Photography 101 Question

[wdw-ocd]

Dh just got me the Sony CyberShot for our upcoming trip and I am a total digital camera novice. How do you reduce the time it takes to take a picture? It seems sooooo long for the camera to "click" and then I miss the shot I was trying to get (unless I make the kids freeze or re-do their poses!). What setting do you put the camera on to make it shoot faster?

Also, any suggestions on how to get rid of blurry pictures would be very helpful. I've been experimenting with the ISO but it doesn't seem to always help.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Josh125]

You are having issues with what is called shutter lag, one of the single biggest issues with point and shoots. There isn't a thing you can do about it, just the way it is.

I would let the camera determine the ISO speed, just go full automatic. If you are having motion blur look into a monopod or find a stable surface to snap the pictures. Canon does incorporate image stabilization into some of the higher end point and shoots, just look for IS after the model number if you happen to want to exchange the camera.

 

[gruZ]

I'm not sure there's much that can be done for truly spontaneous motion shots.

If you have a pre-posed or set shot, or a shot where you know where the action is going to be (think batter that will be hitting a pitched ball), you can compose the shot, press the shutter button half down, and then complete the "shutter press" at the proper moment.

By composing and pressing half way, the camera will set the focus and exposure - when you finish pressing the shutter all the way, you tell the camera "Right now!" and it will take the picture. This allows for far less shutter lag if you've done the pre-work of the half-press.

Good luck, have fun, and experiement!

 

[ukcatfan]

You are having issues with what is called shutter lag, one of the single biggest issues with point and shoots. There isn't a thing you can do about it, just the way it is.

I would let the camera determine the ISO speed, just go full automatic. If you are having motion blur look into a monopod or find a stable surface to snap the pictures. Canon does incorporate image stabilization into some of the higher end point and shoots, just look for IS after the model number if you happen to want to exchange the camera.

Not to knock Canon at all(I actually have a S2), but many other brands also offer IS these days. You might want to look at the latest Fuji p&s models b/c they have larger sensors in some of the higher end models. Larger sensors equal less image noise at higher ISOs. That allows you to reduce the blur while still maintaining a somewhat fast shutter speed and then be able to capture subjects that are not completely stationary. IS does help with blur, but only if the subject is not moving, or at a long focal length.

Kevin

P.S. Josh125, welcome to the DIS and the Photo board!

 

[Master Mason]

You are having issues with what is called shutter lag, one of the single biggest issues with point and shoots. There isn't a thing you can do about it, just the way it is.

I would let the camera determine the ISO speed, just go full automatic. If you are having motion blur look into a monopod or find a stable surface to snap the pictures. Canon does incorporate image stabilization into some of the higher end point and shoots, just look for IS after the model number if you happen to want to exchange the camera.

I have to disagree here, Raising the ISO is the only hope of getting rid of motion blur, a monopod would help if it is a camera shake issue, but not if the subject is moving.

Also, while full auto is easier, it is not always better. If you know what your trying to do, then you control the camera to get that picture, otherwise the camera tries to guess what it thinks is best, they are not always the same thing.

do agree that there isn't a lot you can do about shutter lag, except for the advise already offered.

 

[GrowingUpDisney]

You could change the setting (I have a cybershot also) to Action shot. This will help a lot! Also, if you can train yourself to push the button a second or two before you think you need to...that will capture what you are trying to capture.

Good luck - it took me a while to figure out mine, but it is an EXCELLENT point & shoot. I always get great shots and great pic quality from this camera. Here is a shot I took with the action shot on:

 

[Josh125]

I'm not sure I read the initial post correctly, if the subjects are moving then bumping up the ISO will help. I read it to say simple motion blur due to camera shake or that type of thing which is why I posted that ISO won't really do much for ya there. What type of P&S do you have, might be able to make some more setting recommendations if we knew what you were working with.

 

[SharonLowe]

I'm not sure I read the initial post correctly, if the subjects are moving then bumping up the ISO will help. I read it to say simple motion blur due to camera shake or that type of thing which is why I posted that ISO won't really do much for ya there. What type of P&S do you have, might be able to make some more setting recommendations if we knew what you were working with.

He said it is the Sony Cybershot....

 

[Josh125]

He said it is the Sony Cybershot....

I know, there are a few models with different features.