Compact Point and Shoot Cameras – Not Appropriate for the Serious Photographer?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008 @ 01:45
Many people think that anyone with a simple "point and shoot" camera is not a true photographer. Point and shoot cameras, in their opinion, are "idiot boxes." In other words, no serious photographer would be caught dead with one.
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, many compact point and shoot cameras on the market today allow lots of leeway for the photographer to manipulate various settings in order to obtain just the effect he is looking for. They also provide handy "default" settings that allow the photographer ease of use. This is especially beneficial in cases where the action is happening fast and the photographer doesn't have time to mess with the camera's controls.
If you have a point and shoot camera you might want to take a look at the owner's manual. Many of them will let you adjust the aperture, lens setting and shutter speed, among other things. They might also provide advice on various default settings for the types of photos you are taking, such as portraits, landscapes, night photos, etc. Be aware that you can always adjust the flash to some degree, even if it is just on or off. Having the camera decide when to utilize the flash is not always the best option in all situations.
Be aware that you can also adjust the zoom feature on most compact cameras. Depending on how far away from the action you are, you can set the zoom for the most suitable magnification. This is especially helpful when shooting sport and similar events where you have restricted access, perhaps from that seat in the peanut gallery.
The bottom line is that your point and shoot compact may be a great little camera if only you'd learn to use it properly. Even professional photographers usually have a point and shoot in their camera bag, because those cameras work best in certain situations. So take the time to learn about that little compact you keep in your bedroom drawer. You might very well find that it will take some really great pictures.
