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Cheap Enhancements for "Low End" Digital Cameras

by HBunch


I have noticed that, like myself, quite a few people have limited, lower end digital cameras. no fancy lighting, no special effects, not a lot of options.
Some photos suffer greatly because of the limitations of the camera. It is really the camera being judged, and not the ability of the photographer.
I've composed a list of some tricks/tips that can be used to improve photo quality without having to spend an enormous amount of money.
It's unfortunate that the "lesser" photo seem to get the less attention, where in fact, those are the ones that need it most. If in fact, we can improve the quality slightly through the use of some inexpensive "fix-its" it is possible then that we can get more help as to what to do as a photographer, rather than getting the same "focus is off" comments. If focus can be improved, than the attention can then be averted to maybe the composition of the photos instead.

If your photos look like this:


And you want them like this:


THEN PLEASE READ ON

Also included are tips for leveling, lighting and macros.

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	Situation: You are attempting to shoot a macro shot. You only have digital zoom. Your photo keeps coming out fuzzy. You cut down on the zoom, only to realize that your shot has gone from "macro" to "semi-close-up shot with unwanted stuff in the background". I find that when I use the digital zoom on my 2.1mp digital camera, the photo becomes blurry and pixled.
	Solution: A simple magnifying glass placed in front of the camera lens will smoothe out the pixles and sharpen up the photo. It will take a lot of practice as to how far away from the object to be to get a really clear photo. Of course, the photo wont be perfect, however, it will be a lot better than with a straight digital zoom.

Please check out these photos for examples of equipment, how to use, and comparrisons of with/without the magnifying glass.

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Here are some examples of some simple magnifying glasses. There are 3 "strengths" here, all of which I have found to have about the same effect.



These 2 photo were taken both at the "safe" focus distance. Notice how much closer to the object I was able to get with the magnifying glass.

Without

With

Here are 2 more examples of photos with and without the magnifying glass. These 2 objects were taken to be the same size. Notice how with the magnifying glass, there is extra quality in the closer up item, where it is actually the BACKGROUND that is in focus in the photo without the magnifying glass.

Without

With

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	SITUATION: You are trying to shot a still shot and you keep getting distracting shadows or bright spots. Natural light seems TOO bright, lamps or overhead light isn't bright enough and the built in flash is leaving glares.
	SOLUTION: Simply use the brightest light possible, then put a sheet, or thin paper between the light source and the subject you are shooting. You'll have to play around to find out what works best with the light you have. You may have to double up on the sheet or paper for extra light "protection".

Again, the result isn't professional quality, but it may be good enough so that you can focus on other aspects of your photo.

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	SITUATION: You don't have a tripod, and the "flat" space you have to set your camera on is not even, or simply not high enough.
	SOLUTION: Take a cute little beanie baby with you on your photo shoots. They can squish and be manipulated enough to level out the camera to get a perfectly horizontal horizon, or give your camera just enough of a boost to get just the right angle. (yeah, I know my example is off, but use your imagination. *smile* )

Quick and easy ways to make bean bags, if you don't have (or don't want to carry) a beanie baby... You can make one out of a sock and some rice, or out of a large balloon and some sand. Just fill the balloon up with the sand and tie it. Anything similar would work. You can also buy them in some camera shops. But I've been told they can get pricey.

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I hope that at least 1 person finds this helpful. These are simple things that could have saved me a lot of anguish when I first started using my camera, and even now, as I try to develop my skills.
Good luck in you're photos, and as always, have fun!

~Heather Lancaster~
(Hbunch7187)
Feel free to email with questions, comments, complaints or suggestions.
Hbunch7187@aol.com

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