Digital photography help....

[DAB_Design]

I month or so ago, I bought a new digital camera. My first digital was a very cheap, simple polaroid. No zoom, not too many settings to fumble with. It was 'ok'.

The one I now have is a Jujifilm FinePix S5100 ( http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epa...ecSheets789910 ). 10x optical zoom, several settings/adjustments. I read through the manual, but that just seems to make things just as confusing as to when to use what settings when.

Just looking for some tips if anyone has any. One thing I"ve noticed already, is that it has a really hard time focusing when zoomed to the fulll 10x on anything closer than approx. 10 feet. Is this normal?

I'd eventually like to add a few assesories. One being a telephoto lens. Not really sure why, as I don't take pictures of stuff that really need it. I just think it would be cool.

And maybe sometime in the future (next year or two), I'd like to get a telescope (no idea of size/power - never owned one), and have the camera mounted to it. Is this possible?

Any suggestions/pointers appreciated.

[Al_The_Man]

I have the Fuji S602Z and it takes a while to learn all the options, mine has 2 macro settings also. I was fortunate enough to be at a function where I met a camera professional with the same model, 15 minutes talking with him were worth hours reading the instructions and trying to figure it out. But the most important thing I found out early is these cameras are battery hogs, I rapidly got a Powerex MH-C204F charger with two sets of 2200mAh rechargable batteries (ebay).
One option I miss from the 35mm days is a remote operation feature which should be easy on a electronic camera.
Happy shooting
Al

[DAB_Design]

I've actually been pleasantly surrprised by the battery life. I'd estimate that we've taken over 300 images (at highest quality setting) and I think the batteries have only needed recharged once, maybe twice.

Now all I need to do is find a pro. photographer, stalk him for a while, and 'accidently' bump into him at the next public event he attends. Is that what you did Al?

I've had pretty good luck just leaving it on it's 'auto' setting. But have had to try a few different settings when taking picture of reflective object, and closeups.

[JavaDog]

The biggest thing is lighting! I can't stress that enough, good lighting makes such a difference. Plus, try the same photo with and without a flash - often people use a flash when it isn't needed. 90% of the time you can leave it on AUTO. But, using your mode dial in the right setting (outdoors, action, etc) really does make a difference. You also hav manual focus capability on the S5100 - which means you can get creative with fancy DOF shots (like this one I did, for example).

It is common for it to not focus on very close object when you are fully zoomed. Simply zoom out a bit and get closer. I don't think the S5100 has a macro mode, so you will have to deal with that issue if you need to do any close-up detail shots.

Best thing is to just use the heck out of it. The more you use it, the better you get.

[DAB_Design]

JavaDog, thanks for the info! The S5100 does have a macro function, I"m just not sure sure how/when to use it.

We're leaving for vacation on Monday so it will definately get used! One thing I'm worried about is using it at night (vegas). Do you think the auto setting will work ok while taking pictures of something in the foreground, but also capturing lights in the background?

I've noticed without the flash, the shutter speed is usually slow enough to cause alot of blur. But I guess as you said, use correct lighting.

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by DAB_Design JavaDog, thanks for the info! The S5100 does have a macro function, I"m just not sure sure how/when to use it. We're leaving for vacation on Monday so it will definately get used! One thing I'm worried about is using it at night (vegas). Do you think the auto setting will work ok while taking pictures of something in the foreground, but also capturing lights in the background? I've noticed without the flash, the shutter speed is usually slow enough to cause alot of blur. But I guess as you said, use correct lighting.

Hmm...I didn't see it on the spec sheet. Macro is for very close up, detailed shots. I had to set my camera to macro to get this shot. The body of that toy is only 1.5".

Few things with night pictures. Set the mode dial to the little "Star and Moon" to put the camera in night-mode. That will help a little. For shots of the lights/the strip - a tripod and a longer shutter speed help - but may not be what you are looking to do.

Indoors in poor lighting, a tripod is really needed with a digi - the flash will usually ruin a picture indoors in the dark.

Something else to play with is the Shutter Priority Mode. You can force the camera to use a fast shutter speed (reduce the chance of blur) but then it takes in less light. Slow shutter speed can get you cool effect, like the blurred waterfall type picture - but a tripod is a must for those type of shots.

[DAB_Design]

What type of lighting (flash?) was used on that toy?

Since I can't see myself carrying a tripod around the strip, I guess I'll just use your suggestions and take a couple shots with different settings.

You've been a great help. I'm sure I'll post the pictures after we return somewhere to show how poorly a photographer I am.

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by DAB_Design What type of lighting (flash?) was used on that toy?

Sunlight, long-exposure (1.5 seconds). I used a white card to bounce the sunlight back onto the toy to reduce shadows.

Originally Posted by DAB_Design Since I can't see myself carrying a tripod around the strip, I guess I'll just use your suggestions and take a couple shots with different settings. You've been a great help. I'm sure I'll post the pictures after we return somewhere to show how poorly a photographer I am.

Yeah, tripods aren't usually welcome on vacation!

Try the night mode, that will make a difference. You can set your camera to auto-bracket as well. It will take three shots, each with slightly different timings - then you can choose the best of the three later. Not really for off-the-hip quick shots though. Make sure to post some, I'm sure they will come out great!

[turmite]

"Yeah, tripods aren't usually welcome on vacation!"

Java that all depends on what kind of vacation you take. I am an ex-professional studio photographer. I did it all. Weddings, sports, commerical, portraits, family groups, babies, glamor, passport, school day and senior. It was these last two that burned me out. I lived in Lawton Oklahoma and photographed 20,000 school children from the fall till spring and all the seniors were worked in my "spare time". I have had the privilege of photographing three Miss America contestants. Miss Arkansas, Miss Oklahoma and Miss Colorado. Now this might be stretching it a bit as the last two miss's were the same person.

Dab it is funny you mention this problem with the Fuji camera. My son-in-law just bought my daughter a Fuji S 3000 and you can't use very much of the zoom whether up close or at a distance. It just goes so far out of focus you can't see anything. So far I haven't found manual focus on this one. BTw the pic's I have sent you are from this camera.

Mike

[murphy625]

I can help you with just about ANY question you have about photography.

All lenses have what is called a Minimum Focus Distance. The longer the lens (the more zoom it has) the longer the min focus distance. (varies by lens / camera)

You can decrease focus distance by using what is called an "Extension Tube".. These are spacers that go between the camera and the lens. (your camera must be an SLR type with removable lenses to do this) An extension tube will allow you to take a focused picture right at the lens surface but your DOF (Depth of Field) will be less than 1mm.
I don't like flying insects that sting so I use a 400mm lens to get close to them.. My minimum focus distance with that lens is ~9ft so I put an extension tube on the camera and I can decrease that distance to about 3 feet..

The wasp below was taken from about 6 feet away with a 400mm lens handheld..

Here is a tip that will save you money in the long run..Remember this when purchasing photography equipment.
"Camera bodies come and go but you will be married to the lens you buy"

Cameras and Lenses are like computers and computer monitors. Computer technology advances quickly where as the monitor technology advances very slowly.. Its the same with cameras.. That brand new camera you bought will be a piece of junk in about 3 years.. But whatever lens you bought 5 years ago will still be sold today.. (most of the time).. My point is: do not skimp on money when you buy your glass. Save money when you buy your camera, but don't spare any when you buy your glass or you'll be kicking yourself later.

I have a D60 camera which means I have a 1.6X focal multiplier..This is due to the fact that the sensor in the camera is slightly smaller than a normal 35mm film frame so if I am using a 400mm lens, my real focal length is 640mm. This is great until you want to go with a wide angle lens.. Then your fighting it.. I'm not sure if your camera has this same focal multiplier but if it does then you are going to want to get a fisheye lens for your in-door shooting because a standard 28mm is going to act like a 50mm.

Now a little lesson on lenses.
The first and most important thing about any lens is NOT how long it is but how big its aperture is. This is that F number as in F1.2 or F4 or F11 etc etc. The smaller this number is, the better the lens. For indoors, you want a lens with a minimum of 2.8 or you will get blurry photos. (unless your in a studio with lots of light).

Here is the deal.. The less light you have available for shooting, the slower your shutter speed is going to be. you can make up for this by increasing the size of the lens aperture. Ok.. I can go on forever.

If there is anything I can help you out with , please ask.
Murphy

[murphy625]

Originally Posted by JavaDog Few things with night pictures. Set the mode dial to the little "Star and Moon" to put the camera in night-mode. That will help a little. For shots of the lights/the strip - a tripod and a longer shutter speed help - but may not be what you are looking to do. Indoors in poor lighting, a tripod is really needed with a digi - the flash will usually ruin a picture indoors in the dark. Something else to play with is the Shutter Priority Mode. You can force the camera to use a fast shutter speed (reduce the chance of blur) but then it takes in less light. Slow shutter speed can get you cool effect, like the blurred waterfall type picture - but a tripod is a must for those type of shots.

Using a digi and flash indoors will NOT RUIN a picture. In fact, digital cameras take better dark photos than any film camera could ever do. (which is why every astronomer in the world switched to digital as soon as it was economical)

Here are a few night time pics for you: (and I am considered an amateur)
And one with a little color..

I know guys who attached their off the shelf digital camera to the back of their telescopes and take pictures of other Galaxy's that almost made me fall over.. To the untrained eye, these photos rival the quality of the hubble photos on the internet!!!! (an taken with a $1000 telescope and SLR digital camera.)

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by murphy625 Using a digi and flash indoors will NOT RUIN a picture.

Let me rephrase. Using a flash incorrectly indoors will make for a crappy picture no matter the camera. Often times when people think they need a flash, they don't.

Great pictures, btw. Love the color on the last one.