Digital Camera pic of the day (2 Viewers)

[WainiacS]

Just Hangin

Here's my first entry to the pic of the day post... I've had this point -n- shoot digital for a couple of months now. For being completely clueless about light, shutter speed, & other technical stuff, we are having lots of fun with it.

My son playing outside in the winter wonderland of Michigan.

 

[mr. furley]

:gator:

 

[Bevo]

Just Hangin

Here's my first entry to the pic of the day post... I've had this point -n- shoot digital for a couple of months now. For being completely clueless about light, shutter speed, & other technical stuff, we are having lots of fun with it.

My son playing outside in the winter wonderland of Michigan.

Nice. Very sharp and good colors. Just a touch over-exposed but not enough so that most people would even notice.

 

[scottybo]

While we're on the subject of action shots...I bought a Canon S2 IS camera about a year ago due to it being highly recommended at various sites. I really like the camera except when it comes to capturing moving images. I can't find any good way to capture shots at my daughter's basketball or soccer games. The pictures always come out blurry no matter which settings I use. My previous camera was a Canon A420 which had an "Action shot" setting on the dial, however this camera doesn't have that option.Is there anyone who's familiar with the Canon S2 IS that could give me some tips? My wife is ready to throw this camera in the trash, but I have to believe there's a way to successfuly take action shots with this model.

I have the S3 IS, they're just about the same, just different amount of pixels. Hold the camera as still as possible, or use a tripod, and use the Sports mode to take action shots.

 

[scottybo]

Went out and tested Macro mode today on my parents' azalea bushes. I also found some bees doing their thing as well (not in macro of course),

Azalea #1

Azalea #2

Azalea #3

Bees #1

Bees #2

Bees #3

Bees #4

 

[jdoggydogg]

Went out and tested Macro mode today on my parents' azalea bushes. I also found some bees doing their thing as well (not in macro of course),

Azalea #1

Azalea #2

Azalea #3

Bees #1

Bees #2

Bees #3

Bees #4

nice bee shots.

 

[snogger]

Went out and tested Macro mode today on my parents' azalea bushes. I also found some bees doing their thing as well (not in macro of course),

Azalea #2

Bees #4

I like this flower and this Bee one.

 

[jdoggydogg]

Went out and tested Macro mode today on my parents' azalea bushes. I also found some bees doing their thing as well (not in macro of course),

Azalea #1

Azalea #2

Azalea #3

Bees #1

Bees #2

Bees #3

Bees #4

You inspired me to shoot one:FLOWER

 

[jdoggydogg]

I was pretty pleased with these two:

BACKLIT TREE

SAME SHOT - WITH SOME SUN PEEKING IN

 

[scottybo]

I was pretty pleased with these two:

BACKLIT TREE

SAME SHOT - WITH SOME SUN PEEKING IN

Wow, nice light. What did you use?

 

[jdoggydogg]

I was pretty pleased with these two:

BACKLIT TREE

SAME SHOT - WITH SOME SUN PEEKING IN

Wow, nice light. What did you use?

Thanks. I use a Kodak Easyshare C875 8MP.

 

[scottybo]

I was pretty pleased with these two:

BACKLIT TREE

SAME SHOT - WITH SOME SUN PEEKING IN

Wow, nice light. What did you use?

Thanks. I use a Kodak Easyshare C875 8MP.

Manual settings?

 

[jdoggydogg]

I was pretty pleased with these two:

BACKLIT TREE

SAME SHOT - WITH SOME SUN PEEKING IN

Wow, nice light. What did you use?

Thanks. I use a Kodak Easyshare C875 8MP.

Manual settings?

The camera gives you a lot of creative control, but that was on auto mode. Photoshop enhanced the contrast a bit, but otherwise, it's all the camera.

 

[snogger]

I was pretty pleased with these two:

BACKLIT TREE

SAME SHOT - WITH SOME SUN PEEKING IN

First one's the best. Makes you question whether it is sunlite or Moonlite.

 

[jdoggydogg]

I was pretty pleased with these two:

BACKLIT TREE

SAME SHOT - WITH SOME SUN PEEKING IN

First one's the best. Makes you question whether it is sunlite or Moonlite.

I concur.

 

[cactus]

Another from Arches National Park

Where are you taking your light meter readings before you compose a picture like this? Point at the sky?

In pictures like this I use the Canon spot meter mode and aim it at what I consider to be the most important element of the image and use that as a starting point. In this image, IIRC, I targeted the end of the bluff that begins in the far left of the image about 1/2 way down and extends out towards the middle of the image. I then bracket the heck out of the shot (e.g. perhaps I am shooting at f8 and I will bracket the shot at 1/1000, 1/500, and 1/250). I generally will bracket the shot in 1/3 stop increments from -3 stops to +1 stop. I shoot mostly Aperture Preferred because shutter speed is not of great importance when shooting with the camera mounted on a tripod, I am more concerned with depth of field being what I want. It would not be unusual for me to take 18 - 36 bracketed shots of this from one tripod mounted point. I might then change the aperture (to change the depth of field) and repeat the process. I might then move the tripod up/down or left right and repeat the process. It sounds cumbersome but I can do a set of 18 - 36 shots in 1 to 2 minutes.If the lighting is good I will usually find a single good exposure that is nearly 100% accurate and use that. If the lighting is harsh (as it was in this image) I will create a High Dynamic Range image, using Photoshop and Photomatix, that merges 3 or more of the bracketed shots into one shot that preserves both the highlights and shadows.

Just a note for those that are wondering. I do not consider my work as a documentary style photography. I will massage the images in Photoshop to achieve the effect (color, sharpeness, vignetting etc.) that I want. I don't do a lot of cutting something from one image and pasting it another but I will do so if I find it interesting. I consider this an artistic endeavor, not out of the camera documentary, even though I don't consider myself to be much of an artist.

This is really GREAT stuff. Thanks Bro!

 

[PlayaHata]

While we're on the subject of action shots...I bought a Canon S2 IS camera about a year ago due to it being highly recommended at various sites. I really like the camera except when it comes to capturing moving images. I can't find any good way to capture shots at my daughter's basketball or soccer games. The pictures always come out blurry no matter which settings I use. My previous camera was a Canon A420 which had an "Action shot" setting on the dial, however this camera doesn't have that option.Is there anyone who's familiar with the Canon S2 IS that could give me some tips? My wife is ready to throw this camera in the trash, but I have to believe there's a way to successfuly take action shots with this model.

Sorry to ask a dumb question, but: are you moving the camera on a tripod with the subject? Or are you holding the camera still as the subject moves?

I am holding the camera still as the subject moves.Sorry to take so long to respond! I was out of town over the weekend.

 

[PlayaHata]

While we're on the subject of action shots...I bought a Canon S2 IS camera about a year ago due to it being highly recommended at various sites. I really like the camera except when it comes to capturing moving images. I can't find any good way to capture shots at my daughter's basketball or soccer games. The pictures always come out blurry no matter which settings I use. My previous camera was a Canon A420 which had an "Action shot" setting on the dial, however this camera doesn't have that option.Is there anyone who's familiar with the Canon S2 IS that could give me some tips? My wife is ready to throw this camera in the trash, but I have to believe there's a way to successfuly take action shots with this model.

I have the S3 IS, they're just about the same, just different amount of pixels. Hold the camera as still as possible, or use a tripod, and use the Sports mode to take action shots.

That's part of my problem I think. Our old Canon (A20 or something) HAD a sports/action mode. On the dial there was an icon of a person running or something. The Canon S2 IS has no such mode. I have a PDF copy of the entire manual on my laptop and here are the available shooting modes on the S2 IS.AutoPortraitLandscapeNight SceneSpecial SceneMy ColorsStitch AssistMovieProgram AEShutter-speed priority AEAperture priority AEManual ExposureCustomI understand that a tripod might help but for basic family stuff it is too much to lug around, especially considering that our 4-year-old Canon A420 had no problems taking action shots before it broke.

 

[scottybo]

While we're on the subject of action shots...I bought a Canon S2 IS camera about a year ago due to it being highly recommended at various sites. I really like the camera except when it comes to capturing moving images. I can't find any good way to capture shots at my daughter's basketball or soccer games. The pictures always come out blurry no matter which settings I use. My previous camera was a Canon A420 which had an "Action shot" setting on the dial, however this camera doesn't have that option.Is there anyone who's familiar with the Canon S2 IS that could give me some tips? My wife is ready to throw this camera in the trash, but I have to believe there's a way to successfuly take action shots with this model.

I have the S3 IS, they're just about the same, just different amount of pixels. Hold the camera as still as possible, or use a tripod, and use the Sports mode to take action shots.

That's part of my problem I think. Our old Canon (A20 or something) HAD a sports/action mode. On the dial there was an icon of a person running or something. The Canon S2 IS has no such mode. I have a PDF copy of the entire manual on my laptop and here are the available shooting modes on the S2 IS.AutoPortraitLandscapeNight SceneSpecial SceneMy ColorsStitch AssistMovieProgram AEShutter-speed priority AEAperture priority AEManual ExposureCustomI understand that a tripod might help but for basic family stuff it is too much to lug around, especially considering that our 4-year-old Canon A420 had no problems taking action shots before it broke.

You'll probably have to use Manual Mode then. It will take some getting used to if you haven't used it already. The only 3 buttons things you'll have to set are Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Before you're ready to take the action shots take some test pictures and adjust the settings. Up/Down should be aperture setting and Left/Right is the shutter speed, make sure the shutter speed is as low as you can go (i.e. 1/1600,1/2000, etc..) and ISO speed will help you change lighting with 80 or 100 being lowest light setting and 400 or 800 being the highest settings.Or just use Shutter Priority mode and set it low and you may have to tweak ISO. The lower shutter setting will let you capture moving images better.Just beware, the higher the ISO speed, the more likely your picture will be fuzzy.

 

[PlayaHata]

While we're on the subject of action shots...I bought a Canon S2 IS camera about a year ago due to it being highly recommended at various sites. I really like the camera except when it comes to capturing moving images. I can't find any good way to capture shots at my daughter's basketball or soccer games. The pictures always come out blurry no matter which settings I use. My previous camera was a Canon A420 which had an "Action shot" setting on the dial, however this camera doesn't have that option.Is there anyone who's familiar with the Canon S2 IS that could give me some tips? My wife is ready to throw this camera in the trash, but I have to believe there's a way to successfuly take action shots with this model.

I have the S3 IS, they're just about the same, just different amount of pixels. Hold the camera as still as possible, or use a tripod, and use the Sports mode to take action shots.

That's part of my problem I think. Our old Canon (A20 or something) HAD a sports/action mode. On the dial there was an icon of a person running or something. The Canon S2 IS has no such mode. I have a PDF copy of the entire manual on my laptop and here are the available shooting modes on the S2 IS.AutoPortraitLandscapeNight SceneSpecial SceneMy ColorsStitch AssistMovieProgram AEShutter-speed priority AEAperture priority AEManual ExposureCustomI understand that a tripod might help but for basic family stuff it is too much to lug around, especially considering that our 4-year-old Canon A420 had no problems taking action shots before it broke.

You'll probably have to use Manual Mode then. It will take some getting used to if you haven't used it already. The only 3 buttons things you'll have to set are Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Before you're ready to take the action shots take some test pictures and adjust the settings. Up/Down should be aperture setting and Left/Right is the shutter speed, make sure the shutter speed is as low as you can go (i.e. 1/1600,1/2000, etc..) and ISO speed will help you change lighting with 80 or 100 being lowest light setting and 400 or 800 being the highest settings.Or just use Shutter Priority mode and set it low and you may have to tweak ISO. The lower shutter setting will let you capture moving images better.Just beware, the higher the ISO speed, the more likely your picture will be fuzzy.

Thanks for the very specific advice. Since I'm a camera novice, this is definitely what I was looking for. I'll try out the manual mode in the next couple of days and report back.

 

[scottybo]

While we're on the subject of action shots...

I bought a Canon S2 IS camera about a year ago due to it being highly recommended at various sites. I really like the camera except when it comes to capturing moving images. I can't find any good way to capture shots at my daughter's basketball or soccer games. The pictures always come out blurry no matter which settings I use. My previous camera was a Canon A420 which had an "Action shot" setting on the dial, however this camera doesn't have that option.

Is there anyone who's familiar with the Canon S2 IS that could give me some tips? My wife is ready to throw this camera in the trash, but I have to believe there's a way to successfuly take action shots with this model.

I have the S3 IS, they're just about the same, just different amount of pixels. Hold the camera as still as possible, or use a tripod, and use the Sports mode to take action shots.

That's part of my problem I think. Our old Canon (A20 or something) HAD a sports/action mode. On the dial there was an icon of a person running or something. The Canon S2 IS has no such mode. I have a PDF copy of the entire manual on my laptop and here are the available shooting modes on the S2 IS.Auto

Portrait

Landscape

Night Scene

Special Scene

My Colors

Stitch Assist

Movie

Program AE

Shutter-speed priority AE

Aperture priority AE

Manual Exposure

Custom

I understand that a tripod might help but for basic family stuff it is too much to lug around, especially considering that our 4-year-old Canon A420 had no problems taking action shots before it broke.

You'll probably have to use Manual Mode then. It will take some getting used to if you haven't used it already. The only 3 buttons things you'll have to set are Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Before you're ready to take the action shots take some test pictures and adjust the settings. Up/Down should be aperture setting and Left/Right is the shutter speed, make sure the shutter speed is as low as you can go (i.e. 1/1600,1/2000, etc..) and ISO speed will help you change lighting with 80 or 100 being lowest light setting and 400 or 800 being the highest settings.Or just use Shutter Priority mode and set it low and you may have to tweak ISO. The lower shutter setting will let you capture moving images better.

Just beware, the higher the ISO speed, the more likely your picture will be fuzzy.

Thanks for the very specific advice. Since I'm a camera novice, this is definitely what I was looking for. I'll try out the manual mode in the next couple of days and report back.

I've only had my S3 for about 3 months and it was my very first. Google is your friend. And so is the camera manual.

 

[jdoggydogg]

While we're on the subject of action shots...I bought a Canon S2 IS camera about a year ago due to it being highly recommended at various sites. I really like the camera except when it comes to capturing moving images. I can't find any good way to capture shots at my daughter's basketball or soccer games. The pictures always come out blurry no matter which settings I use. My previous camera was a Canon A420 which had an "Action shot" setting on the dial, however this camera doesn't have that option.Is there anyone who's familiar with the Canon S2 IS that could give me some tips? My wife is ready to throw this camera in the trash, but I have to believe there's a way to successfuly take action shots with this model.

Sorry to ask a dumb question, but: are you moving the camera on a tripod with the subject? Or are you holding the camera still as the subject moves?

I am holding the camera still as the subject moves.Sorry to take so long to respond! I was out of town over the weekend.

No problem. I am no expert, but I've had good results panning the camera with the subject for action shots. I shot a ton of pics of my boy on his bicycle, and the best pics were with a tripod where I followed him with the camera as I shot the pics. The background looks blurry, but that enhances the action.

 

[Shutterbug]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

 

[Shutterbug]

Went out and tested Macro mode today on my parents' azalea bushes. I also found some bees doing their thing as well (not in macro of course),

Azalea #1

Azalea #2

Azalea #3

Bees #1

Bees #2

Bees #3

Bees #4

You inspired me to shoot one:FLOWER

I need to locate a picture now... This reminds me of a picture I took last June(?) I believe. A bee flying up to a blossom on an apple tree. I will look when I get home.

 

[Mrs. BSR]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

 

[Shutterbug]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too?

 

[snogger]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too?

I want in

 

[Mrs. BSR]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too?

 

[Shutterbug]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too?

I want in

K

 

[jdoggydogg]

Went out and tested Macro mode today on my parents' azalea bushes. I also found some bees doing their thing as well (not in macro of course),

Azalea #1

Azalea #2

Azalea #3

Bees #1

Bees #2

Bees #3

Bees #4

You inspired me to shoot one:FLOWER

I need to locate a picture now... This reminds me of a picture I took last June(?) I believe. A bee flying up to a blossom on an apple tree. I will look when I get home.

I haven't tried bees yet, though they are legion here. I am really loking forward to shooting pics of Golden Orb spiders, though. We get a few large ones every year. And as you can tell from this sample pic that I found on Google, they are great photographic subjects.

 

[Bevo]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him :X ... Absolutely breathtaking!

 

[jdoggydogg]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

:X

You coming too?

I am SO there

 

[Mrs. BSR]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

:X

You coming too?

I am SO there

 

[Shutterbug]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too?

I am SO there

I think we are up to 5 people? Anyone have a bus? All though, a helicopter would be ideal?

 

[snogger]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too? :X

I am SO there

:X

I think we are up to 5 people? Anyone have a bus? All though, a helicopter would be ideal? :X

:X sorry no helli :smilie:

 

[Shutterbug]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too? :X

I am SO there

:X

I think we are up to 5 people? Anyone have a bus? All though, a helicopter would be ideal? :X

:X sorry no helli :smilie:

Do you get air sick? :X

 

[snogger]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too?

I am SO there

I think we are up to 5 people? Anyone have a bus? All though, a helicopter would be ideal?

sorry no helli :smilie:

Do you get air sick? :X

All up for a Helli ride if someone owns one and can pick me up

 

[Shutterbug]

Another from Arches National Park

Thinking I need to vacation with him ... Absolutely breathtaking!

You coming too?

I am SO there

I think we are up to 5 people? Anyone have a bus? All though, a helicopter would be ideal?

sorry no helli :smilie:

Do you get air sick? :X

:X All up for a Helli ride if someone owns one and can pick me up

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide...

 

[snogger]

All up for a Helli ride if someone owns one and can pick me up

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide...

and..

That's one expensive charter from Wisconsin to Utah..

 

[Shutterbug]

All up for a Helli ride if someone owns one and can pick me up

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide...

and..

That's one expensive charter from Wisconsin to Utah..

Fuel prices these days... You ain't lying...

 

[Bevo]

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide...

I've been looking into hotel reservations. Should I choose where we are going or should we vote?

 

[snogger]

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide...

I've been looking into hotel reservations. Should I choose where we are going or should we vote?

 

[Shutterbug]

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide...

I've been looking into hotel reservations. Should I choose where we are going or should we vote?

You choose... You seem to know where all the hot spots are...

 

[snogger]

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide...

I've been looking into hotel reservations. Should I choose where we are going or should we vote?

You choose... You seem to know where all the hot spots are...

 

[TheIronSheik]

St. Basil's

Putin's Home

 

[Shutterbug]

St. Basil's

Putin's Home

nice I would like to see what the inside of these places look like...

 

[TheIronSheik]

St. Basil's

Putin's Home

nice I would like to see what the inside of these places look like...

Seeing them in person was pretty impressive. St. Basil's was this little tiny building that I thought was going to be huge. Yet the Kremlin was MASSIVE and I thought that was going to be smaller than it actually was.

 

[Bevo]

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter? I think Bevo went to hide... :(

I've been looking into hotel reservations. Should I choose where we are going or should we vote?

You choose... You seem to know where all the hot spots are...

Wowzers! :( Well, I am considering a trip to Bryce and Zion in the October - early November time frame.But I am not going to :X to Wisconsin to pick Snogger up, he is going to have to meet us there.

 

[snogger]

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter?

I think Bevo went to hide...

I've been looking into hotel reservations. Should I choose where we are going or should we vote?

You choose... You seem to know where all the hot spots are...

Wowzers!

Well, I am considering a trip to Bryce and Zion in the October - early November time frame.

But I am not going to to Wisconsin to pick Snogger up, he is going to have to meet us there.

hmmm, October/November..

Just getting chilly here, not much going on, camping is done for the year... hmmmmm

 

[Shutterbug]

Don't you know? You don't have to own one... Can you say charter?

I think Bevo went to hide...

I've been looking into hotel reservations. Should I choose where we are going or should we vote?

You choose... You seem to know where all the hot spots are...

Wowzers!

Well, I am considering a trip to Bryce and Zion in the October - early November time frame.

But I am not going to to Wisconsin to pick Snogger up, he is going to have to meet us there.

hmmm, October/November..

Just getting chilly here, not much going on, camping is done for the year... hmmmmm

Where is that? I am geographically challenged.... Snogger