Got my IXUS S400 Today

[Matt]

Hey

Just picked up an S400 today after many days of questioning whether to get the S45 vs S400.

So far so good, however I can't seem to get rid of red eye when taking facial shots. Any tips? Settings?

Also if anyone has any hints or tips on shooting more manual shots etc.. as I am a complete novice, I would greatly appreciate the help.

Thanks
Matt

[tonygamble]

Buy a red eye removal pen Matt.

And forget that horrid pre-flash that really does not work.

Tony

[Matt]

There has to be away around it with the camera itself?

This isn't a known problem with this new model is it?

I haven't heard any other talk of it really.

Anyone else that owns one?

[khs8]

I never have any problem with red eye with my s230. Here what I do:

Make sure red eye reduction is on.
Use manual mode, and turn off AiAF
Focus on the subject, and press shutter button half way down for a second or two, then continue to press it down.

The reason for half way down is for the camera to do auto focus and auto AE, the red eye reduction light comes on and shines direcly on the subjects eye, the iris will reduce and then the image capture will be ok. If you press the shutter down too fast, there is no time for the subject eye's iris to close and you get the red eye.

[Matt]

Sounds great, I will try that tonight.

Thanks a lot

[Santos007]

Post some pics Matt please.

[rothers]

The IXUS 400 (& v3) will still do a full AF and AE even if the button is pressed right down in one continuous motion. It will also pause to activate the RER lamp if the flash mode it set as such.

It's only necessary to pause half way if you want to:

a) preview the focus hot spots

or

b) make use of the focus & exposure lock facilities.

Pausing half way does allow the RER lamp to remain on for longer so it could be advantageous in this case.

[Littlenose]

I too struggle a little with "Red Eye" problem when using my Ixus400. But I get round it by using aftershot processing to get rid of it when I want to use the pic for anything.

Mikey

[pcpilot]

What exactly is an IXUS S400?
I have a Powershot Elf S400.
Is that the same camera?

[Littlenose]

Yep, I think they are exactly the same other than the name.
Mikey

[Niru]

it is very surprising what u r saying concerning the 'red eye' problem since in one of the reviews that I've read , the red eye feature was mentioned as the one of the best points in the s400:

"....I was so surprised with the results of the redeye test that I went back an hour later and repeated the test. And I got the same result -- no major redeye. I was shocked that it wasn't horrible, as is usually the case with these micro cameras. I use the self-timer for this shots, and the bright orange lamp that flashes as the timer counts down may constrict the pupils a bit... but hey I'm not complaining. Note that enlarged this crop a bit so you can see the detail....."

u can read the whole review in here:

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s400-review/

[Niru]

is anyone tried taking a picture with the s400 of 'moving items etc' comparing it to the 'action' mode of the s45/s50 ??? is the lack of the action mode is significant ??

[mikebegley]

I have the S400 and have found that if the person is looking at the camera the red eye is not there. If the person is looking away it shows up. I also for some reason get red eye if I take pictures of my 2 year old in the tub. Not sure why at all.

I have taken big time close ups of my daughter where she is looking at the camera with no red eye at all.

If you want to see some examples check out this link:

http://www.BDesign.MyPhotos.photoshare.co.nz

If you want to remove any red eye on the PC after, I have a free action I downloaded for Photoshop I can send you that really does a super job. Just email me if you want it.

If you don't have Photoshop, it is an unbelievable tool. Unbelievable in ability as well as cost. ;-)
Here is a link if you want to check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000063EMG/mjbdesign-20

[khs8]

Mike: photoshop is unbelievable indeed, ie, it costs a lot more than my s230.

[mikebegley]

KS

I agree, it is pricey. But well worth it if you can swing it. It was a hard sell to my wife.

Mike

[Andrys]

You know? I have Photoshop 4 on my disc and have used it, but I like PaintShop so much more as it is easier to use and at the time I bought both Paintshop had far the more effective resizing. Now Photoshop has caught up. But, Paintshop is less than $100 and many pro photographers use it in their business, per newsgroup posts.

[CyberDyneSystems]

PaintShop pro is a wonderfull alternative and much lower cost than Photoshop. I've allways liked it. Hmm I wonder if they have a raw plugin???? :D