Author Topic: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?  (Read 3540 times)

eegrek

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Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« on: Mar 31, 2017, 06:18:17 PM »
Last Christmas my daughter sent me a small compact digital camera. I have in the past, a only used an old fashioned film camera,  which when I moved I gave to a charity shop. It was never much of a camera, but I had a 200 telephoto lens and a small tripod and was suitable for holiday snaps. Now, of course, it is an entirely different experience and strange to realise that I can take as many photos as I like without worrying about the expense.  It is a Sony (20 mpixles) so there is at least some potential there to make something of it but of course not as good as Chedder or Coastal which I envy. So any pointers would be welcome.

cheddar-caveman

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #1 on: Mar 31, 2017, 06:48:57 PM »
The only difference between a digital and film camera is the recording medium. All other aspects are the same, they both do the same thing.

Most of the Sony digitals are around the 20M.Pixels. What model is it so I can see what features it has, then I can give you some help.
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StephenM123

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #2 on: Mar 31, 2017, 06:51:15 PM »
Probably worth browsing a few photography magazines like Amateur Photographer.

Ashy

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #3 on: Mar 31, 2017, 06:55:54 PM »
Most of these cameras have an automatic mode and you can see the picture before and after you take it. One thing I would look out for is how to turn the flash off if you don't want the reflections etc. Also if you still have your tripod you can use it for posed shots. Another feature they have is a delay timer so you can get in the picture yourself.

Grumpyfrog

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #4 on: Mar 31, 2017, 08:51:02 PM »
Another obvious benefit of digital is it costs nothing to make a mistake.


The photographers on the forum will probably tell you that composition is as important as all the technical bits.
Most/all digital cameras have an 'auto' mode on them.
I would start with that before you start playing with aperture and shutter speeds settings etc.
That can all come later if you want to get more serious.
You can make it as simple or as complicated as you want.

I have discovered that I am the same age as old people

cheddar-caveman

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #5 on: Mar 31, 2017, 08:59:35 PM »
Hello eegrek, we're here to help :o
This post is my opinion, which you may not like, but I'm entitled to it.
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Ashy

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #6 on: Apr 01, 2017, 07:28:20 AM »
Grumpyfrog mentioned composition, well that is as important as you make it; vital if you are entering a competition but less so for pictures of friends and holidays you just want to remember. Nowadays lot of "composition" is done using a photo editor on a computer where you can select, adjust angle, improve contrast and so on.

cheddar-caveman

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #7 on: Apr 01, 2017, 09:03:24 AM »
It is just a little annoying when someone asks a question and then ignores the thread! I guess there's a good reason why eegrek hasn't replied ???

I repeat, what model is it eegrek so that I can see it's available features and then advise how bets to use it.
It also depends on how much you already know about cameras and your previous experience of taking photos?

The three basic functions in all digital cameras are ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Do you understand what these do?
This post is my opinion, which you may not like, but I'm entitled to it.
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Grumpyfrog

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #8 on: Apr 01, 2017, 09:25:21 AM »
Quote from: Ashy link=topic=13329.msg200020#msg200020 date491028100
Grumpyfrog mentioned composition, well that is as important as you make it; vital if you are entering a competition but less so for pictures of friends and holidays you just want to remember. Nowadays lot of "composition" is done using a photo editor on a computer where you can select, adjust angle, improve contrast and so on.


As the OP was a novice with a digital camera, I didnt think it prudent to mention photo editing!  ;D


Thats for another day!
I have discovered that I am the same age as old people

cheddar-caveman

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #9 on: Apr 01, 2017, 09:58:08 AM »
Indeed but if OP doesn't bother to come back to us..............

My first camera was a Brownie Box - basically a pin-hole!! They sure have advanced since then!
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zoony

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #10 on: Apr 01, 2017, 10:06:23 AM »
That camera decapitated more people than the guillotine..
"Listen to the wind, it cleans the mind."

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Grumpyfrog

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #11 on: Apr 01, 2017, 10:12:29 AM »
Indeed but if OP doesn't bother to come back to us..............

My first camera was a Brownie Box - basically a pin-hole!! They sure have advanced since then!


I started to take photography quite seriously for a while (35mm).
I still have a Canon AE1 in mint condition along with numerous lenses.
Then along came digital at a time when spare time was precious because of work and other things.
The digital cameras had an 'auto' button, auto focus and wasted shots cost you nothing.
I also had access to a blagged copy of Photoshop which made things even easier.
I look at your album of superb photographs and think just maybe I should have taken more trouble to have stuck with it and learnt a little more.
I have discovered that I am the same age as old people

Coastal

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #12 on: Apr 01, 2017, 11:49:20 AM »
My advise like some others would be, keep clicking, you can take many shots from the same location, but they can still be different, move about a bit, move the camera about, zoom in zoom out, crouch down or stand up, try some different settings not just auto, and take loads of shots, it doesn't cost anything.
Hell hath no fury like a woman .......

Coastal

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #13 on: Apr 01, 2017, 12:11:28 PM »
This one I think, predates anyone on the forum, there is a leaflet for ordering a magazine, on the form it says            DATE................192...
Hell hath no fury like a woman .......

cheddar-caveman

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Re: Digital Camera -How do I get the best from it?
« Reply #14 on: Apr 01, 2017, 01:02:06 PM »
Love that Coastal, and you can still get film for it!!
This post is my opinion, which you may not like, but I'm entitled to it.
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