Mastering Shutter Speed in Low Light Situations
With today’s enormous variety of fully-automated digital cameras it can often be difficult to capture low-light indoor and action photos that are pleasing and successful. For example, pictures from a recent indoor family gathering might be full of red-eyed friends and relations and clusters of people brilliantly over lit by the flash. So, how does a photographer avoid this?
It requires the consideration of a few factors and settings on the camera to overcome some of the typical challenges of low-light photography. The first things to consider are the automatic features on a digital camera. Today’s cameras want to help people take pictures with as little photographic skill or knowledge as possible, but the settings at work in the automatic cameras are not always suitable to each situation. For instance, if someone sets their digital camera to one of its automatic functions, such as motion or sports imagery, the camera may work to adjust the aperture to get enough light into the camera’s sensor, but it will also slow down the shutter speed, rendering the image blurry.
Luckily, many cameras allow their users to go to a fully manual mode, meaning the photographer can set the shutter speed, f-stop and ISO. What do these settings mean? For any discussion of low-light photography the shutter speed is basically the way of allowing the camera to capture the action clearly, meaning that it will have to be as fast as possible to catch the image, but also slow enough to allow in adequate lighting. This is helped by adjusting the f-stop, which is the setting on the lens that allows enough light to reach the sensor. Additionally the ISO, what used to be called “film speed” for traditional photography, can allow for faster shutter speeds, but introduces something called “noise” into an image.
Noise is basically defined as the ability to distinguish the dots or pixels that make up the photograph, which is an undesirable effect in photographs. Adjusting the ISO is usually not recommended, but no discussion of photography would be complete without the recommendation for experimentation with settings on a camera in order to determine the results. Unfortunately, most modern digital cameras also create “noise” in their images with slower shutter speeds as well.
So, how do you take a good low-light photograph? There are many things a photographer can do to capture images in low lighting and the first is to make adjustments to shutter speed to see if this helps. The next recommendation is to work with a tripod if possible to allow for reduced camera shake; try adjusting the aperture to allow as much light inside the camera, and finally experiment.
Arthor Pens
Which camera is best without getting ripped off?
This is going to be my 1st time buying a camera myself. I take pictures all the time with my moms but the zoom isn’t that great and it take a long time for the camera to take the picture. I always manage to miss some of the best shots because of this. So these are the specs of some of the cameras that I am looking at and the prices. I would appreciate the help in finding a good camera but not get ripped off in the process and I am open to suggestions
Camera 1
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50/B Digital Camera
Price:379.99 (Staples)
Specs:
9.1 megapixels, ideal for prints up to 13" x 19"
15x optical/2x digital zoom
3.0" Flip-up Clear Photo LCD Plus Display
Face Detection technology automatically controls flash, focus, exposure, and white balance
Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization
Smart Zoom® Technology
In-Camera Editing : Red-eye correction, soft focus, partial color filter, fish-eye filter lens, , cross filter, retro, radial blur, unsharp masking and happy face
Manufacturer Sony
Manufacturer Model DSC-H50/B
Megapixels 9.1
Memory Type Memory Stick PRO Duo
Zoom 10X
Connectivity USB 2.0
Power Source Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
Compatibility PC/MAC
Dimensions Dimensions (Approx.) : Dimensions: 4 9/16 x 3 3/16 x 3 3/8" (116.1mm x 81.4mm x 86.0mm), 14.6 oz
Accessories Included NP-BG1 rechargeable battery, BC-CSG battery charger, Flower Lens Hood, Lens Adaptor Ring, Lens cap with strap,A/V and USB multi-connector cables, Shoulder strap, Remote Commander, Software CD-ROM
Warranty 1-year mfr. limited warranty
Camera 2
Olympus SP-570 UZ Digital Camera
Price:449.99 (Staples)
Specs:
10.1 megapixels, ideal for prints up to 13" x 19"
20x wide angle optical/5x digital zoom
Full manual exposure settings for advanced creative control, yet easy enough for any family member to point-and-shoot
Dual Image Stabilization combines Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear images in any situation
2.7" color LCD screen
Face Detection tracks your subjects’ faces within the frame and automatically focuses and optimizes exposure
Burst rate of 13.5fps and pre-capture (3MP) allow you to freeze moments in time to get the shot you want
ISO 6400 for superior low-light and fast-action photography
Attach an external flash to the hot shoe so you can take sharp, clear images under challenging lighting conditions
Accepts xD-Picture Cards™ (45MB Internal Memory)
Manufacturer Olympus
Manufacturer Model 226355
Megapixels 10.1
Maximum Resolution Up to 3,648 x 2,736 dpi
Memory Type xD
Memory Included 45MB
Zoom 20x optical/5x digital zoom
Viewfinder 2.7" TFT LCD Panel
Connectivity USB 2.0, Audio/Video
Power Source 4 "AA" Batteries
Compatibility PC/MAC
Dimensions 3.3"H x 4.7"W x 3.4"D
Accessories Included 4 AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, A/V cable, neck strap, lens cap and lens string, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM
Warranty 1-year mfr. limited
Camera 3
Price: 499.99(Staples)
Specs:
6.1 megapixel, ideal for prints up to 13" x 19"
Includes 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Intuitive controls make it simple, enabling even first-time SLR users to capture beautiful memories perfectly
Accepts Secure Digital (SD™) memory cards
2.5-inch color LCD monitor with 3 colorful display options
At just over 16 ounces, it makes high-performance digital SLR photography easier and more convenient than ever
Fast startup combined with super-fast shutter response and rapid-action shooting makes it easy to freeze special moments instantly
Highly versatile in-camera editing features
New advanced HELP menu system with Assist Images
Advanced 3-area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from more advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver better autofocus
Optimize setting lets you adjust color, contrast and sharpening according to the type of scene or output desired
Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL automatic flash control
Automatic exposure with 8 Digital-Vari Program Modes
Color: Black
Manufacturer Nikon
Manufacturer Model 25420S
Megapixels 6.1
Maximum Resolution Up to 3008 x 2000 dpi
Memory Type Secure Digital (SD)
Zoom 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Viewfinder 2.5" LCD Panel
Connectivity USB 2.0
Power Source Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
Compatibility PC/MAC
Dimensions 3.7"H x 5.0"W x 2.5"D, 1 lb., 1 oz.
Accessories Included Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, Quick Charger, USB Cable, PictureProject, Rubber Eyecup, Camera Strap, Body Cap, Eyepiece Cap, Accessory Shoe Cap
Warranty 1-year mfr. limited warranty
Camera 4
Olympus EVOLT 420 Digital SLR Cameras
Price:549.99 (Best Buy)
Specs:
The E-420 measures 5.1 inches by 3.6 inches by 2.1 inches, and it’s a featherweight 13.4 ounces — making it the world’s smallest digital SLR.
2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD delivers twice the contrast and better viewing in extrem
Seems to me you need a course in different types of cameras plus their features. Your list is apples and oranges. Your list includes point and shoot type cameras and digital SLRS.
References :
You have listed quite a few different camera types.
Keep in mind the following points.
Compact cameras (the slim, colorful ones) – designed to be easy to use, take decent pictures and be suitable to be carried around or slipped in a hand bag. Lenses and sensors are small. All have live view, viewfinders are becoming rare. In this range, look at Canon, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic.
Mid Range/Big Zoom/SLR Like (The sony H50 and similar) – Smaller than an SLR, but often have some manual control options available. A larger body than a compact, allowing for a larger sensor and zoom. Lens quality is generally higher than a compact, but you have a fixed lens which cannon be removed. Generally have live view and viewfinder. Look at Canon, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic.
Digital SLR. – "Bulky" Cameras with large sensors and removable lenses. A lot more versatile, as the camera can be adapted to your needs through purchases of flash, lenses etc. Many models do not have live view, but all have viewfinder. Generally do not have any movie modes (Except the D90 and 5D Mark II). DSLRs come in Entry level, Enthusiast level, and Pro level Models. If you are looking at an SLR, take a look at http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/ as there is an awful lot to consider.
Good Luck!
References :
Experience.