that the tree branch is at the edge, framing the frame. Frequently, photos turn out better when the subject is off-center, because centering the subject can make it too static. Don't be afraid to move around. View your subject from different angles - up, down, left, right - until you find an angle that pleases you. Or try turning your camera vertically to catch a different perspective.
Tips:Shooting Better Portraits - Inside and Out.
There are many things you can do to take a good portrait, and all are fairly simple. If your camera has a 3x-5x optical zoom, zoom all the way to telephoto (or mid-way on an 8x-10x zoom) and hold the camera vertically. Move in so your subject fills the viewfinder or LCD in a way that pleases you. If you're snapping shots of children, kneel down to their level as you'll be able to frame them and capture their expressions much more successfully. Regardless of their age, try to have your subject look just slightly away from the camera's lens.
If you are outdoors, set your camera's flash to "Flash On" mode (via the button on the back of the camera represented by the lightning bolt). The camera will automatically balance the daylight with the light given off by the flash and provide correct exposure (also known as Fill-in flash). Light from the flash will simply fill-in the harsh shadows that might have been present on your subject's face. Take an image with the flash on and one without it and you'll be surprised how much of a difference it makes!
If you are outdoors, set your camera's flash to "Flash On" mode (via the button on the back of the camera represented by the lightning bolt). The camera will automatically balance the daylight with the light given off by the flash and provide correct exposure (also known as Fill-in flash). Light from the flash will simply fill-in the harsh shadows that might have been present on your subject's face. Take an image with the flash on and one without it and you'll be surprised how much of a difference it makes!
Tip ; Take more than one picture of your subject.
Your digital camera gives you the power to shoot pictures and immediately delete unwanted shots. Take advantage! Because you don't have to worry about wasting film with digital, the best way to get to know your camera and get better pictures is to shoot with it - a lot. Use different features, hold the camera in different positions, shoot at all times of the day, and see how your pictures come out. You might catch an appealing expression or subject in the photo that you didn't expect. The challenge with "capturing the moment" is that time is made up of a lot of them, so the more photos you take, the more moments you have to choose from. If you love them, keep them and remember how you captured them. If not, simply delete them and try, try again...as often as you like!
Which Camera is Best for You?
Only you can decide, but there are a few questions to ask yourself that may help narrow down the choices.
Digital SLR's
If you are an avid photographer and don't mind the size and weight of a digital SLR, then the cheaper prices and superior image quality of these cameras make them a good option. But for people looking for an all-around camera, SLR's are probably too bulky. Believe it or not, most digital SLR's are MORE SIMPLE than their cheaper and smaller cousins, with less fanciful features and options.
Prosumer Cameras
Prosumer digital cameras are the darlings of both professional and enthusiast photographers. While they are more expensive than the average compact digital, (and even some entry SLR's) these cameras usually have three strong points.
Lens/resolution - Prosumer cameras generally have better lenses and image resolution than compacts. "Better lenses" being defined as combinations of optics quality, lens speed (max aperture), and wide angle/zoom.
Manual Control/Features - Probably the most important feature of a prosumer is that it offers full control over exposure settings including shutter/aperture, shooting modes, white balance, and film speed.
Ergonomics/Design - Prosumers are usually more sturdy, solid, and ergonomic than compacts. Many manufacturers use higher grade materials like thicker magnesium alloy frames for their prosumer cameras.
If you value full camera control or you want a camera you can "grow into", then I would strongly recommend a prosumer camera. They strike a great balance between features, quality, and size. Unfortunately some of these cameras reach prices of $1000 USD. Some, but not all. I would recommend paying attention to size and look for smaller models. There's no sense getting a prosumer that is almost the size of a digital SLR.
Compact Cameras
This category is far too general, and usually means "any consumer camera that isn't a digital SLR". Some models blur the line between compact and prosumer. A compact digital is simply a small camera that is easy to use. Price is no indicator, as prices range from $100 to $1000.
Compact cameras are small and easy to shoot, and there are hundreds of models available in every shape, size, and color. To be honest, if the goal is to take a good clean picture then you will be safe with almost choice.
As always, look for fast and/or wide lenses. A good lens will do more to transparently improve your photography than fancy video features and other gizmos.
Some compact cameras offer full shutter, aperture, and film speed control. If you want to learn more about exposure then any camera with these features is a decent alternative to the slightly larger and more expensive prosumer.
Love your camera.
Above all you should get the camera that you will USE. To use a camera you have to LIKE it, and you have to BRING it. A camera that gets left at home is not going to shoot good pictures. Size and price can be factors, so choose a camera that you will be comfortable carrying around in you bag.
But most important of all.. you should love your camera. If that means getting the cheapest deal, do it. Do you desire the compact with the fastest lens? Go for it. Got to have that new brushed aluminum compact because it goes with the rims on your car? Buy it.
Do some research, buy your camera, and shoot shoot shoot.
Digital SLR's
If you are an avid photographer and don't mind the size and weight of a digital SLR, then the cheaper prices and superior image quality of these cameras make them a good option. But for people looking for an all-around camera, SLR's are probably too bulky. Believe it or not, most digital SLR's are MORE SIMPLE than their cheaper and smaller cousins, with less fanciful features and options.
Prosumer Cameras
Prosumer digital cameras are the darlings of both professional and enthusiast photographers. While they are more expensive than the average compact digital, (and even some entry SLR's) these cameras usually have three strong points.
Lens/resolution - Prosumer cameras generally have better lenses and image resolution than compacts. "Better lenses" being defined as combinations of optics quality, lens speed (max aperture), and wide angle/zoom.
Manual Control/Features - Probably the most important feature of a prosumer is that it offers full control over exposure settings including shutter/aperture, shooting modes, white balance, and film speed.
Ergonomics/Design - Prosumers are usually more sturdy, solid, and ergonomic than compacts. Many manufacturers use higher grade materials like thicker magnesium alloy frames for their prosumer cameras.
If you value full camera control or you want a camera you can "grow into", then I would strongly recommend a prosumer camera. They strike a great balance between features, quality, and size. Unfortunately some of these cameras reach prices of $1000 USD. Some, but not all. I would recommend paying attention to size and look for smaller models. There's no sense getting a prosumer that is almost the size of a digital SLR.
Compact Cameras
This category is far too general, and usually means "any consumer camera that isn't a digital SLR". Some models blur the line between compact and prosumer. A compact digital is simply a small camera that is easy to use. Price is no indicator, as prices range from $100 to $1000.
Compact cameras are small and easy to shoot, and there are hundreds of models available in every shape, size, and color. To be honest, if the goal is to take a good clean picture then you will be safe with almost choice.
As always, look for fast and/or wide lenses. A good lens will do more to transparently improve your photography than fancy video features and other gizmos.
Some compact cameras offer full shutter, aperture, and film speed control. If you want to learn more about exposure then any camera with these features is a decent alternative to the slightly larger and more expensive prosumer.
Love your camera.
Above all you should get the camera that you will USE. To use a camera you have to LIKE it, and you have to BRING it. A camera that gets left at home is not going to shoot good pictures. Size and price can be factors, so choose a camera that you will be comfortable carrying around in you bag.
But most important of all.. you should love your camera. If that means getting the cheapest deal, do it. Do you desire the compact with the fastest lens? Go for it. Got to have that new brushed aluminum compact because it goes with the rims on your car? Buy it.
Do some research, buy your camera, and shoot shoot shoot.
Digital SLR Cameras
The Single Lens Reflex (SLR) design is often associated with professional photography. These cameras look and feel exactly like their non-digital cousins, and they even take the same lenses. For buyers considering a prosumer camera, a digital SLR is worth considering.
Medium to high price range
Most digital SLR's are over USD $1000, but recently there have been some *very* good models released for much less than that.
looks like a camera - feels like a camera - acts like a camera
These cameras look much more like the classic SLR. They are big compared to prosumer models, especially if the size of the lens is taken into consideration.
Standard Mount Lenses
Most digital SLR 's have standard lens mounts so normal lenses can be used. If you have a old Nikon or Canon lens collection. this is good news! The quality of SLR lenses are far better than most consumer or even prosumer cameras.
The Single Lens Reflex Advantage
SLR means "single lens reflex", and these cameras allow you to see exactly what the camera sees when looking through the viewfinder. Most compact cameras have a barely useful eyepiece that isn't even remotely accurate for composition. This is changing with newer prosumer digital cameras which offer electronic viewfinders.
Highest Quality and Detail
Digital SLR's have drastically better quality than consumer or prosumer cameras. The size of the digital film element (the CCD) is much larger with these cameras, virtually noise-free with superb detail and quality.
Standard SLR Features
Digital SLR's are for the enthusiast or professional photographer, and tend to have more businesslike features without some of the extras found in the prosumer models. Compare camera specs for more info.
Compact Camera
Compact Digital Cameras (Consumer)
Easy to use, Point-and-shoot automatic cameras. These are the everyday snappies that most people own. Today almost all consumer cameras are digital, although you can still find some that shoot film.
Cheapest price range
Average price of a few hundred USD.
Simple and Very Compact
Small form-factors you can take anywhere
Automatic
good for point-and-shoot photography
Simplified Features
most consumer cameras do not allow you to directly control exposure settings. Look to the specialized shooting modes exposure control
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