How can i make a digital camera take pictures like a proffesional camera?

Question

I take photography in highschool and im just wondering if theres a way i can make my digital camera take pictures like the cameras i use in photography class. I know its something with the ISO settings but i can't find that anywhere on my camera. Thanks.

Answer 1

Professionals use digital cameras, too.

The biggest difference is that they know how to use their equipment to bring out the best in their subjects. An experienced professional (and a talented amateur) can take consistantly better pictures with a cheap, basic, plastic disposable camera, than an average amateur.

The second most important differnce is that their digital cameras are, usually SOOO much better than the ones most amateurs can afford. They have many more megapixels and more features than most of what we can find at Wallmart, or CompUSA. One example of a typical pro's equipment would be that he'd have his regular cameras set up with interchangable backs, to go from film, to digital and back, all during the same shoot. He would want complete control over all of it's settings, as well as automated features for when appropriate.

To answer your question: Learn to use all of your digital cameras features, not just ISO setting. (ISO mimics a film camera's use of higher or slower speed films) That means learn how to set shutter speed, f-stop, burst photograpy and other features. Also learn how to use available light, artificial lighting BESIDES the camera's built in flash, indirect light, etc. It means learning composition, framing, contrast and positioning.

You learn how to take professional looking digital photos by doing what professional photographers do.

Answer 2

I think you need to take the advice of everyone that has answered you question so far. I have to expand on something Geoff said. Megapixels are important, however, don't get caught in the "gotta have more" trap. Unless you are planning on printing more than an 8X10, 4Mp is enough. What is more important is the quality of the lens and how quickly the camera captures the pixels available. There are 10 and 12 Mp cameras with plastic lenses that take more than a second to capture the image. This results in a high resolution blur. The quality of the pixels is a lot more important that the quantity.
Next, you said you took a photography class in HS. You should understand composition. That is the most important part of taking quality photographs. There is a signature used on a photo newsgroup that basically says, "anyone can take a good picture with a cheap camera, an expensive camera just gives you more ways to screw it up". The beauty of digital is that you can take thousands of photographs and if you're using rechargable batteries, they don't cost you anything. Practice is the most important thing you can use. Then find some groups on Yahoo, or newsgroups and post your shots there, most of the people will be glad to help you learn. Good luck and keep shooting.
Rob

Answer 3

you have a lot of factors that go into a digital camera taking profesional pictures. I am asuming you are using a point and shoot not a SLR

The megapixles factor into it. If the megapixles are low the photos will come out grainy as you take them. The more you enlarge them the more grainy they get.

The auto focus on the camera will afect your photo too. Does it pick out the main subject anbd focus in on it.

The lense they use on the camera affects the photo.

does the camera have image stabalization built in

there are some point and shoots you can take very good pictures with but in the end if you want to take professional photos you need a professional camera.

Yuo can get entry level cameras for reasonable prices.

like the nikon d40 it is a 6mp slr it alows you complete control over the camera's function for about 540.00.

i

Answer 4

The best camera is the one between your ears. Stop being obsessed by 'professional' cameras and learn to take pictures with what you have. The ISO settings merely alter the notional 'speed' of a camera, making a digital camera like a film camera that we 'oldies' grew up with. It won't make the pictures any better, it only makes the camera more flexible and usable in different light levels. Yours may not have a facility to change the speed, but check the manual, it will tell you there.

Answer 5

Read your camera's instructions, and learn to use the manual settings.

Professional quality images are more about technique than equipment, though. Learn about lighting: both recognizing good natural light, and manipulating artificial light. Learn about composition.

Generally speaking, if you are using a point-and-shoot camera, you will need to keep the ISO as low as it will go to ensure pictures without a good bit of noise. The small sensor on a P&S camera tends to grain out when you increase the sensitivity. Sensor size is one reason why professional-grade cameras tend to do better in low light.

Answer 6

Since you are going to school for photography, I will spare you the speech about how the camera is not the most imporant part of the equation - which is my more common answer. For your budget, consider a Nikon D40 with the 18-135 lens. You can get them at B&H Photo for $679.95. This will leave you a bit for a memory card or two and shipping. You might have enough left for a Nikon SB-400 flash, which you will need to buy as soon as you start takign classes anyhow.

Answer 7

Well if you want professional photos, buy a professional camera, an SLR!

Cause i had a digital camera and it was hard to take pictures as they never came out like i wanted and the shutter speed didnt responded quickly, etc,etc

With a SLR you can set up everything

Answer 8

It all depends on how good the photographer is. I'm a good photographer too, I prmise to give you some good tips if you sign my guestbook at www.freewebs.com/chrishonda.

Click on guestbook
Email me if you want the tips, the PROfessional tips!!!