How do I take pictures without them turning out blurry without a tripod?

Question

I have a new super compact super light camera, and it has only an LCD screen and no viewfinder. I used to find steadying the camera against my head steadied it for great pics, but with the lcd screen I have to hold it out infront of me, and for scenery shots, the slightest movement on my part ruins the detail of the scenery in the distance.
Any advice?

Answer 1

I hear you loud and clear. For over a year - since Yahoo! Answers got its start - I have been telling this to people all along. The cheaper point and shoot cameras without an optical viewfinder are the ones that need VR/IS the most because of the way you are forced to use them.

Fortunately, scenery does not move very much. Consider using the self-timer so that your own finger pressing the shutter release does not cause camera shake. This will also allow you to hold your breath whiel the camera is releasing the shutter. Consider finding a prop, such as the roof of your car or a conveniently located tree or rock to brace the camera against. Consider holding the camera close enough to get your elbows against your body. I know that this will probably be too close for your eyes to focus on what's in the LCD, but compose first and then draw your arms towards your body. You will still have "pretty much" the same composition. I'd prefer "pretty close" to "pretty blurry" every time. Consider increasing the ISO one or two EV levels. This will allow/force a higher shutter speed where there is less chance of camera shake ruining your shot.

Answer 2

This question just typifies the idiocy of manufacturers of compact digital cameras in not supplying a proper viewfinder, but expecting photographers to use the LCD (which is often almost invisible anyway in bright sunlight). Anyone with a smattering of physics knows that movement will be exaggerated at the end of a stiff lever (i.e. the arms). All you can do, is to remember that your shutter speed should be at least equal to, if not faster than, the focal length of the lens - if your compact permits that sort of adjustment. If not, and you cannot hold the camera steady, then you do need a tripod.

Answer 3

For small cameras this can be a problem. i myself own such a mini compact camera. The key is practising to keep your hands still. Hold the camers with both hands, one finger on the shutter button. When pressing the button concentrate only on pushing the finger and with the lightest force.
This should get you better results all the time.

Over time you can move on to one hand shots, as I have :)

Answer 4

People will look at you funny, but try this:

Get yourself a very lightweight monopod and attach it to your camera.

Extend your arm to shooting positon and tuck the pointy end of the 'pod into your tummy where it meets your jeans. Your belt will hold it up.

Voila -- image stabilisation.

Best part is, unlike with a ground-supported monopod, you have complete freedom of movement.

And when you don't need the support, the monopod folds up and sits under the camera out of the way.

BTW this also works with DSLRs, minus the arm extension of course.

Glad to be of help.

Answer 5

if you dont want to use a tripod, then learn about shutter speeds and light,

use 125th of a second or so* if you can, flash should freeze most things also


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Answer 6

hold the button half in while you find the shot you want then when you want to take the pic press it all the way in.