General tips for a clueless noob, please.

fozzybear

fozzybear

fozzybear

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Manchester
I've just got myself an entry level camera, the Canon A580.

I have yet to have a good mess about with it but will be taking a few snaps at Old Trafford on Sunday and at Haydock Park races on the 17th.

Obviously, I won't be able to take any decent action shots with this so i'll be limited to close ups mostly.

Has anyone got any general tips? It's my first venture into trying to take some decent shots rather than just point and shoot.

Was the Canon A580 at £76 a wise choice as a starter camera? I must admit it was a bit of an impulse buy.
 
post some of your shots on here. maybe a few folk can give advice on your photographs and how to improve your techniques. I'm learning as well and found advice here helpful. :)
 
Is this the Powershot A580? I've got one, it's pretty good. Although to be honest I actually preferred my older 2MP A60.


Main things I found with the 580:
Flash recharge time is quite slow with only the 2 AAs.

Sometimes the pics can be quite noisy, but with good light some excellent smooth pictures come out the camera.

With 5MP and the Zoom, you may be able to get some action shots better than you think after some cropping depending where you are.

For taking action pictures of things like kids and stuff it can be a bit slow, but for general P+S activities, landscapes, street, walkabout it's really good. Nice and small and light as well. Macro mode is pretty useful as well.

edit - oops It's a A530 I have not the 580....
 
Last edited:
Cheers chaps.

The instructions that came with the camera were pretty poor really. I may pop into Waterstones and see if there's any good books. Can anyone recommend any

Also, I got a Transcend 4GB Class 6 SDHC card for around £7.50 delivered the other day. Is that roughly the right price I should be paying and are Transcend a decend brand?

Finally, just one more thing, I'm after buying some rechargable batteries and a recharger soon. Could someone point me the right way to which one will work well with my camera?

I will post some pics next Monday and await your critique! :)
 
Not happy with the first batch of photos. I'm not really confident with what i'm doing though.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3190388093_2c517ab53f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3190388099_141dc8464c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3190388103_1018a066a2_b.jpg

They are probably the best three. :(

Most of the others are very noisy. I don't know what i've done for them not to look as 'sharp' as the 3 above.

I'll post an example of one here.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3191245056_2ec8975437_b.jpg

Bear in mind that I have previously been just a 'point and shoot' kind of guy and they are taken with a £76 Canon Powershot A580. Any tips welcomed and much needed. :)
 
it appears you have stripped the exif from the iamges. Could you stick up some straight from the camera images or paste the exif data from those images.
 
Photo 1 -

Exif IFD0

* Camera Make = Canon
* Camera Model = Canon PowerShot A580
* Picture Orientation = normal (1)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Last Modified Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:13:35
* Y/Cb/Cr Positioning (Subsampling) = centered / center of pixel array (1)

Exif Sub IFD

* Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/60 second = 0.01667 second
* Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 28/10 = F2.8
* ISO Speed Ratings = 160
* Exif Version = 0220
* Original Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:13:35
* Digitization Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:13:35
* Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
* Compressed Bits per Pixel = 3/1 = 3
* Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 189/32
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/59.97 second
* Aperture Value (APEX) = 95/32
Aperture = F2.8
* Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 = 0
* Max Aperture Value (APEX) = 95/32 = 2.97
Max Aperture = F2.8
* Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
* Flash = Flash did not fire, auto mode
* Focal Length = 6663/1000 mm = 6.66 mm
User Comment Character Code = not defined
* FlashPix Version = 0100
* Colour Space = sRGB (1)
* Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Image Height = 2448 pixels
* Focal Plane X-Resolution = 3264000/225 = 14506.67
* Focal Plane Y-Resolution = 2448000/169 = 14485.21
* Focal Plane X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Image Sensing Method = one-chip color area sensor (2)
* Image Source = digital still camera (DSC)
* Custom Rendered = normal process (0)
* Exposure Mode = auto exposure (0)
* White Balance = auto (0)
* Digital Zoom Ratio = 3264/3264 = 1
* Scene Capture Type = night scene (3)

Exif IFD1

* Compression = JPEG compression (6)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Embedded thumbnail image:

Exif Interoperability IFD

* Interoperability Index = R98
* Interoperability Version = 0100
* Related Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Related Image Length = 2448 pixels
 
Photo 2 -

Exif IFD0

* Camera Make = Canon
* Camera Model = Canon PowerShot A580
* Picture Orientation = normal (1)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Last Modified Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:19:46
* Y/Cb/Cr Positioning (Subsampling) = centered / center of pixel array (1)

Exif Sub IFD

* Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/50 second = 0.02 second
* Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 32/10 = F3.2
* ISO Speed Ratings = 80
* Exif Version = 0220
* Original Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:19:46
* Digitization Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:19:46
* Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
* Compressed Bits per Pixel = 3/1 = 3
* Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 181/32
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/50.43 second
* Aperture Value (APEX) = 107/32
Aperture = F3.19
* Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 = 0
* Max Aperture Value (APEX) = 107/32 = 3.34
Max Aperture = F3.19
* Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
* Flash = Flash did not fire, auto mode
* Focal Length = 7982/1000 mm = 7.98 mm
User Comment Character Code = not defined
* FlashPix Version = 0100
* Colour Space = sRGB (1)
* Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Image Height = 2448 pixels
* Focal Plane X-Resolution = 3264000/225 = 14506.67
* Focal Plane Y-Resolution = 2448000/169 = 14485.21
* Focal Plane X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Image Sensing Method = one-chip color area sensor (2)
* Image Source = digital still camera (DSC)
* Custom Rendered = normal process (0)
* Exposure Mode = auto exposure (0)
* White Balance = auto (0)
* Digital Zoom Ratio = 3264/3264 = 1
* Scene Capture Type = night scene (3)

Exif IFD1

* Compression = JPEG compression (6)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Embedded thumbnail image:

Exif Interoperability IFD

* Interoperability Index = R98
* Interoperability Version = 0100
* Related Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Related Image Length = 2448 pixels
 
Photo 3 -

Exif IFD0

* Camera Make = Canon
* Camera Model = Canon PowerShot A580
* Picture Orientation = normal (1)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Last Modified Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:29:32
* Y/Cb/Cr Positioning (Subsampling) = centered / center of pixel array (1)

Exif Sub IFD

* Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/60 second = 0.01667 second
* Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 32/10 = F3.2
* ISO Speed Ratings = 250
* Exif Version = 0220
* Original Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:29:32
* Digitization Date/Time = 2009:01:11 15:29:32
* Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
* Compressed Bits per Pixel = 3/1 = 3
* Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 189/32
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/59.97 second
* Aperture Value (APEX) = 107/32
Aperture = F3.19
* Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 = 0
* Max Aperture Value (APEX) = 107/32 = 3.34
Max Aperture = F3.19
* Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
* Flash = Flash fired, auto mode, red-eye reduction mode
* Focal Length = 7982/1000 mm = 7.98 mm
* FlashPix Version = 0100
* Colour Space = sRGB (1)
* Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Image Height = 2448 pixels
* Focal Plane X-Resolution = 3264000/225 = 14506.67
* Focal Plane Y-Resolution = 2448000/169 = 14485.21
* Focal Plane X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Image Sensing Method = one-chip color area sensor (2)
* Image Source = digital still camera (DSC)
* Custom Rendered = normal process (0)
* Exposure Mode = auto exposure (0)
* White Balance = auto (0)
* Digital Zoom Ratio = 3264/3264 = 1
* Scene Capture Type = standard (0)

Exif IFD1

* Compression = JPEG compression (6)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Embedded thumbnail image:

Exif Interoperability IFD

* Interoperability Index = R98
* Interoperability Version = 0100
* Related Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Related Image Length = 2448 pixels
 
Photo 4 - (noise example)

Exif IFD0

* Camera Make = Canon
* Camera Model = Canon PowerShot A580
* Picture Orientation = rotated 270° (8)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Last Modified Date/Time = 2009:01:11 14:50:51
* Y/Cb/Cr Positioning (Subsampling) = centered / center of pixel array (1)

Exif Sub IFD

* Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/640 second = 0.00156 second
* Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 35/10 = F3.5
* ISO Speed Ratings = 1600
* Exif Version = 0220
* Original Date/Time = 2009:01:11 14:50:51
* Digitization Date/Time = 2009:01:11 14:50:51
* Components Configuration = 0x01,0x02,0x03,0x00 / YCbCr
* Compressed Bits per Pixel = 3/1 = 3
* Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 298/32
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/635.83 second
* Aperture Value (APEX) = 116/32
Aperture = F3.51
* Exposure Bias (EV) = 0/3 = 0
* Max Aperture Value (APEX) = 116/32 = 3.63
Max Aperture = F3.51
* Metering Mode = pattern / multi-segment (5)
* Flash = Flash did not fire, auto mode
* Focal Length = 9984/1000 mm = 9.98 mm
* FlashPix Version = 0100
* Colour Space = sRGB (1)
* Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Image Height = 2448 pixels
* Focal Plane X-Resolution = 3264000/225 = 14506.67
* Focal Plane Y-Resolution = 2448000/169 = 14485.21
* Focal Plane X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Image Sensing Method = one-chip color area sensor (2)
* Image Source = digital still camera (DSC)
* Custom Rendered = normal process (0)
* Exposure Mode = auto exposure (0)
* White Balance = manual (1)
* Digital Zoom Ratio = 3264/3264 = 1
* Scene Capture Type = standard (0)

Exif IFD1

* Compression = JPEG compression (6)
* X-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* Y-Resolution = 180/1 = 180
* X/Y-Resolution Unit = inch (2)
* Embedded thumbnail image:

Exif Interoperability IFD

* Interoperability Index = R98
* Interoperability Version = 0100
* Related Image Width = 3264 pixels
* Related Image Length = 2448 pixels
 
Yeah, a 1600 ISO will be the reason for the noise.

The higher the number of the ISO, the more noise there will be, however it will allow you use a faster shutter speed, thus minimising blur caused by camera shake in low light levels.

I don't know anything about your camera. Does it give you control over things like aperture, shutter speed etc?
 
ScarySquirrel said:
Yeah, a 1600 ISO will be the reason for the noise.

The higher the number of the ISO, the more noise there will be, however it will allow you use a faster shutter speed, thus minimising blur caused by camera shake in low light levels.

I don't know anything about your camera. Does it give you control over things like aperture, shutter speed etc?
Click to expand...

'Manual gives you the most control of the camera, although shutter speed and aperture are not accessible. You do get access to white balance, exposure compensation, and My Colors. You can select a specific ISO.'

So, no. Well, at least i've learnt a few things today.
 
fozzybear said:
'Manual gives you the most control of the camera, although shutter speed and aperture are not accessible. You do get access to white balance, exposure compensation, and My Colors. You can select a specific ISO.'

So, no. Well, at least i've learnt a few things today.
Click to expand...

That's odd. I would hardly call it manual if you cannot control aperture and shutter speed, which are my most important settings.

Do you have an Av mode (Aperture priority)?
 
ScarySquirrel said:
That's odd. I would hardly call it manual if you cannot control aperture and shutter speed, which are my most important settings.

Do you have an Av mode (Aperture priority)?
Click to expand...

From a website review.

'If you want a digital camera you can grow with as you learn more about digital cameras, for only about US $50 more, the Canon PowerShot A590 IS adds Image Stabilization, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority mode, manual focus and accepts optional Tele Converter, Wide Converter and Close-up lens.'

So again, no. Bloody impulse buys. :(
 
It just looks like the camera has focussed on the far rather than the foreground on the horse.

A Nikon D3 won't magically focus on the right thing either... You could stil get a shot like that out a D3 :)


I looked up the camera.. http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_a580_pg3.html

Perhaps you could experiment with the AF mode ? Try center , may get more consistant results. In these canons when you focus green boxes appear on the focus zones (aiaf), certainly with my 530 these can often appear in all the wrong places and can be quite annoying, but usually just refocusing and it gets it right.
 
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