Time for a new camera?

[rgun2515]

I am not a photographer, by any means, and that may be the answer to my question. I have a Sony Cybershot DSC-H5 and can't get good close-up like others on the site. Maybe I just don't know how to use this camera... I want to contribute with some good pictures, but need some help. Any suggestions?

 

[KathyC]

You might try looking at some of the links on here to learn more about photography in general
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/photography/14414-links-reference.html

Perhaps someone with the same type camera can also chime in!!

 

[katie09]

i found this...

" To take good interior shots of an aquarium, you will probably need to push the camera's ISO to its limits. While you ordinarily want to use your camera at its lowest ISO setting, using a setting of 400 or higher is a good idea in this situation because it helps you freeze the action. (When you don't freeze the action, you end up with a blur.) The ISO control makes the camera more sensitive to light and therefore enables you to use a faster shutter speed.
However, high ISO levels also add some digital noise to the picture--random bits of color that don't really belong. The tradeoff is definitely worth it when you're shooting in low-light conditions. Remember, though, to return your camera to its lowest ISO setting when you're done with the fish.
This probably goes without saying, but remember to turn off your camera's automatic flash. If the flash fires, the light will reflect off the aquarium's glass and obliterate the detail in your picture. With aquarium photography, flash is a definite no-no!"

 

[rgun2515]

You might try looking at some of the links on here to learn more about photography in general
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/photography/14414-links-reference.html

Perhaps someone with the same type camera can also chime in!!

Thanks Kathy, I will look at that now. If anyone knows this camera, let me know if it's capable.

 

[rgun2515]

i found this...

" To take good interior shots of an aquarium, you will probably need to push the camera's ISO to its limits. While you ordinarily want to use your camera at its lowest ISO setting, using a setting of 400 or higher is a good idea in this situation because it helps you freeze the action. (When you don't freeze the action, you end up with a blur.) The ISO control makes the camera more sensitive to light and therefore enables you to use a faster shutter speed.
However, high ISO levels also add some digital noise to the picture--random bits of color that don't really belong. The tradeoff is definitely worth it when you're shooting in low-light conditions. Remember, though, to return your camera to its lowest ISO setting when you're done with the fish.
This probably goes without saying, but remember to turn off your camera's automatic flash. If the flash fires, the light will reflect off the aquarium's glass and obliterate the detail in your picture. With aquarium photography, flash is a definite no-no!"

I just need some more time to play... I have to figure out how to work the camera properly. The ISO and the flash I got covered. Just don't want to spend the time if the camera can't get what I want.