Martyn

monkey

Thank you for that very comprehensive answer Dave! I've been thinking about this all day and just wanted to make sure I'd grasped the principle correctly.

I keep reading specs for cameras that state that image stabilisation is equivalent to 4 stops. If the minimum recommended shutter speed for a hand held shot on a particular camera is 1/60 sec without IS, am I correct in thinking that on the same camera with IS switched on I should be able to hand hold a shot with a shutter speed of 1/4 sec (putting aside other variables such as ISO and aperture) and get the same results?

That's a great picture Denis, it says a lot about you! I love all the clutter memorabilia in the background, all in little square cubby holes. Your dream of owning your own yacht, and your hand firmly on your chin to stop you saying something you may later regret!

useless

As someone said about one of my photos (I think it was Fuzzy) he planned it that way and that was what he intended to film! Fantastic!

Just watched this video; awesome! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3CPavb2NWs&list=PL815748FF5DD791C1

Hello and welcome. I've only been here a week myself but the regulars are very friendly and encouraging. Looking forward to seeing your photos!

custard

Funny you should mention that Colin; the guy who gave me my current camera came round to see me and asked how I was getting on with the little Rollei point and shoot then gave me an old Fuji 9600. I had to super glue the transparent window back over the LCD screen and charge the batteries but only one is any use at all, the other is good for about 50 shots. The screen is far to small but the zoom is awesome. May see if I can find a cheap battery for it but don't want to part with much money from my camera fund. EDIT: Oops, pardon my mistake; it's a Fuji 6900 that I had given not the model I stated above

I'd be very interested to know how you guys store, file, arrange and generally keep your photos on your computers. I have just over 3000 pics and find it difficult to know what I have and where to find it. Do you keep all your photos or just the ones that are great?

trip

Thankyou all for the replies and links, this thread is certainly helping me to focus (pun intended) on what I really want out of my camera. Most of my pics have been taken on a mobile phone of some description, others on a camera when someone has asked me to look after it while they dance or play. My main interests are traditional music and dance so I find myself already carrying a fiddle case and two different pairs of dancing shoes, the last thing I want is a big camera and another bag around my neck. I'm currently leaning towards the Canon G15 because it is relatively small (ok, it won't fit in a shirt pocket but I think it would fit in a jacket pocket or in my rucksack). It has many advanced features that are normally found on DSLRs. This quote from one of the reviews sums it all up for me, "The Canon PowerShot G15 is a new premium compact camera aimed at the DSLR owner looking for a backup model or the enthusiast who wants DSLR functionality without the added size and weight". Now I know it sounds like I've already made my mind up, but I am seriously considering other options and am open to suggestions.

I've found several websites that have a series of questions about what you want from a camera such as http://www.selectsmart.com/camera/ . Bases on pictures that I regularly take my criteria has been; small and light, high quality images, good video, low light performance. I've set my budget on the high side at £300 - £400 There are about half a dozen cameras which come up regularly but two come out on top consistently; Canon G15 and Nikon P7700. If I slightly change my criteria I get Canon EOS 1100D and Nikon D3100. Does anyone here own or have any experience with these cameras? Any other advice and suggestions welcome but I reserve the right to ignore any or all of it!

I have a Youtube channel but it's not worth the effort http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U Another criteria for a camera is good video. I got a cheap Vivitar video camera, it's so unreliable and flimsy to use it's unbelievable.

In my introduction post I said I was new to photography, but I have found enough evidence to think otherwise. Looking through a old external hard drive I've found over 3000 pics all taken by myself on various mobile phones. Many are blurred, out of focus or just plain rubbish, but there are the odd few that are quite reasonable. If I'd had a decent camera some of these pics could have been cracking shots. These pics are an insight into my life and interests; if there isn't a pub visible in the shot it means it must be just behind me! They also give an indication as to the type of camera I need; wide angle lens, good in low light and beer proof! This pic has a slightly hazy soft focus look, probably because I had my beer goggles on. My fiddle is third from the top! Session in full flow at the Tower of Song in Birmingham Chuck Flemming and Benny Graham at Lancaster Maritime Festival My mate Nick performs The Bonny Black Hare

Stuff that I don't understand I just pass over: I come back to it later and find I can understand more than the first time after I've picked up more info! Dave, there's some great links there! I love the idea of buckets catching water to illustrate the relation ship between light and sensor size. That Camera Simulator is brilliant!

I actually own a tripod believe it or not. I got it to mount a Zoom H2 digital sound recorder on to record my fiddle playing

Thanks all for your speedy replies, I think I've grasped the basics of this. Colin, my camera is a Rollei da1725 Prego. It has ISO settings of Auto, 50,100,200 and 400, that's the only control I have over exposure.

As a beginner I'm doing a lot of reading and slowly getting to grips with the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO setting. Am I correct in understanding that a lower ISO setting (ie ISO 50) will result in a better quality picture and than a higher setting (ie 800)?

I can honestly say that one of the greatest pleasures in life is to take 'em off! All those folk who say clogs are the most comfortable footwear they have ever worn need to get a life and buy some nice trainers

Thank you all for the warm welcome! Seeing how you're all friendly I thought I would share the reason for borrowing a camera in the first place. This was the Tan Hill Inn, highest pub in Britain, with me making my debut as a clog dancer. Lakeland Hornpipe solo Using my magic logs to levitate!

Hi all, I'm new to photography and decided to join this forum because it looks relatively small and friendly. I don't own a camera but I recently wanted to record an event and was lent one by my brother in law; it's only a cheap point and shoot but I have now got the bug. I intend to buy a decent camera but since I don't really know what I want I'm holding back. Until that time I want to train my eyes to look and see. Looking forward to sharing some of my images and getting constructive criticism! Martyn