I’m in a big trouble using S50, HELP!

[kim1406]

I’m new in photography. I never used a digital camera, so I have lots to learn. I recently purchased Canon S50. I tried some of its shooting modes, however, all pictures I’ve taken are not good ones or simply bad (go to http://public.fotki.com/adel1406/ to see what I mean).

I guess they lack to a good focus, good lighting and coloring. Started with the Auto mode, photos are dark and dim. Using the P (Programmed) mode, still have trouble in deciding ISO speed, use of flash, correct metering/distance and other things. I tried the Macro mode, but got nothing to show.
May be some tips will help.

[Rousseau]

Don't worry, it can take a little while to learn to avoid the pitfalls when your starting out in photography. The best thing you can do is to take lots of pictures and experiment a little to see the effects of different camera settings. One of the great things about digital photography is you can mess about as much as you like, in the knowledge that you're not wasting expensive film.

One recommendation - take your camera outdoors and take some pictures in natural daylight. This will allow you to use a low ISO speed (50 or 100) which helps produce better pics. Indoor shots can often be disappointing because of the lack of light, and using flash can cause washed out photos - especially when used close-up.

Don't let a few poor results put you off - you'll soon be taking pictures you'll be proud of.

[stopbath]

Read your manual, read some books on photography.
Take loads of pictures (practice practice practice, and experiment.)

The manual is your best guide for the camera, whereas the books (get some from the library) can help in composition, lighting, exposure and stuff more than the manual can.

Slow and steady when actually taking the shot. Try different vantage points. Make sure focus is achieved and you don't jiggle the camera when taking the shot. Macro is tough, you might get better luck on macro when your subject is outside.

Good luck, and have fun.

[KurtKuhn]

I agree that your manual is a great place to begin. I've read and re-read my S45 manual many times. However the manual can be overwhelming if you are new to photography and don't completely understand the context of the directions.

As a first step, don't try to second guess your camera's settings (i.e. leave white balance on auto, ISO setting on auto, etc.). Let it decide on settings for now until you learn more of how to take better pictures. That being said, start with full Auto mode and learn when you need flash and when you don't. Make this your 1st camera setting to master; that is, your 1st step to outsmarting the camera is to either commit to flash, or to turn it off. If you learn this, chances are you'll ditch the auto setting for flash.

For some great examples on when flash outdoors is good and when flash indoors is bad, check out Phil Greenspun's tutorials at http://www.photo.net/learn/point-and-shoot-tips . I understand that the S50 is beyond a more simplistic point and shoot model, but your camera is versatile enough such that you can still take the basic point and shoot approach until you master all the settings.

Finally, relax and enjoy your camera. And take A LOT of pictures. You'll begin to get the hang of it after taking hundreds of photos. This is the best way to learn.

[kim1406]

Thanks m8s for your replies/support. As I mentioned earlier, I need lots to learn. Camera manual is a good start to know about the camera and different settings, but, in fact, it confused me some how.

Until now, I did not go to get outside photos. I will do this in my weekend. All what I’m doing now, is practicing shooting interior pictures. I guess I will go back to the Auto mode as a start.
I still need some tips in setting the camera for shooting inside pictures.

[cambo]

I agree with what the others have said...... Shoot, shoot and shoot some more!!!

One tip for taking macros (and even close-up) shots:
If you use the flash, even in P mode, the result will usually be over-exposed. The problem is that the flash ends up being too close to the subject and the camera can't automatically adjust .
When I shoot macro, I usually turn the flash off (if there is enough available light, if not, try moving the subject to an area where there is more available light) or you can also try lowering the flash compensation. Check the manual on how to do that.

Just keep having fun and experimenting.

[ScoutKatie]

One other thing that is really good about digital photography is that when the photo is not perfect, you can fix it on your computer.

As others have said, the flash can sometimes overexpose your photos. I often take indoor photos without the flash and, if they are just a little dark, I usually find that I can lighten them up with the software I'm using. (I use Adobe Photoshop, but many other programs do the same thing.)

And, if I have an odd "thing" in the photo (such as part of someone's arm, or a part of a table, etc.) I can "crop" that item out. Or, if only part of the photo is good, I can zoom in on the part of the photo I like (usually I find I was a little too far from the people and that it's nicer to get in closer), etc.

So, keep experimenting with that camera but also try experimenting on your digital photos on your computer as well.

Regards,

Katie