Getting better photos from a digital camera

[scr4]

@pulykamell

To expose for 18% gray, if you get 2.8 1/60 on a cheap consumer digital v. a 12 megapixel Nikon D2x, you should still get the same 18% gray.

On second thought, this might be technically correct. The camera’s amplifier gain is probably adjusted to make sure this is correct. But for the reason I outlined above, the larger detector would have better signal-to-noise ratio. Or to put it another way, a compact camera set to “ISO 100” should produce images comparable to (or even worse than) a digital SLR set to “ISO 400”.

[Wallenstein]

@Finagle

Besides, if the OP doesn’t want to use a flash and can’t use a faster lens, then if there’s anything at all moving in the picture, increasing the ISO and shutter speed are the only hope. Everything is a compromise.

That’s the point. We’re not talking here about super-duper intergalatic mega-cameras, just a bog-standard point-n-shoot digicam.

There are lots of programs that can help boost low light images, and reduce digital noise, and correct for exposure and colour balance etc.

There are very few that can correct a badly blurred shot.

I’d also echo the point about shutter lag-time. Most digicams allow you to fix the focus by depressing the button half-way - that means when you do shoot it tends to be when you want, rather than half a second later.

And using solid objects - chairs, tables, bronze busts of The Perfect Master etc - can be a great substitute for a dedicated tripod.

[pulykamell]

@scr4

On second thought, this might be technically correct. The camera’s amplifier gain is probably adjusted to make sure this is correct. But for the reason I outlined above, the larger detector would have better signal-to-noise ratio. Or to put it another way, a compact camera set to “ISO 100” should produce images comparable to (or even worse than) a digital SLR set to “ISO 400”.

OK. Then I am following you. Carry on…

(As for the digital SLR, you also have better images not just because of the CCD, but because of the much better glass.)

[Omphaloskeptic]

@Snickers

Does your camera have a delay between when you press the button and when the shot is actually captured? They’re not like standard cameras, which take the picture pretty much straightaway after you pres the button. I was working with a digital camera, and was taking some horribly blurrry pictures because of this delay: I’d press the button, think the shot was taken, then move the camera slightly, which destroyed the picture when it actually was taken.

If you can learn the delay and learn how long you need to hold the camera steady (so that you’re not moving it when it’s taking the picture) after pressing the button, your pictures might improve.

On all of the little digital cameras I’ve used, this is just the autofocus delay. Some cameras let you hold the shutter button halfway down to do the autofocus; then depressing it all the way actually takes the picture. This gives a much more responsive feel.