Sorry, I just hit the "post" button instead of the "preview" button, as I wanted to see if my link was working. Anyways, the text I intended to add was that I am looking for some advice as to the simplest way to improve the quality of my photos. I am new to the hobby, although have been a birder for many years. I am using a P80 Nikon "maxi -zoom", which supposedly gives an equivalent range of 28-485mm. All of the attached photos are taken on maximum zoom, and all have been cropped, some quite substantially to try and fill the frame. Most are handheld, but some I have used a rest or a monopod I sometimes use. The built in VR technology is always "on". If I want to get the super sharp photos I see posted on this site, do I need a tripod (note there is no remote shutter cable connection on the camera that I can see, so there would still be some shake) or should I get closer to the subject (less cropping), or am I wasting my time because if I want the super sharp photos of the pros, I have to buy a DSLR and a 600mm tele with AF and VR etc.? Any advice appreciated. I would love to see other peoples examples of shots taken with cheaper cameras so I will know whether its me or the camera.
Wow! Your collection is spectacular.
Post Processing will improve them a bit. There are many application out there to do that. The simple adjustments are contrast, brightness and saturation. Sharpening is the tricky one of the simple steps.
As for the slight softness on the focus you may have hit the limits of your camera at maxzoom. But, IMO you have done an exellent job using a compac camera.
Last edited by Singletracklovr; 03-03-2009 at 01:24 PM.
As Bob says you might want to mess about with the post processing, just stick them up in photoshop and play about. All digital photos need sharpening to some extent so I would concentrate on that first.
Keep your sense of proportion by regularly, preferably daily, visiting the natural world.
Your shots look pretty good to me! I am not a pro either, but looking at your photos, they all look like there was no sun at all. (overcast) I have noticed that I get brighter colors and overall better shots when there is some sunlight on the subject with the sun coming from behind me. Also, I just started shooting in manual for exposure and it makes a huge difference! (Otherwise, my camera will take over and usually underexpose my dark subjects or overexpose the bright ones)
That's all I got!
I'm not too familiar with the P80, but which settings can you change on it? To get sharper photos, there's two things you'll want to worry about: keeping the camera still (sounds like you got this down already with the monopod), and using a fast shutter (as fast as possible)..
To get a faster shutter, try:
-increasing your ISO (if the camera has a CCD sensor, I'd go no higher than 400.. for a CMOS sensor, no higher than 800)
-use a wider aperture (smaller f-stop)
-underexpose your photo (don't go insane here, just a little, and fix it later in Photoshop)
I agree with everyone else too that you can significantly improve the photos you posted by post processing them in Photoshop (or GIMP - the free alternative to PS). I'd avoid using the brightness/contrast/saturation tools though, they usually add a ton of noise. Instead, try experimenting with Levels/Curves/Shadows/Highlights.. those are the "big three"
Lastly, if you really want super sharp photos, you should look into getting an SLR.. you don't need the top of the line camera.. check out the Canon XTi--last years model which is still great, and only about $500.. Canon also sells a decent 300mm zoom lens for about $500.
anyway, hope some of this helped!! good luck, and just keep taking lots and lots of photos.. experimenting along the way.. its the best way to learn!
Steve Berardi
-------------------------------------- Photo Naturalist - tips and tutorials for the modern nature photographer
I'd avoid using the brightness/contrast/saturation tools though, they usually add a ton of noise. Instead, try experimenting with Levels/Curves/Shadows/Highlights.. those are the "big three"-Steve
Hi Steve thank you for these tips. I don't mean to hyjack osprey's post however I would love to know more about Levels/Curves/Shadows/Highlights as I am sure others would.
Hi Steve thank you for these tips. I don't mean to hyjack osprey's post however I would love to know more about Levels/Curves/Shadows/Highlights as I am sure others would.
Levels/Curves/SH are pretty difficult to explain in a few sentences, but I'm working on a few tutorials for them.. I'll let you know when I complete them.
However, even just by experimenting with them, you can certainly learn a lot.
-------------------------------------- Photo Naturalist - tips and tutorials for the modern nature photographer
Levels/Curves/SH are pretty difficult to explain in a few sentences, but I'm working on a few tutorials for them.. I'll let you know when I complete them.
However, even just by experimenting with them, you can certainly learn a lot.
Thank you, I have subscribed to your website so not to miss your lesson.
BTW, Loved the tips on gray snow.
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Originally Posted by Singletracklovr
