Fuzzy/blurred pics at max zoom, HELP

[Everett Johnson]

Hello, all

Need help with camera pictures being blurred/fuzzy.

Some of my camera specifications.

5MP digital camera with 10X optical zoom
Aperture Wide - f/2.8 - f/8, Tele - f/3.7 - f/8
Shutter speed automatic: 1/8-1/1700 seconds
Manual: 16-1/1000 seconds

My questions?

When zoomed to maximum I cannot keep camera still.

What can I use to minimize movement without using a tripod?
I wish to remain as mobile as possible.

Any suggestions as to camera sticks (poles) for support?

What about neck straps in combo with chest support of some type?

Are there any other alternatives?

Thanks in advance.
Everett

[Ryan Scott]

I don't think so, not without a tripod. My wife can't hold our camera still enough with the max zoom, but i can usually do ok about 3/4ths of the time.

Optical zooms are prone to being more blurry anyway, at least in my experience.

[Dale Cozby]

Prop your elbow or forearm on something solid, prop both forearms/elbows if you can. Hold the camera partially against an object that doesn't move so your hand just acts as a fulcrum to move the camera, while the object holds it still. If shooting from a car window just make it touch the car near the window(car turned off of course)

Buy a 6inch tripod and tape the legs together to form a camera pole 6 inches long so you can shoot moving objects better.

All these have worked for me using SLR flim cameras for years with a long heavy zoom lens.

I have held my camera against street signs, car roofs, brick walls, trees, fences, you name it, to get it still enough. Only other thing is to have a shutter speed and an f/stop so fast it's over before you shake.

[Dave McClung]

Hello, all

Need help with camera pictures being blurred/fuzzy.

Some of my camera specifications.

5MP digital camera with X optical zoom
Aperture Wide - f/2.8 - f/8, Tel - f/3.7 - f/8
Shutter speed automatic: 1/8-1/1700 seconds
Manual: 16-1/1000 seconds

My questions?

When zoomed to maximum I cannot keep camera still.

What can I use to minimize movement without using a tripod?
I wish to remain as mobile as possible.

Any suggestions as to camera sticks (poles) for support?

What about neck straps in combo with chest support of some type?

Are there any other alternatives?

Thanks in advance.
Everett

Some cameras allow the user to increase the ISO number. If you can boost the ISO number, it will allow the shutter speed to be faster and will decrease the blur. Increasing the ISO number may also cause some "snow" in the picture, so you will need to experiment with the ISO number to find the best setting for your camera.

[Dana Grant]

Prop your elbows against something and HOLD YOUR BREATH........

I get pretty clear pictures this way...Here are just a couple that I took a few minutes ago while sitting here at my desk......(yes, my desk is a mess!! LOL)


11986

11987

[Everett Johnson]

Thanks for the input.:fav18

I will increase the iso and try all suggestions. Will let you know how things work out. I may even post some pics for critique.
Everett

[Hans Deventer]

When zoomed to maximum I cannot keep camera still.

I use a monopod at times, it does help. I use it as a walking stick as well.
Another option could be the gorillapod, it's not heavy http://www.joby.com/

Last, and the most expensive option: with a 10x optical zoom camera, you really do need image stabilization if you want to shoot from the hand. Take care to buy the real thing though, a mechanical image stabilization, not one that merely increases the ISO value. My wife has a Canon S2, 12 x zoom, and the IS works like a charm.

[Everett Johnson]

Walking stick, monopod :rolleyes:this may work. I sometimes use a cane for additional support while walking. Having the ability to double as a camera support would kill two birds with one stone.

Thanks for the advise.

Everett

[Hans Deventer]

Walking stick, monopod :rolleyes:this may work. I sometimes use a cane for additional support while walking. Having the ability to double as a camera support would kill two birds with one stone.

Thanks for the advise.

You're welcome! The one below is mine, but I guess many will do.

[Mark Bolerjack]

Is this the best brand of tripod? Betty needs a new one.

[Hans Deventer]

Is this the best brand of tripod? Betty needs a new one.

No. The best brand would probably be Gitzo (check your wallet before you buy one). Manfrotto should also be good and is considerably less expensive.

However, for a monopod, it figured it was mostly up to me regarding its stability, so why pay a jackpot price?