A possible new feature for S2 and R10

[portocar]

Feature:

When using a camera "hand-held", most photographers have a minimum shutter speed for producing "sharp" images. This minimum shutter speed differs from photographer to photographer and the relative stability of their hands.

As lighting conditions become darker and this minimum shutter speed is reached, most photographers begin to open the lens aperture. Or, in the digital age, they increase ISO speed.

We now have functions on digital cameras that allow the photographer to set the aperture and the camera controls the shutter speed. Or, the photographer sets the shutter speed and the camera controls the aperture. We even have cameras that allow the photographer to throw ISO into the mix by setting it to AUTO mode.

However, there is no intelligent function that allows the photographer to do the following:

1) Set a minimum shutter speed , below which they feel they cannot produce sharp images hand-held.

2) Set an aperture range within which they are willing to shoot.

3) set a max ISO whose noise they are willing to accept.

Finally, the user would tell the camera in which order to sacrifice each setting.

Here is an example:

1) I set the camera to 1/500th and input 1/30th as my minimum shutter speed. ( this means I don't want to shoot any slower than 1/60th)

2) I set the aperture to f/8 and input f/4 as the maximum. (This means it will not shoot any wider than f/4.)

3) I set the ISO to 200 and input 1600 as the maximum. (This means it will not pick an ISO greater than 1600.)

Finally, I tell the camera to sacrifice ISO first, then shutter speed and finally aperture.

This means the camera will try and hold f/8 and as lighting conditions degrade it will increase ISO speed until it reaches 1600. If this is not enough, it will begin reducing shutter speeds until it reaches 1/30th. Finally, if the scene is still too dark, the camera will begin to open the lens aperture.

Finally, if lighting conditions are still too dark and the camera cannot produce a viable exposure within these constraints; one of the following can occur:

a. the camera will not fire and issue a warning allowing the user to make further manual choices regarding: aperture, shutter speed and ISO.

b. The camera will issue a warning but continue shooting making further sacrifices to the ISO, Shutter speed and lens aperture, based on the priorities set by the user.

In a sense, with this Function active, the camera would know your individual shooting style and the sacrifices you are willing to make while shooting in order to make the "best" image. The difference, is that, once programmed into the camera, the camera would be able to make these choices much more quickly, thereby truly freeing the photographer to concentrate on creative composition choices.

[R10dreamer]

The only thing I want a camera to do for me is meter the light and click the shutter. The rest, I want control of.


GD Whalen Photography

[marknorton]

As I understand it, the camera has manual and aperture priority only with the aperture set from the thumb-wheel, no programmed mode.

The Nikon D3x has some of what you suggest, achieved by mixing P(rogram) Exposure Mode and Auto ISO though you can't put a limit on the working aperture. That said, I'm not sure the S2 needs this sort of stuff. I'm hoping they've learned their lesson with S(tupid) Mode.

[portocar]

I agree with you. However, if there is not enough light, you will have to sacrifice something. Everyone has an ideal shooting setup, I.E.: shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed.

We all have our own personal priorities of what we sacrifice first and in what order. We follow the same procedure and order of importance most of the time when we are shooting.

All I am saying is, program this personal style into the camera and it will make the choices faster, so you don't loose the shot.

[paulmoore]

I get what you are saying and there have been many times that I want a customized auto setting as you describe but then I feel more confident and in control when in manual. .as I would not like it if the auto-camera did not fire when I thought all was swell..in this day and age of digital and with nice big 16 bit files I find that the photographer knows best.. if I want it 3 stops off what the camera thinks is accectable I want to shoot at that setting..and the programing and buttons manipulation needed to achieve all this seems over the top for my tastes.. so the camera gives you a red flag and no firing..then you have to navigate menus to deactivate the auto and reprogram....we are talking about only 3 varibles here, iso, shutterspeed and aperture...and now autofocus is here to stay you can allocate some grey cells to the other camerawork functions.

[portocar]

I also mentioned another final option. If you don't like the camera giving an alarm and not firing, go with my second option: The camera gives a silent warning and continues firing away, further adjusting ISO, shutter and aperture according to your priorities.

Also, the function I suggest would in no way interfere with +/- exposure settings. The user would still be able to set the camera to under or overexpose by 1, 2 or 3 stops. ( or, whatever the camera offers.)

[dfarkas]

Originally Posted by marknorton

As I understand it, the camera has manual and aperture priority only with the aperture set from the thumb-wheel, no programmed mode.

The Nikon D3x has some of what you suggest, achieved by mixing P(rogram) Exposure Mode and Auto ISO though you can't put a limit on the working aperture. That said, I'm not sure the S2 needs this sort of stuff. I'm hoping they've learned their lesson with S(tupid) Mode.

Mark,

The S2 does have a Program mode, along with Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual.

David

[marknorton]

Thanks David, today's useful piece of information!