How can I get crystal clear pictures?

Question

I just purchased a Lumix FZ8, I am having trouble setting it so it can take clear pictures. When I bring the photo to its full size it is rough. I had it on full zoom, could that be my problem?

Answer 1

When you have it on full zoom, that likely means you've used "digital zoom", which is a very poor quality zoom feature. It basically zooms in on the pixelated image -- no different than magnifying a digital image on your computer beyond 100%. Optical zoom has the problem where the image is more difficult keep the subject in the frame without getting motion blur. It can be compared to trying to write your name while holding a pen from the part furthest away from the ballpoint or pressing a button on your DVD player with a 10-foot pole -- small movements of the camera translate into big movements on the other side of the lens. This effect increases the greater the zoom.

Answer 2

Anthony above has it right. He explains WHY you get blurred pictures (I gave him the thumbs up).

But as to HOW to get clear picture he didn't explain. Here are some of the things you can do to get sharp pictures (warning: you will NOT be able to do all of them at the same time).

Use LOW ISO number

use HIGH F number (smaller aperture hole)

use HIGH shutter speed number (fast shutter speed)

use TRIPOD (for steady camera)

use FLASH (flash duration is as short as few milliseconds / thousandth of second).

use WIDER angle lens setting (move up instead of just zooming whenever possible).

hold the camera steady (even after the exposure). Cameras are not done at the count of three. It may take 1 second or more from the time you press the shutter and the camera finishes taking picture. So count

1,
2 (shutt half way down / focus lock),
3 (shutter),
4,
5 (relax).

Practice.

get MAX light (like out doors).

Now again you will not be able to to all of the at the same time. You will have to make choices at to what is the most important for your situation at the time of exposure. For example if you go with LOW ISO number you will have to lower your shutter speed or up the F stop number. So experts on do that only if they have enough light.

The tripod is photographer's best friend. When you can't get enough shutter speed / F number / ISO, then you can use it (tripod) to hold the camera rock stead down to few seconds.

Only experience will teach you. But if you expect the camera to do all the work... well now you know why professionals photographer still charges thousands fo $$ to do your once in a life time weddings.

But no matter what have fun experimenting. That's what digital is all about.

Good Luck.

===
Don't forget to vote for the BEST ANSWER - please - whoever it may be.

FACT: You also get +3 points when you vote for BEST ANSWER

Answer 3

Any DSLR will take crystal clear pictures if you know how to use it. The biggest problem most beginners have is they are using to slow of a shutter speed and trying to hand hold the camera. In order to avoid blurry photos remember that you can't hold the camera still enough below 1/125th of a second. Any slower than that and you will end up with a lot of blurry shots. Learn how to use the manual settings and you will be fine. Look at the Canon Rebel XTI or XSI and the Nikon D40 or D60.