topic Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS in Point & Shoot Digital Cameras

tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 00:47:28 GMT

I need a tutorial or a step by step instruction that I can follow. I have downloaded the complete manual and thoroughly read and studied it. My last Canon was the AE1program purchased in 1984 and used for 20 years, always on the automatic setting. Since 2004, I have used a Kodak automatic camera. I am overwhelmed by the settings on this wonderful new camera I just received as a gift 5 weeks ago. I found one tutorial for setting C1 & C2 to be used respectively for birds in the distance and macro shots. This is exactly what I need but not exactly the settings as described in the tutorial. Also, the videographer does not explain how to set the settings but assumes the viewer already knows that.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

murryg — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 16:53:57 GMT

Here are a couple threads that might help:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50533722

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50541326

These were written by Ed (Vision Light) in the powershot forum on DPReview:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/1010

Murry

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 19:56:22 GMT

I do appreciate getting your response. However, I am more a nature hobbyist than a photographer. I do not speak the language of photography & at 65, I do not intend to learn. I intend to use everthing on this camera as automatically as possible. That does not mean I am just going to set it on Auto and shoot. I need to control the focus. I want to shoot multiple frames and I want to learn to use the focus tracking. I mostly shoot birds and butterflies wherever I find them. I don't find that I would have time to mess with camera settings in these situations although I realize that the best photographers do that. I just use the pictures for myself and a few friends and I never print them. I am keeping this camera so I do not need reviews. I think this guy is telling me what I need to know

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh3567vQQVY but he is going too fast and skipping over the steps on how to actually choose these settings. Also, I do not want to use the Tv mode as he is doing because I do not want to set the ISO. I will try the sports mode on birds next as you demonstrated.

Thanks again for your response. Your pictures are wonderful.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

cicopo — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 01:25:31 GMT

If you want better results invest about 1 hour learning the important controls. Understanding ISO & Tv is relatively easy & will advance your skills & results Learn those, what AI Servo is & how to use Exposure Compensation

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 20:47:43 GMT

Thank you. I have all of that. I need guidance on which menu settings are best for what please on this specific camera. Particularly moving birds & butterflies (as in far & close in) in bright light and and shadows. And I want to be able to grab the camera and shoot quickly before the subjects get away.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

cicopo — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 21:10:12 GMT

The problem is that there isn't a setting that does all that. It's done using combinations of settings best for the situation & available light. The other option is Sport mode but it's still a compromise but at least it starts by using the light meter to choose the rest of the settings.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

cicopo — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 21:31:56 GMT

The reason you can't just set it for every situation is as simple to understand as this. The light meter can't know what amount of light is on the bird vs the general scene. IF the bird (say a Great Blue Heron) flies by and you're lucky enough to have the sun at your back you stand a good chance of a decent photo BUT if you're shooting towards the sun you'll just get a silhouette of the bird that's severly underexposed. You need to learn how to expose for the bird & not the sky or background.

ALSO check your manual carefully about whether or not you can leave the IS on for panning. IS in most cameras is JUST for taking photos of stationary subjects. In many cases leaving it on when panning adds some blur instead of cancelling it.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 23:07:49 GMT

I understand what you are saying about the ISO. I practiced since your last post using the Tv Mode. I adjusted the ISO and shot into sun and shadows. I have C1 settings saved as Tv, continuous shooting, & JPEG for faster shooting as was demonstrated in the YouTube video I linked in my first request for help. I think I will be OK with that for birds. (?)

Can you suggest what mode would be best for butterflies? Distance would usually be 2-6 feet or could be closer sometimes.

I am sorry to say I do not understand your second paragraph. I don't know what IS is.

Thank you so much for your help!

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

cicopo — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 02:15:56 GMT

IS is the Canon abbreviation for IMAGE STABILIZED which employs floating lens elements which help cancel out camera shake. If IS is on you can take a photo at a lower shutter speed than usually recommended for the lighting & still get a sharp image. Canon uses IS in many of their P&S bodies but not in their DSLR's. It's built into some of their lenses but not all of them & depending on the lens it may have a panning mode (mode 2).

As for shooting butterflies up close I think P, Tv or Av all could work reasonable well in decent light so I'd experiment a bit with each. Using P as a starting point take a few photos & see what settings; especially the shutter speed, and see how they look. If the camera chose a fast shutter speed & a really small aperture (P&S don't go as small as a DSLR lens) you can try Tv and a slightly faster shutter speed which should increase your chances of a very sharp image. IF you start using these modes learn Exposure Compensation because it allows you to quickly adjust for a better exposure than the one you just took & viewed on the LCD. For my style of photography EC is the most valuable tool the camera offers other than being able to see the shot I just took on the LCD. We didn't have that available when I shot film.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 01:15:38 GMT

Yes. Image Stabilazation was one of the key features that attracted me to this camera. I just have trouble remembering all the abreviations. I don't think I do much panning but what you are saying might explain why my picture of the International Space Station shows a long tail behind it.

You have given me quite a bit to work on. I did not realize what a big learning curve leap I was taking when I chose this camera. Thank you so very much.

If it is OK with you, I will leave this thread open for a while just in case anyone else has good information that I can use.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

fyigmo63 — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 04:56:09 GMT

I realize that you said you're 65 and not eager to learn new things, but if you're willing to explore the features on your camera more and also willing to practice with it, you'll find that using the camera in Auto mode only has many drawbacks. It's just my opinion, but I think you'd be well served to begin learning how to use this or any other camera in Manual mode, which could well open new vistas for you.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

cicopo — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 13:38:25 GMT

When you consider the number of hours of working it takes to earn the money to buy a decent camera it seems like spending a bit of time learning & experimenting makes those work hours pay off much better. The rules of photography apply across the board, so once you understand the basics they can be applied to any camera & you'll get much more predictable results. With film there was a continous cost to experiment with settings but you can shoot thousands of images now, see the results right away, and then delete the bad ones without spending any more money than you already have. I'm older than you and participate in forums like this to keep learning, both by being forced to think of how I'd handle a tricky situation & from learning how others do things.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 20:21:01 GMT

I hear you both & I don't disagree with what you are saying. If there was a class anywhere near me, I would take it. . I am generally a good student. My frustration is that there seems to be such a huge gap between what I can understand from the manual (on PDF only unless I print 283 pages) and my level of skill & knowledge. Canon promotes its YouTube channel but there is very little on there. If you know of any other resources for learning, I am open to that.

I am very grateful for all of the help I have received from you.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

murryg — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 21:02:05 GMT

Did you read this link by Ed (Vision Light) that I posted at the top of this thread?

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50541326

It is less than two pages and he tells you how to get sharp photos with the SX50.

It is not a review!!

Murry

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 22:10:32 GMT

Yes. I read everything you sent me including this link when it was received. Thank you for sending it again. I supppose I was done reading by the time I got to it. I have not found Evaluative Metering Mode in the manual or on the camera.

Also, cicipopo told me I should learn Exposure Compensation. I do not know where to look for that either.

I am wondering if I missed any sort of interactive website or manual for looking these things up.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

fyigmo63 — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:17 GMT

Linda,

Then you may want to spend some time on Youtube. There are too many educational/instructional videos on there to count. Just type in the search window what you want to learn more about and be amazed at what comes up. Take your time, watch the videos, practice, and keep asking questions. Your learning curve will increase, without a doubt.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

murryg — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:12:17 GMT

Linda,

You can download a PDF copy of the SX50's Camera Users Guide at this link:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/digital_cameras/powershot_sx50_hs#BrochuresAndManuals

It is the first download item on the page and it takes a little time to download but once you get it on your computer the PDF document is searchable by page and/or word which is very convenient. Also towards the back are some great tables that show what features can be used or not used with other features--ie the macro selection is not available when shooting in AUTO, etc. Page 116 talks about changing metering modes including evaluative metering. Page 115 talks about inage brightness (exposure compensation)

Murry

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 01:45:58 GMT

Ahhh! This is a breakthrough! I had downloaded the manual but it is Adobe with no ability to search. Thank you!

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

cicopo — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 02:17:52 GMT

I've downloaded it too. Lots of information (based on a quick scan) on how to avoid learning what it takes to learning proper photography. Not that that's a bad thing because the whole idea is sales to those looking for pro results without having to make any effort other than paying.

One other point I would like to make & forgot so far that will help with your birds in flight specifically is to use the VIEWFINDER, not the LCD to compose & track them. This will both increase your keeper rate from a camera shake point of view & from getting it framed much faster in bright light.

Re: tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

LindaBirder — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 03:22:12 GMT

Thank you. I do almost always use the viewfinder for birds. That is one of the noticable drawbacks to this camera - no switch to quickly change from the screen & the viewfinder. And I actually can't remember ever taking a picture of a bird in flight.