Digital Camera Zoom

Understanding Digital Camera Zoom Lenses

Executive Summary By Michael Huddleston

There are two types of zooms used with digital camera zoom :
optical and digital zoom

Optical Zoom

An optical zoom changes magnification by moving glass in the lens, changing the image falling on the sensor. Using an optical zoom maintains picture quality.

Zoom Ranges and 35mm Equivalents

Optical zoom lenses usually have a specification called “equivalent in 35mm.” This tells you the zoom range of the digital camera zoom compared to a 35mm film camera. Typical 35mm equivalent zoom ranges you will see listed are 35mm-70mm or 35mm-105mm.

28mm…..wide angle
35mm……slight wide angle
50mm…..normal perspective
70mm…..slight telephoto
105mm…..moderate telephoto
135mm…..strong telephoto
200mm+…..extreme telephoto So, a 35mm-105mm equivalent zoom lens changes from a slight wide angle to a moderate telephoto. A 28mm-200mm equivalent lens changes from a wide angle to an extreme telephoto.

A 35mm-105mm equivalent zoom is adequate for most users.

Optical Zoom as 2x, 3x, 5x…

A 28mm-105mm would be approximately a 4x zoom, and a 35mm-350mm would be a 10x zoom.

Digital Zoom

A digital zoom of digital camera zoom does not change, magnification.

Choosing Digital Zoom Or Optical Zoom

With many digital cameras you are sure to get both optical and digital zoom. Optical zoom works in something like the zoom on a 35-mm film camera. The optical zoom is updated, the quality of the images. Digital zoom operates differently. The reason the quality of the photograph was reduced, sometimes a lot.

A full-size image of an object with the digital zoom, but it is likely that this picture becomes a little bit too blurred i.e. the details are lost. Indeed, the function of the digital zoom camera might be better in this case with the digital zoom off if possible. So you can automatically or zoom out to suggest that the digital zoom is often an extension of the optics.

Digital zoom has its place. It can be used if the fate of your photo is the Internet. If your goal is to print the picture, then you are more to be at an advantage if you power off the zoom.

Camera Tripods

Camera Tripods

Executive Summary by David L Whittle

One of the causes of disappointing photos is camera shake.The result of camera shake is an image which is blurred or not sharp enough.The solution to this problem is to use a camera tripods.

Using a camera tripod is essential to create a steady platform for your camera. If you do not have a tripod you are effectively halving the number of picture-taking opportunities that you come across where an absolutely steady camera is necessary. A tripod is used when taking close-up,landscapes,low-light situations,slow shutter speeds,long exposures and panoramic pictures

If you are serious about photography a camera tripod is a must. Shopping for a tripod can be very confusing with all the number of tripods to choose from. Prices can vary quite a lot between the cheapest and the dearest tripods.

Good quality camera tripods will last a lifetime if well looked after, and are therefore cheaper in the long run.

If you are using the tripod out in the field then a tripod needs to be heavy and solid enough to stand weight, rougher treatment and external factors like wind and vibration. Also consider that there are ways to minimize shaking and vibration by leaning your weight on the tripod (if exposure less than 1 sec.), or hanging a heavy camera bag between the legs.

In each case you are away from the camera and will not contribute to camera shake.

Tripods - Why you really need them

Most people know that you need a tripod if you intend to make long exposure shots but this is by no means the only reason for using one.

All a tripod actually does is to provide a stable platform for your camera allowing you to make long exposures without the risk of camera shake spoiling your picture. The governing factor here is camera shake. Perhaps a word for the tripod's smaller cousin is required here. You have probably noticed that sports photographers doing long lens work usually have a monopod, rather than a tripod, attached to their cameras. If you don't have either of these, then you can use your camera's self timer. Even if your camera moves when the shutter is pressed, it will have settled down long before the photograph is taken. Some cameras have a short self timer option for precisely this purpose.

Some techniques can only be done using a camera tripods, for instance 360 degree panoramas. The weight of tripod you need is largely determined by the weight of your camera. If you use a Dslr and big lenses, you need a fairly sturdy one. If you do use a heavy camera then even more important than the weight of the camera tripod is the strength of the pan and tilt head locks. Fit the camera and tighten all the locks. In practice, the only rule you need to follow is never to move your camera tripods any great distance with a camera attached. The locks are designed for the tripod at rest.

The best way to use a camera tripod is to start by finding the camera position you want, either by eye or with the camera hand held. You then set up the camera tripods and tighten up all the locks, fit the camera and check the composition. If you have to slightly move the position, it's OK, as long as you hold on to both the camera and tripod when doing so. With cheaper camera tripods you sometimes find that tightening the lock actually moves the camera.
(by Colin Aiken)