Sunday, March 8, 2009

Shutter Bugged


I didn't always used to hate my camera.

For a few years, I snapped, zoomed and cropped happily, capturing holidays, birthdays and random get-togethers.

Over time, though, my camera -- an almost four-year-old Nikon Coolpix 5900 -- increasingly produced blurry pictures.

My technique hadn't changed (in fact, I'd like to think it had improved since I purchased the camera!). I consulted some troubleshooting guides, and figured a new battery would help the situation.

Unfortunately, it hasn't. Only if there's the proper amount of light, *and* the subjects and photographer (nine times out of 10, that's me) remain completely motionless. Sounds like fun, right? And even that's not a guarantee for a crisp end result!

I had hoped I could cope, and save for a big girl camera (I don't know which I'd buy yet, but I've been reading up on these and these). But every time I want to capture something, it's either fuzzy or a 15 minute process (find more light, plug it in, brighten up the area and take a bunch of shots hoping for a clear one).

And, as much as I like taking pictures, I hate feeling like I always have to be the one behind the lens. (But, whether photographer or subject, I can't seem to escape the blur!)




Just looking at them gives me a headache!

I definitely want to be able to photograph the months, weeks and days leading up to the wedding -- not to mention the day itself and the honeymoon! Getting a cheaper, but more reliable, camera seems to be the best idea. So, now I'm researching point-and-shoot digital cameras.

What brand -- or specific model -- do you recommend?

4 comments:

  1. It depends what you're looking for. I was ready to throw my first Kodak easyshot out of the window, as it too developed the "blurry is best" syndrome after three/four years. I moved on to a panasonic lumix fz18, but again, you can't get away from the fundamentals of photography:

    1) you need light, and lots of it
    2) if you don't have enough light, you need a tripod or you're going to get blur.

    the options are

    1) buy a light hungry camera (able to work at lower light levels without reverting to using a higher iso)

    or
    2) use flash *shudder*

    What about a entry level consumer dslr like the nikon d40 or the canon rebel xsi?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm guessing you're looking for a point and shoot rather that a DSLR? My family has always had good luck with Canon's PowerShot line. Otherwise, I'd recommend checking cnet.com or Consumer Reports to see which cameras are top rated.

    If you are looking for a DSLR (they're awesome), I second Miss Shortcake's recs for the D40 or the rebel. I love my trusty Rebel XT.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Canon Powershot all the way!

    I love that it has enough options you can use some manual settings if you're comfortable and if not, there are quite a few auto settings for any occasion...it has easy software, and the battery lasts for.ev.er.
    (they retail around $200-250) I bought mine from buydig.com which was much cheaper than best buy or another electronic retailer.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yea! Thanks for the recommendations everyone!

    ReplyDelete