Improve sharpness with burst shooting?

[phancj]

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Well, holding a camera is a bit like target shooting in that optimised grips/positions tend to be used which minimise movement not in line with the barrel/lens axis, and these are convergent in style;).

 

Given a particular camera's physical attributes, surely there are variations in what may be the "Best" holding position since individual physical attributes are different? What may be great for one person may not be the best for another?

 

It is very much like say running where different athletes employ different techniques to better themselves?

[AlanJW]

Edward,

 

Maybe it's time people learned basic good practice instead of relying on technological crutches and covering up their inadequacies behind ad hominiem attacks.

 

 

With all due respect Bill, the ad hominem attack came from you. I don't think on a forum like this, where people are trying to help each other, that condescending comments about other people's supposed inadequacies are very constructive. I found your post over the top. There are a variety of ways to use a camera "properly", not simply one correct way. The proof is in the images produced.

 

For example, you might have said in your original post "It isn't the way I would do it. I prefer to wait for the one shot that gets it the way I want it rather than rattling off a salvo. Multiple shots are not the only way and in my view not the best way to achieve sharp shots."

 

That of course is not the only way to say it, but the point is you just don't have to attack people to make your point.

[bill]

With all due respect Bill, the ad hominem attack came from you.

 

I think not. For something to be ad hominem it needs to be directed at an individual. Mine was an expressed opinion, to which some appear to have taken exception because they are happy to hose away. Trust me, Alan, you would know if I was setting out to attack.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[wda]

......

 

I know that you can add an external viewfinder to cameras such as the DL4 and X1, but those do have some limitations compared to a built-in viewfinder.

Nicole, in my experience no built-in optical viewfinder in a compact camera has the image size, brightness, clarity or gives the sense of direct involvement that a high quality clip-on optical finder gives. Of course there are drawbacks, but on balance I strongly favour the external finder.

[h00ligan]

Bill, wouldn't good technique vary based on subject? Also my point is that even if you are right (and we all are when it comes to opinion) there's no need to be insulting or berate others for utilizing techniques you don't happen to. I just thought your post was unnecessarily rude tbh, not something I expect from a gentleman or leica ambassador.

 

Any exception I took was certainly not based on opinion but tone, coupled with your signature indicating posts like that wouldn't come from you.

 

The fallacy you made was riductio ad ridiculum.

[bill]

No.

 

Good technique does not vary by subject. Appropriate technique does. I can't abide laziness, which in this case manifests itself by using technology as a crutch for poor technique.

 

I am not being rude, Edward, I am being direct. There is a huge difference. A gentleman is never unintentionally rude, remember.

 

Oh, and while I am on the subject, I suggest you look up "Gentleman Amateur", since the term appears completely lost on you.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[andybarton]

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Gentlemen. Please... give it a rest.

[h00ligan]

I am familiar with the term, my observations still apply. Per Andy I'll leave it. I didn't want to stir I just can't abide unnecessary rudeness. I guess we all have things that push our buttons.

[tobey bilek]

Buy a tripod or learn to hold the camera steady. 1 of 6 being sharp is insane. If that is the best the camera can do, it would never be in my bag. How can you catch the magic moment like that?:

 

Squeese slowly, press the camera to your forehead, elbows tight to body and keep the shutter speed up..

[pop]

Squeese slowly, press the camera to your forehead, elbows tight to body and keep the shutter speed up..

 

that, and release the shutter while exhaling slowly. Change your grip on the camera (to advance the film and so on) at least half a second after firing.

[phancj]

Buy a tripod or learn to hold the camera steady. 1 of 6 being sharp is insane. If that is the best the camera can do, it would never be in my bag. How can you catch the magic moment like that?:

 

Squeese slowly, press the camera to your forehead, elbows tight to body and keep the shutter speed up..

 

When younger, I had an iron grip and was a star athlete, so I could hold cameras steady like a rock, paint tiny figurines' eyesin scale modelling as a hobby, had an almost photographic memory, etc, etc. Now when I hold my cameras I cannot but help notice the occasional slight tremors that comes with aging.

 

So I see the original post as something that may help someone like me, and people are entitled to believe it is sloppy technique, amateurish, etc,etc. I see it is an alternative way (possibly) for me to make better photos.

 

At the end of the day, to each his own. I put my X1 in a discrete waist pouch, whip it out when I see a possibly good photog opportunity, and happily shoot away without a care.

 

When I pop the images in a computer and see some shots I am happy with, that to me is enjoyment and bliss. I am not there to impress with shooting techniques, correct photographer clothing, etc,etc..... for me in photography, the end justifies the means, always.

 

BTW, I tried this machine gun approach but have yet to look at the images....will update everyone!! Ratatatatatata!!

[h00ligan]

Tremors familia effect many people too..it doesn't help the x1 won't allow third steps unless in aperture priority with iso set appropriately

[Guest xCorpsman]

Yup, a machine-gun requires far less skill than a rifle. Just hose your target down.

 

You'll be able to nail hundreds of "decisive moments" and just pick your favourite at your leisure when sitting in front of your screen later.

 

...or you could learn to use your camera properly...

 

Regards,

 

Bill

 

Interesting perspective, Bill. I happen to have a fairly pronounced tremor that makes holding even modest shutter speeds a challenge. Shooting on burst when practical/necessary helps me to compensate for my inability to keep my hands and body still. I don't consider it cheating or misusing my camera in any way.

 

Just food for thought.

[bill]

Interesting perspective, Bill. I happen to have a fairly pronounced tremor that makes holding even modest shutter speeds a challenge.

 

Thanks for that, xCorpsman, and you have my sympathies. In your case you are using the technology to compensate for a medical condition, which is entirely understandable. I am sure there are many who rely on autofocus for similar reasons; it's no different to correcting your vision with spectacles, as I do.

 

You may be interested to know that a couple of years ago a number of us here raised funds for the Disabled Photographers Society. One of the things they do is adapt cameras for disabled people so that they can go on pursuing their pastime. The money we raised helped to pay for new facilities for disabled photographers at their centre.

 

My point remains; there is a triangle of factors - technology-technique-talent - that influences the outcome of the image. I choose to use a Leica II for much of my street photography. It is very low on technology, so I have to rely upon technique and talent to produce an acceptable image. On the other hand, when I use my D-Lux 4 it is packed with technology, but I don't adopt poor technique when I use it.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[phancj]

Just went thru some of the pics taken last night...sure this method has its uses, also as the person's expression changes we are able to capture on different shots the nuances of different emotions. So that is one more thing for this machine gun style, apart from having some more shots to choose from where camera shake may be an issue, an added big bonus is more choice of photos itself, each with a subtle difference.

 

I am going to employ this technique especially with people I am not so close to, so better to fire away and choose the best later. Memory card may be an issue, gotta invest in more. So off I go again..Rartatatatt!!

[Guest badbob]

Yup, a machine-gun requires far less skill than a rifle. Just hose your target down.

You'll be able to nail hundreds of "decisive moments" and just pick your favourite at your leisure when sitting in front of your screen later. ...or you could learn to use your camera properly...

Regards,

Bill

 

I certainly agree with this in principle, and the agony of poring over all those duplicates. But still it was a technical question, and it appears valid. Maybe the camera software people can learn something from this. And I appreciate the humor - it highlights the absurdity of the idea, validity notwithstanding.

[phancj]

Actually from the dozen shots I blasted off yesterday there are more options in terms of facial expressions so I hardly consider it a liability to go thru the photos, particularly if one has little chance of reshooting the subject again. Think of it as insurance policy?

[Guest badbob]

Nicole, in my experience no built-in optical viewfinder in a compact camera has the image size, brightness, clarity or gives the sense of direct involvement that a high quality clip-on optical finder gives. Of course there are drawbacks, but on balance I strongly favour the external finder.

 

This is an amazing comment. It makes sense (though I've never tried it), but I never read where anyone stated this before now.

[Guest badbob]

Buy a tripod or learn to hold the camera steady. 1 of 6 being sharp is insane. If that is the best the camera can do, it would never be in my bag. How can you catch the magic moment like that?:

Squeese slowly, press the camera to your forehead, elbows tight to body and keep the shutter speed up..

 

This is good for when you have a planned shot, which is most of the time for me. But there are moments when I have to do things in a hurry and just getting the capture is all I can hope for. So if I can remember to hold down the shutter button in those cases I'd be ahead of the game. That's the tricky part of photography, yes? Making quick decisions correctly requires lots of practice and experience, although those tricky situations may occur only rarely, thereby not offering *lots* of opportunity to get that experience.

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Hallo,

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[bill]

Rangefound: T for three...

 

Regards,

 

Bill