I've been shooting with a Nikon Coolpix P100 since January 2011(second week of my project) and have been okay with my results until recently. Within the last few months I feel as if my shots are softer in focus and darker in exposure. Full disclosure, I still shoot mainly on programmed modes but have tried manual modes and been disappointed there as well. I'm looking for photos with sharper focus and more depth of field.
I've been thinking of upgrading to the Nikon D3300 when it releases in February (Canon Rebel models have also been suggested, but I'm hesitant to switch brands). However, I am now second guessing myself as to if the camera isn't meeting my needs anymore (I have read quite a few online reviews from people who have the same complaints) or if I'm the problem.
Basically, I am wondering if anyone would be willing to look through a bit of my album and give me a few critiques if they think I could make adjustments in my settings and an upgrade is not needed.
@mej2011 I've left you a few notes on one of your pics. You made a comment in the tags about not knowing how to use a camera. I would suggest trying to improve your understanding how to work in manual mode and hone your skills. Then you will be better able to tell if the camera has lost quality or not.
If you want to upgrade, either Nikon or Canon have great cameras. I recently switched from a Canon EOS400D to a Nikon D3200.
Hi Melissa. My first guess is that you have outgrown your camera. Trying to shoot manual with the camera you have will be a challenge. Concerning "depth of field". Compact cameras do not give you many options with aperture. Usually f/5.6 - f/8.
One thing that I have noticed with my project is that I am more likely to shoot in conditions that I wouldn't have before, or try new things. Any time you push the limits of you camera you are more likely to "fail". But that is how you learn. You may also want to look at the Camera Settings Challenges. They are set up to help you learn your camera. This week is large aperture.
I shoot Nikon but my sister shoots Canon. I believe both brands are equally good.
About your album.
Shooting through a window is always a challenge. The best thing to do, if you can, is get the lens flat against the window. This will cut down on the reflections.
A dslr can help to a certain extent with wildlife photography. A lens that can be stopped down to f/1.8 or f/2.8 will allow you to shoot at a faster speed ( to freeze motion ) (your squirrel shot). A faster shutter speed will also help with camera shake.
If you think your shots are underexposed in manual mode take a couple shots. The first should be what the camera thinks is a perfect exposure. Overexpose the next shot by one bar. Take one more shot and overexpose by two bars. Then look at them on the computer. This will give you a better idea of what your camera is doing. I underexpose by 2/3 of a stop on my camera in full or regular sunlight. I change to even exposure when shooting in the shade or evening hours.
Changing brands right now is not a problem because you haven't invested money in any lenses.
Cannon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax all make great DSLR's you could also look as some micro 4/3 cameras by brands like Olympus.
Trying to get a shallow DoF in a compact camera is almost impossible unless you are shooting inches away from your subject. This is due to the small sensor.
I would suggest looking for a low use used DSLR body or Mirco 4/3 body and use your savings on a good lens or two.
As the others have said, you are beginning to discover the limitations of small "point and shoot" compact cameras in striving to improve your photography and, at the same time, realising that producing the results you want requires knowledge and technique too.
My simple advice would be to, 1.) invest in an entry level DSLR and a couple of lenses 2.) do a course or get a book on the basics of photography 3.) learn from other people's photos and ask yourself what they needed to do to achieve them.
I managed 365 with an old Sony Cybershot and made the PP fairly regularly and Top Twenty two or three times using it. I was really frustrated by the 3x zoom limitation and the lack of control to allow me to do more than 1s long exposure, but I found ways to do it. I never used the scenes and worked on Programme only. That camera has lower spec than many phone cameras. And there are people taking fantastic shots on phone cameras.
You can do some amazing things with point and shoot cameras - their macro is often very good. Street photography is fine and you can get away with a lot more than using a big DSLR - I could shoot on the underground, at stations and in places where others can't. You can force blur and long exposure by using the limitations of the camera. You can compose shots, use HDR, create abstracts, use high key, low key, selfies, learn lighting and processing,
I found that knowing the p&s controls meant I could read the discussions for the DSLR and work out how effects were created and have attempts at my own version.
Melissa, I had a great Canon bridge camera and after a few years really felt that it just was not as sharp as it used to be. So I do not think it is you at all.
Also, you really want to upgrade, and now is the perfect time to push yourself with the new camera by getting back to taking a photo a day. Just go for it.
Thanks for all of the responses everyone! I will look through all of your suggestions more thoroughly and practice your suggestions, but at this point I am really leaning towards at least looking at and hopefully trying out the D3300 when it is released and exploring the options of possible upgrades! Thanks again!
@dgcarter
As far as learning from other people's photos and figuring out what they needed to achieve their photos, I'm most attracted to the lighting that better cameras are able to produce.
@shannejw
That very well might be true. However, when doing as suggested, looking at different photos here (and also on Flickr) and picking out the elements that I like, I find that the lighting from dslrs that have the external flexible flash are enjoyable, where as the lighting on photos taken by cameras such as mine make the photos look washed out.
Certainly I am not suggesting that everyone NEED a DSLR, I am simply trying to find something to work for me.
@mej2011 I have to say that subject, composition, balance, etc is all the work of a photographer. The quality of light, the sharpness, the clarity in a photo is mostly the quality of the camera and the lenses. It is good to move up, and it seems like you are ready.
@mej2011 For one thing, a better camera will enable you to get better results from lower natural light. Larger sensor cameras do not produce as much noise at higher ISO ratings than smaller sensor cameras like compacts.
@dgcarter
Thanks for the clarification on this. I thought that might be the case, but again, I'm no expert. I am really leaning towards the idea that a new camera is in order.
As a Nikon owner I may be a bit biased, but I do think that you've made an excellent choice. I've had my D3100 for well over 2 years and still utterly love it.
To get the depth of field you want get a 35mm fixed lens. I promise you won't be disappointed.
@malibar
Thanks! It's only been about two weeks, and I'm mostly on auto or "guide" mode until I can figure out the menus on the D3200 (VERY different than the Coolpix P100), but I can already see the picture quality is much better!
I currently have an 18-55 and 55-200 lens, but I have the lens you suggested on my Amazon "wish" list. Thanks for the suggestion!
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If you want to upgrade, either Nikon or Canon have great cameras. I recently switched from a Canon EOS400D to a Nikon D3200.
One thing that I have noticed with my project is that I am more likely to shoot in conditions that I wouldn't have before, or try new things. Any time you push the limits of you camera you are more likely to "fail". But that is how you learn. You may also want to look at the Camera Settings Challenges. They are set up to help you learn your camera. This week is large aperture.
I shoot Nikon but my sister shoots Canon. I believe both brands are equally good.
About your album.
Shooting through a window is always a challenge. The best thing to do, if you can, is get the lens flat against the window. This will cut down on the reflections.
A dslr can help to a certain extent with wildlife photography. A lens that can be stopped down to f/1.8 or f/2.8 will allow you to shoot at a faster speed ( to freeze motion ) (your squirrel shot). A faster shutter speed will also help with camera shake.
If you think your shots are underexposed in manual mode take a couple shots. The first should be what the camera thinks is a perfect exposure. Overexpose the next shot by one bar. Take one more shot and overexpose by two bars. Then look at them on the computer. This will give you a better idea of what your camera is doing. I underexpose by 2/3 of a stop on my camera in full or regular sunlight. I change to even exposure when shooting in the shade or evening hours.
Cannon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax all make great DSLR's you could also look as some micro 4/3 cameras by brands like Olympus.
Trying to get a shallow DoF in a compact camera is almost impossible unless you are shooting inches away from your subject. This is due to the small sensor.
I would suggest looking for a low use used DSLR body or Mirco 4/3 body and use your savings on a good lens or two.
As the others have said, you are beginning to discover the limitations of small "point and shoot" compact cameras in striving to improve your photography and, at the same time, realising that producing the results you want requires knowledge and technique too.
My simple advice would be to, 1.) invest in an entry level DSLR and a couple of lenses 2.) do a course or get a book on the basics of photography 3.) learn from other people's photos and ask yourself what they needed to do to achieve them.
No. 3 is what I still practice every day.
You can do some amazing things with point and shoot cameras - their macro is often very good. Street photography is fine and you can get away with a lot more than using a big DSLR - I could shoot on the underground, at stations and in places where others can't. You can force blur and long exposure by using the limitations of the camera. You can compose shots, use HDR, create abstracts, use high key, low key, selfies, learn lighting and processing,
I found that knowing the p&s controls meant I could read the discussions for the DSLR and work out how effects were created and have attempts at my own version.
Also, you really want to upgrade, and now is the perfect time to push yourself with the new camera by getting back to taking a photo a day. Just go for it.
Thanks for all of the responses everyone! I will look through all of your suggestions more thoroughly and practice your suggestions, but at this point I am really leaning towards at least looking at and hopefully trying out the D3300 when it is released and exploring the options of possible upgrades! Thanks again!
As far as learning from other people's photos and figuring out what they needed to achieve their photos, I'm most attracted to the lighting that better cameras are able to produce.
That very well might be true. However, when doing as suggested, looking at different photos here (and also on Flickr) and picking out the elements that I like, I find that the lighting from dslrs that have the external flexible flash are enjoyable, where as the lighting on photos taken by cameras such as mine make the photos look washed out.
Certainly I am not suggesting that everyone NEED a DSLR, I am simply trying to find something to work for me.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the clarification on this. I thought that might be the case, but again, I'm no expert. I am really leaning towards the idea that a new camera is in order.
Well today I took the plunge! I am now the owner of a Nikon d3200. I will start shooting with it tomorrow.
To get the depth of field you want get a 35mm fixed lens. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens
Thanks! It's only been about two weeks, and I'm mostly on auto or "guide" mode until I can figure out the menus on the D3200 (VERY different than the Coolpix P100), but I can already see the picture quality is much better!
I currently have an 18-55 and 55-200 lens, but I have the lens you suggested on my Amazon "wish" list. Thanks for the suggestion!