Show me your pics of...

[JustAKid]

I'm back and forth with trying to figure out whether or not I should purchase myself a DSLR. Just when I think I've made my decision one way or another something happens to put me back on the fence.

My newest obsessive thought is: are DSLRs any better at taking pictures through glass? Say, at a zoo, aquarium, car, plane, etc. Is anyone willing to share their pictures of something taken through glass using a DSLR?

If not, anyone have any tips or tricks for shooting through glass either with a bridge camera, or a DSLR?

Thanks, folks!

 

[nbaresejr]

I dont believe a DSLR is going to be any better then a point and shoot right out of the box for you.

The advantage to the DSLR is the ability to buy a Circular Polarizer and attach it to the lens. I have never done this before but have been told that using a CPL eliminates the reflections caused by glass.

I could be wrong on this, wait for others to respond before making a decision.

 

[PythonFan888]

Refelection, glare and focusing are your biggest concerns. I agree with the circular polarizer suggestion. Also try to place the camera as close as possible to the glass or stand a little to the side. Wear a dark shirt to minimize reflections. Use a fast enough shutter speed if you're in a moving vehicle.

Here's a shot taken through a monorail window (Nikon DSLR):


Space Mountain Reflected by Allen Castillo, on Flickr

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Here are three from the Seas. I did use the onboard flash for all three, but I tried to shoot from some angle so the reflection could not be seen. When shooting at museums (through the glass), I have used a CPL. The key is to remember it will slow your shutter speed down, so you have to compensate some way. That is the advantage of the DSLR. I have more tools in my tool bag to adjust to different situations. Can you get good images with a P & S and/or bridge camera? Of course! You just have to know the limitations of your equipment and how to adjust. This always seems to come back to the photographer, which is reiterated many times on this forum.


Yellow Fish by Terry McGraw Photography, on Flickr


Seas Blue Fish by Terry McGraw Photography, on Flickr


The Seas Spiny Fish 2008 by Terry McGraw Photography, on Flickr

 

[Pixel Dust]

Just having a DSLR along is not going to help shooting through glass. A circular polarizer will help, though not eliminate it completely, and you lose a stop or so of light. Getting right up to the glass is also a good start. You need to block the source of the reflection all together.

The Lens Skirt fits over the lens and towards the glass. They have before/after photos on their site.
http://www.lenskirt.com/

Here's a DIY solution.
http://petapixel.com/2013/04/08/flect-is-a-simple-diy-device-for-shooting-reflection-less-photos-through-glass/

The DIY might be a good solution for those with a point-and-shoot, as you can make it smaller for your camera size.

 

[capt445]

Here are a couple taken through the glass at the FT. Wayne Childrens Zoon in Indiana. No flash and no filter.

_DSC0194 by capt445, on Flickr


_DSC8568 by capt445, on Flickr

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ocean Park in Hong Kong


















One of the Zoo's in Melbourne.
























Taken with a dSLR. As the others have said, get your lens as close to the glass as possible. Try using your body to block out the light from behind you. I also try to angle the lens up/down a little as I find it does cut down on the glare and reflection.

 

[zackiedawg]

Shooting through glass is generally more about technique than camera. A DSLR will have some advantages over P&S, but not specifically to do with glass in the way, and more to do with typical DSLR advantages in general, like shallower depth of field, higher ISO capability to allow faster shutter speeds in low light, and ability to change lenses as needed for conditions and scene.

Shooting through glass as mentioned above is more about getting the lens as close to the glass as possible, blocking out as much stray reflection as possible via lens hood or sealing hands around lens end, wearing dark colors to avoid your own reflections, using circular polarizers to cut down reflection, and post processing to restore contrast and color loss that may result with thicker glass. Learn the technique, and the camera is less important...choosing a DSLR or a P&S is the bigger picture - whether a DSLR will be something you're ready for or not. DSLRs and mirrorless large-sensor cameras have clear advantages over P&S cameras, but not everyone is going to take shots that 'require' DSLRs or will really take advantage of the abilities, and there are as always compromises to going to a DSLR which you need to decide if you're ready for (namely, weight, size, and cost!). Will your photography benefit from a DSLR? Only you will know! But shooting through glass can be done with P&S or DSLR, using the right techniques.

Shot through glass with a 1/2.5" sensor P&S:

Shot through glass with a DSLR:

 

[wiigirl]

Just having a DSLR along is not going to help shooting through glass. A circular polarizer will help, though not eliminate it completely, and you lose a stop or so of light. Getting right up to the glass is also a good start. You need to block the source of the reflection all together.

The Lens Skirt fits over the lens and towards the glass. They have before/after photos on their site.
http://www.lenskirt.com/

Here's a DIY solution.
http://petapixel.com/2013/04/08/flect-is-a-simple-diy-device-for-shooting-reflection-less-photos-through-glass/

The DIY might be a good solution for those with a point-and-shoot, as you can make it smaller for your camera size.

One of the best investments I have made recently.