Camera Settings and Use of Software

[John D]

I have been having a look at various images on WAB and other sites and note quite a difference in 'image quality'. In many cases it appears that it is not necessarily down to the quality of equipment being used but rather due to 'camera settings' or the proper use of 'image editing'.
On another site I regularly visit I note Canon 100-400mm IS lenses, Sigma 50-500mm lenses and even some prime lenses being used at times where the resulting image is lacking in clarity and sharpness. It appears that this is a continuing trend as far as some contributors are concerned.
This being the case I wonder how many people simply take the camera out of the box, attach the lens (if a DSLR) and fire away. I also wonder how many use 'image editing' other than to crop or resize.
I also note that RAW is being used in certain cases but there appears to be little if any 'image editing' done other than conversion to JPEG.
Could there be a misunderstanding in some cases regarding the use of 'digital cameras' and DSLRs in particular. Has the understanding of digital become a 'point and shoot' exercise for some people or is it the case that they are not prepared to spend a bit more time learning about the equipment and software capabilities.
I know that my teenager granddaughter got a digital camera (a small point and shoot) from Santa removed it from the box and took several dozen photos before looking at the instructions. When she let me see them she said she wasn't entirely satisfied with the results. A look through the instructions and a few adjustments made all the difference.
I must add she was not aware of the use of 'image editing' and the what benefits it could provide.
This is just my observations. It would be interesting to read what others think.
I feel there is always a need to improve and learn.
John D

[GME]

A very interesting point. I have not been on for a while and noticed since I've had a bit more time to get on WAB that a lot of the images don't have the camera and lens settings as easily identifiable anymore. Have they just moved? I used to find them really useful to see what settings/ camera/ lens were used and I felt I learnt a lot from other people indirectly in this way. If someone could put me straight on this matter I'd be greatful.

I think you are right on learning how to use the equipment. I joined a photography club and learn loads from other people and have spent ages reading through the instructions that came with the camera as I want to improve. I think a lot of people just don't want to do this though and simply need a way to record a moment in the easiest manner possible. They want to pick up a camera put it on auto and shoot away. I think that's fine too if that's what you want. If you want the best possible images though I agree that you need to know how to get the best from your equipment and software.

[zan]

thing is, DSLRs and sofware take a long time to learn to use well, especially if you're brand new to photography and are teaching yourself. Modern DSLRs let you choose your level of expertise and this is maybe why they are becoming so popular? For new photographers, it's perfectly possible to get a half decent shot out a camera set to auto with little if any editting. As you learn and improve (assuming you want to) you can switch out of auto and start looking at editting packages and training yourself to see the detail in your photos.

I think a lot of the photos that are uploaded online go up at various stages in the learning curve, which is no bad thing. I've learned so much from online forums etc about improving my shots!

[SteveHL]

I think part of the problem may lie in the fact that it takes time ( and quiet a bit of it) to learn about your camera settings and having got to grips with that then learning that you now had to get to grips with post camera processing.
What most people don't realise when get a DSLR and a software package like PS Elements is that its freed you from the processing lab but you've assumed the job of both the photographer and the lab. Unless you had an in depth relationship with your processing lab and discussed prior to processing your requirements you'd have picked up your prints and taken them away quite happy but oblivious to how much colour correction and sharpening and even cropping the lab had done on your behalf.
I know that I was stopped dead in my tracks after posting a picture on another site and I'm glad to say a long time ago and being told "it was soft". There was no explanation and it took a lot of questions and practice to get my pictures up to everyone else's standard.
It tough you need a good mentor, as well as a good understanding of your camera and a good workflow instruction book to get the best results.
Regards
SteveHL

[badger426]

My Mrs got me a book by a chap called Tom Ang titled "How To Photograph Absolutely Everything". It deals with small to medium digital cameras showing how to use the various features and settings.

[DaiTheDragon]

The only way to learn how to get a good photograph from your camera is practise and more practise. you don't even have to leave home. I will sometimes put a light object in a dark corner of the garden and vice versa, take a load of shots at different settings, look at them on the computer and make a note of the best settings.
Or go out find a sign with some writing on it at the distance you might photograph a bird or whatever and try different settings to find the best. I even used to keep my settings in a little note book and carry it around with me.
No matter what software you use there are hundreds of tutorials on the web so if you want to lean about Levels adjustment do some tutorials , the same with any other part of PP. Although I consider myself quite proficiant at Photoshop I still do a few tutorials every week.

Dai

[big bill]

I agree with all the wentaments mentioned,I am in the process of going back to Canon as I just dont like the Nikon D40 nice camera dont get me wrong but just cant take to it so its back to Canon for me.The first thing I do is always read the manual through at least 3-4 times and even take it to bed to read then go thru it again with camera in front,
When I came out of the services I undertook a course in photography advertised in one of the camera mags back in the 80s,when I came out I thought my pics were good until I took the course and did I not have a rude awakening by the time I finished the shots previous to the course would be lucky to pass as snap shots I also did my own developing for a time then switched to digital and PC a lot a people bemoan the effects of digital manipulation but what I strive to do is get it properly captured at the taking stage with just slight adjustments to levels and crop and the final is sharpening ,all these are normal for the wet room photographer but some bemoan this because its manipulation on a pc.
I used to belong to a camera club and it was good they would set a theme for competitions and outings and then you would bring pics for critics to examine,all a part of the learning curve but the best critic is yourself if your honest look at the image leave it a day or two then look at it again to see if you still like it if not get rid.

[Nettle Runner]

Originally Posted by big bill

I used to belong to a camera club and it was good they would set a theme for competitions and outings and then you would bring pics for critics to examine

There must be new thread in there, somewhere
Who's going to suggest a theme, then.

Les

[Brocker]

I think we all learn at different speeds, in different ways and for different reasons. I am studying for a 'Diploma in Professional Photography' so my learning is not only directive but also quite intense. I can however, understand why someone would want to get their camera from the box and just have a go out of pure eagerness. That is human nature. After that, everyone travels a different path with their photography and learns the ins and outs of their cameras and lenses at varying degrees, some with the help of books, some with mentors, some with the instruction manual and so on. The viewer of each image will not necessarily know at what stage the photographer is at, which is why I believe that good honest feedback is very important and for my particular journey very welcome indeed. . . .

[glsammy]

I see many many images loaded up to WAB that with a bit of tweaking turns an average image into a gem.
I often download them and have a go, but I never do any more, I'm never sure what the reaction of the owner may be to my tinkering!