The Wonders of Compact Cameras

Not too long ago, compact cameras were used by most people to take snapshots of family members and daily activities. Professional photographers and amateurs dislike compact cameras because of the low quality images and limited functionality. Now, compact cameras have changed a lot and have been very sophisticated, especially in the digital era where the digital technology has advanced by leaps and bounds.

Although small in size, compact cameras are able to produce well exposed photos although the image quality could not rival those produced using DSLR cameras. But what we need to keep in mind is that sometimes the absolute image quality is not top priority. Despite some obvious drawbacks of compact camera, they do have many advantages over DSLR cameras.

Compact camera is also known as point and shoot camera or pocket camera. Compacts are invented so the average people can take photograph easily and comfortably. It was in such sense that they were designed to be small with simple functions to be as user friendly as possible.

Compacts do not operate using reflex mirror and pentaprism like those used in the DSLR camera system. Therefore compact cameras can be built at a smaller size with less cost.

Unlike the DSLR camera, the lens on a compact camera is not interchangeable. However, a compact camera usually is equipped with a zoom lens that is adequate for normal usage.

Nowadays, compacts are becoming more sophisticated and of higher quality. Many professional photographers have shown interest into compacts when manual controls have been incorporated, meaning the user can adjust the aperture, shutter speed and ISO manually. This allows light exposure to be controlled at higher accuracy. Furthermore, prestigious high-end compacts offer some DSLR level features such as manual focus control, wide maximum aperture, a hotshoe for external flash, recording in RAW format and larger sensors.

High performance compact cameras were built with specifications similar to DSLR cameras. Users of the compact cameras can manually control the adjustment for aperture, shutter speed, ISO and many more.

The down side of compact camera

One of the main disadvantages of compact cameras is the size of its sensor. At this time, the size of most compact cameras is much smaller compared to those used in DSLR cameras. Therefore, the images recorded using a compact camera are usually not suitable to be enlarged excessively as some details can go missing. The smaller sensor also causes the image to be more noise-prone compared to that from a DSLR, especially when higher ISO is used and the image is viewed in high magnification.

This photo was recorded using a DSLR camera to achieve maximum detail. To capture images of scenery or architecture like this, DSLR cameras are more suitable since usually the photos are meant to be displayed big. Using a large and heavy camera is not a hassle in this situation because the photographer is not required to carry the camera around too much. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

But you should keep in mind that this limitation is not a big issue if you are not planning to showcase the image in a large size. Another thing you need to consider is weather exposing minute detail is important to you.  This depends of the kind of photo and for what purpose it will be used. For example, if we plan to record an image for fine arts, sometimes sharpness and details are not major priorities. The same goes if we want the photos to be used in web pages where high resolution in not required- images from compact usually suffice.

Another weakness of compacts is the degree of efficiency and response speed of the controls.  Adjusting the parameters in compact cameras is rather cumbersome and sluggish, especially when using them in fully manual mode. This is due to the layout and size of the buttons are not as ergonomics as in DSLR. So, to shoot photos and to work fast, compacts are not suitable. Otherwise this would not be an issue.

Compacts also suffer from shutter lag where there is a slight delay (in millisecond) between when the shutter is pressed and the moment where the image is captured by the camera. This is a serious problem when capturing action shots or other images where timing is crucial. But this should not be an issue if we are photographing subjects that do not require split second timings.

Most compact cameras employ contrast detect autofocus as opposed to DSLR’s phase detect system.  The lens moves back and forth through trial-and-error until the sensor reads an image which gives the highest contrast. This is relatively slower than phase detect which utilizes dedicated autofocus sensors to establish the different phases’ converging point, which is a more straight forward process.

Other disadvantage of the compact camera is that the lens is not interchangeable like the DSLR camera. This means the user of a compact camera has to be satisfied with the limited choice of field of view and focal length. However the modern compact camera is often equipped with a long ranging zoom that covers wide angle to short telephoto. To most users, the focal length and zoom range in compacts are sufficient. So if your work requirement does not require lenses with extra ordinary focal length, the zoom fixed on a compact would suit nicely.

Advantages of compact cameras

The main advantage of a compact camera is its small size hence the light weight which makes it easy to be carried around. This is probably not desirable for certain tasks but it is very useful when you wish to take photos for a long period of time or when you need to move a lot. When taking photos during a travel, having a compact camera is a bless due to its small size and  light weight.

The photo of a staff of Shinkansen bullet train captured in Hiroshima, Japan using a compact camera. This camera is very suitable for travelling or back packing overseas.(Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

The small size of a compact does not stand out and attract attention of the people around you. This feature is very useful for photographers who involve in street photography. By using a small concealed camera, the presence of the photographer is often not noticed and would not be bothered, hence allowing him to photograph his subject in a more natural state. This way the photographer can approach his subject comfortably. Here, the small size becomes an advantage for a specific purpose.

Other advantage of the compact camera is its relatively cheaper price compared to DSLR cameras. If we are not looking at certain features on a DSLR camera, why spend on one? It is much better to purchase a compact camera at fewer prices as long as it fits our needs. Even if we already own a DSLR camera, a compact can serve as a good backup camera or to be used when it fits a certain purpose.

Modern compact cameras are equipped with better features from time to time. High end compacts are continuously being designed with additional technologically advanced features and narrows the gap between compacts and DSLRs.

The application of compact camera

We have already understood the features, weaknesses and strengths of compact camera. We should take note that a certain weakness of the compact camera is not a weakness if it is not relevant to a certain task or need. For example, having a small sensor is not considered a weakness to a photographer who has no intention of publishing his work in high resolution. Therefore the weaknesses of a compact camera should not be taken as issues if they do not pose as problems to our work. It is best to focus and fully capitalize the many advantages of a compact that are not offered by DSLR cameras.

It is not the intention of this article to suggest that compacts are better than DSLR cameras. The main thing is we need to realize that sometimes compacts are more suitable to be used than DSLR cameras in some situations. For most photography enthusiasts and professionals, compacts are used only for specific purposes and they also keep a DSLR camera for other kind of photography.

Due to its light weight, compact cameras are suitable when you are out shooting for a long period, especially when you need to move a lot or walk to get the shot. One example is when you are taking a stroll in a foreign city during an abroad travel.

This kind of camera is also suitable when we are doing trekking activity in the forest or while hiking. For such outdoor activities we would definitely spend a lot of energy for locomotion, not to mention hauling a heavy rucksack. To add up the weight with a DSLR camera would increase the burden. Therefore a compact camera is very suitable in this situation. However this ultimately depends on what you are planning to do. If you need high quality photos that give the best details, then DSLR is the way to go.

This photo was taken at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia using a compact camera. Climbing such mountain is very taxing on the body. Therefore, a lightweight compact camera is an excellent choice for companion. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

Compact cameras are light due to its small size. Small cameras have their own benefit. They do not stand out and attract attention. Some photography assignments require us to photograph human subjects which are not acquainted in an unfamiliar place. When we use a compact camera, the people around us normally do not pay much attention to our presence and we would not be perceived as a professional photographer, instead we don the image of a tourist or a casual snap shooter.

There was a case where a press photographer masqueraded as a commoner with a compact camera and was allowed to a restricted area whereas other photographers were barred from entering. He managed to get good photos using the compact while the rest, armed to the teeth with DSLR equipment, didn’t get a single shot.

Compact cameras are priced less than DSLR cameras. If you are interested in photography but still cannot afford a DLSR camera, you can get a compact at a much lower price. Compact cameras also offer various interesting features which are often enough to start your exploration in photography. To learn the basic of photography such as shutter, aperture, ISO, white balance and composition, you can often do so with a compact camera.

Because of its low price, compact cameras are also very useful as a second camera beside your DSLR camera. Compacts can be used as a backup camera in case your DSLR breaks down. Other than that, even if you already have a DSLR camera, a compact may be a more suitable camera when you are just taking family snapshots or going out travelling.

Due to lower price, compacts are often the camera of choice for those who are venturing into underwater photography.  The underwater housing for compact cameras is much cheaper than that of DSLR cameras. By using compact the risk is less if an accident happens where the housing leaks and causes damage to camera.

Compacts are much simpler than DSLR cameras. The controls on compacts are limited and not as intricate as DSLR cameras. But not everyone or every task requires sophisticated specifications. Sometimes all we need is just a simple camera to take simple photos.

They are also suitable for you to practice taking shots in a creative and unrestricted ways. Creative photos sometimes do not require complicated technical controls on the camera. Furthermore then using a complicated device, we tend to shift our focus to control the device instead of producing a creative and artistic piece of work. Compacts are also light and mobile, making it comfortable to be carried anywhere and this encourages you to practice photography composition while experimenting on creative techniques.

Images in the fine art photography sometimes do not require immense details but emphasize more on message, mood, composition and so forth. This photo was taken using a compact camera without the need for extreme details. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

The simple compact camera is also suitable as a tool to survey a location before a massively planned shooting is made. You do not need a high quality photo while scouting- the images from a compact would do just fine. While scouting you might need to walk a lot hence a DSLR camera will make you tired and subsequently takes the concentration away from the survey duty.

Simply put, compact cameras with the latest technology should not be taken lightly. Although there are still drawbacks, these cameras have significant advantages against DSLR camera. The bottom line is everything depends on the usage. For certain purposes the compact camera is better and more practical to be used compared to DSLR camera. They ride the technology wave and continuously being improved over time. We do not know how far they will rival DSLR camera. But for certain they will surely become better and better.

Original article from fototeacher.com/blog by Hasnuddin Abu Samah. Translated by Amir Ridhwan

To read more article in Bahasa Melayu, please visit - http://hellofotografi.blogspot.com/

The Formula to Capture Great Photos

Anyone can take photos. Very few can produce interesting or inspiring images. Sometimes we would wonder if the technique to produce astounding images is a well kept secret known only to a few elites. In fact there are those who thought that celebrated photographers have 'mystical powers' such that every click of their shutter produces a masterpiece. This is, of course, is not true. Even the greatest photographers make mistakes from time to time.

Given any field, just about anything can be learned. Every success can be achieved if we follow the right path and one of the main ingredients is working hard. In this article I will discuss 7 important points that you need to pay attention to in order to produce your own masterpiece.

KNOWLEDGE

To produce a great photo you must have the necessary knowledge, there is no two ways about it. The more knowledgeable you are, the more likely that the photo you produce will be great. You can learn from many ways- reading books, magazines and informative websites. We can attend workshops or learn directly from an experienced photographer.

There is absolutely no excuse for not learning as there are many ways to learn. Pick one which is suitable with your budget, time and preference. The important thing is that we need to understand the basic theory of photography first. Do not attempt to take random snapshots wishing that you might be lucky. Theory can explain why a photo turns out the way it is. A great photo can be designed, not happen accidentally. Therefore we need to have the know-how of producing great images.

Once you have learned, do not neglect practice. Only through practice we can understand the accuracy and effectiveness of the things we have learned and henceforth streamlining it according to our preference. Through practice we will stumble upon new problems which would bring us back to the study desk to increase our understanding further. Remember, a knowledge which is yet to be put to practice is yet to complete.

SUBJECT

In the early stage we normally photograph various subjects in various techniques. This is common in the learning process as we need to understand the fundamentals of photography in general. Also in this stage we might still seeking for subjects which are interesting. After you have understood the basic principles we ought to streamline our subjects and take random shots no more.

Getting great photos requires us to photograph something that interests us. For example, if you enjoy outdoor activity such as jungle trekking, perhaps you are more inclined into nature photography. To be even more specific you may be more interested in insect macro, birds or landscape.

It is important that we have a keen interest in the subject that we shoot. When we are interested in a particular subject, we tend to learn more about it. With a wide understanding of it, we can produce better photos. It is simply because by then we are able to see so many stories which can be told about the subject. By being knowledgeable we can convey such stories better.

For example if you have an interest in the natural history of a certain bird, we tend to figure out its habitat, behavior, diet and other life aspects of the bird. We would also know when, where, which angle and which technique should be employed to produce a stunning image of the bird.

The photographer of this image specializes in spider photography. With a keen interest and such level of specialization on the subject, he mastered not only the techniques but also became an expert in the subject of choice. He can identify various species of spiders, understands their behavior, habitat and other information on spider. Such deep understanding of the subject allows him to produce remarkable photos of spiders which otherwise cannot be achieved by other photographers. (Photo by Amir Ridhwan)

Avoid photographing a subject based on the interest of others when you are not keen on it yourself. Without a keen interest, we would not be passionate. Without passion we would not go the extra mile to produce the best image. Without passion too, the process of creating a magnificent photo becomes a burden and this takes the joy out of it.

ADVANTAGE

Apart from photographing a subject we are fond of, it is best that we select a subject which has an advantage and convenient to work on. For example, if you are keen into architecture photography, it is best if you have some academic background on architecture or reside in an area with an abundance of interesting structures. It would be difficult to obtain a good architecture photo if you are isolated away from where your subjects are. This is because in order to obtain good photos you need to keep working on your subjects until you are comfortably adept.

To take another example, if you live near the national park, which is renowned for its astounding nature, you will be in a prime position to shoot beautiful landscape and wildlife photos. But if you live near the national park yet only interested in photographing F1 motor sport, you are not harnessing the capital advantage which lies in front of your nose.

Take a moment to ponder. In your current situation, what would be the advantages that you have and how to harness them to full usage to produce interesting images?

PREPARATION

A good photo rarely comes from random and lucky shots.  A good photo is produced from a well planned preparation. What I mean from preparation here is to have a collection of knowledge, skills and research into the subject of choice. Apart from that, other preparations are just as important such as building ideas, getting a nice location, trying new techniques for specific photo and such.

Planning is essential. Those who fail to plan might as well plan to fail. We cannot simply bring a camera and wander aimlessly to the town, hoping to get a good photo. We need to have a specific plan such as what to shoot, where to do it and which technique to employ while anticipating what are the possible challenges that we might face so we can plan ahead to overcome them.

 To capture scenery, apart from commonly known knowledge, we probably should need to learn specific techniques and tools in order to produce stunning photos. This image was captured using an infrared camera to obtain a unique effect such that the scene gives a surreal depiction of the subject.(Photo by Affandi Abd Hamid)

It is not uncommon that the planning process or pre-production takes longer time than the actual photography session. It is more desirable that we are well prepared, although it consumes a lot of time, as long as the effort yields outstanding images.

It is undeniable that sometime we captured stunning photos by a stroke of luck, or it just happened to be our fortunate day. Sometimes we have to rely on luck to get good photos. But remember that luck is only valuable when you are well prepared. Imagine that one day you are driving through a place that looks so beautiful and, as fortunate you might be, the sun is setting among a dramatic formation of clouds. You are probably lucky to witness such a mesmerizing scene but you are not lucky as a photographer is you camera is left at home. Even if you have a camera with you, would you be well equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to immortalize that moment? So get yourself prepared so that when luck strikes, it will be yours.

FOCUS

Before going out to shoot, it is best to properly define your intention. Concentrate your thoughts and observation to get what you plan for. Avoid being random or too greedy to shoot various subjects unplanned unless they are really interesting.

Work your way properly to get what you have planned. It is not a waste if you disregard other subjects by being focused on only one. In fact, it is better that you come out with one spectacular photo than having 10 of mediocre quality.

Other than putting you mind on a subject, you should also keep an eye on the equipment you are using. This means you should consider only the tools that are relevant with what you are planning to work on. It is not necessary to being your entire arsenal just in case something unexpected shows up. The more equipment you bring or the more choice of lenses you have, the more your focus tend to be distracted. As we busy ourselves pondering which lens or accessory to use, our concentration to the main subject will easily lost. Furthermore, encumbrance will take its toll on our energy especially when we have to do a lot of walking during a photo shoot.

VISION

Before shoot a good photo, we need to have an eye that can “see”, not just the ordinary vision but the unique “photographer’s eye” that can translate what being viewed into an interesting photo. This is commonly called the Art of Seeing. To achieve the special eye that can see beyond ordinary vision requires knowledge and training.

Before an image is recorded, look, think and ask yourself- is this subject that I am about to shoot worth to be photographed? Is the subject interesting enough? What is it that you actually want to show or what story you mean to tell to the people who will look at it later? If a subject is really interesting, you will easily get excited with it. Otherwise do not waste your time you photograph it as it will not be fruitful.

After a subject has been identified, get an interesting composition to capture the photo. An interesting subject with a bad composition will make the photo dull. Before releasing the shutter, take a while to decide if the image is better being recorded in horizontal or vertical. Would it give more impact if being recorded in 2:3 format or 1:2? There are other aspects which need to be considered such as background, front ground, the type of lens suitable, depth of field and the effect of shutter speed.

An example of an image in 2:3 aspect ratio which is the format used in most DSLR cameras.( Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

Another thing that needs to be considered before a photo is taken is that there should be 3 interesting elements in the image. Usually photos which have only one interesting element are not strong enough to be spectacular. An example of 3 elements I am saying here is: firstly the subject itself is interesting. Secondly the lighting is interesting. Thirdly the background is also interesting. Another example: probably the first factor is an interesting expression by the subject. Secondly the technique used (such as using the slow shutter technique). Thirdly the color combination in the whole photo is interesting. It doesn’t matter what technique or the object, make sure there are 3 interesting elements in the photo.

TIME

To get a great photo, we know we need suitable equipment, enough knowledge and a high degree of skill. Apart from that there is another factor which is hardly being mentioned which is our willingness to invest our time to practice and to work on getting a wonderful photo. Usually people who have a lot of money have less time and vice versa.  Accordingly those with deep pockets can afford expensive equipment but they lack time to practice, and the same is true likewise. Each condition comes with its own pro and con. Whether you like it or not, you need to find time to take photo. Whatever disadvantage we have, we need to find a way to overcome it.

A sample photo with 1:2 aspect ratio also known as panoramic format. This format originated from 120 medium format camera with an image size of 6x12cm. This photo was taken using a DSLR camera which then being cropped using Adobe Photoshop to make into a panorama. (Photo by Hasnuddin Abu Samah)

If you think about it, there is no secret on how to become a great photographer. What you need to do is to continue practice and work hard to get the photo you have been dreaming of. The more time we spend on taking photos, the higher the chance that we will soon achieve a good outcome. Regardless of what we do, anything that is being done repeatedly for a long period of time will hone us to become skillful in it. This is even more obvious if we concentrate on a specific field.

Just imagine that now don't know how to cook. If you learn the basics and practice cooking 5 times a day every day, how long do you think it will take for you to eventually be able to cook? Probably just in 2 to 3 days only! The way is simple but not everyone is willing to do it. Henceforth, shove away excuses and work on getting great photographs if that is what you are really aiming to achieve.

We often get mesmerized looking at the works of professional photographers. Their works are so spectacular that at times we think that we will never achieve such standard. Even more, sometimes negative thoughts suggest excuses such as the professionals were born talented, blessed with state-of-the-art equipment, highly educated and so forth. But the truth is they are mortal beings like us. They don’t have any mystical power and they don’t take the shorter route. Have we ever ponder, how long or how hard they worked to rise up to that level? Did we wonder, for every 10 masterpiece they produced, how many hundred, if not thousand, photos that turned up as failures? Did we ask, to get one spectacular photo, how long it took them and how many times they returned to the same location to get the under the optimal lighting and at the right moment?

Original article from fototeacher.com/blog by Hasnuddin Abu Samah. Translated by Amir Ridhwan

To read more article in Bahasa Melayu, please visit - http://hellofotografi.blogspot.com/