Finepix 9100 tips and tricks and questions..

[dahauss]

I just purchased a Finepix 9100 Camera.. What is the difference beterrn 9MP normal VS fine? Also Since I am shooting in mostly 3:2 so I can print properly without cutting off any of the image, am I shooting in 9MP Normal?

Also are there any tip or tricks I should know about this camera? SHould I leave the sharpness etc settings at the camera default??

One more question, I shot a video with the s9100, it came over as a AVI file, However, Windows media player said it could not play it. Quicktime did. Is there something I need to do with windows media player to get it to play? is there a codec I need to instakk?


Thanks...

[AlexMonro]

The difference between normal & fine 9MP modes is that the fine mode uses less JPEG compression, so is likely to have better quality reproduction of fine detail, at the expense of larger file sizes. 3:2 (and all other image size modes) use the more extreme "normal" compression, which can degrade image quality. If you want the best quality 3:2 images, shoot in 9MP fine, then crop the image in post processing - or better still, use RAW. However, you probably won't notice the difference unless you print bigger than 10x8".

If you're taking pictures on dull, overcast days, you might appreciate the effect of the Chrome setting on the F button Color menu. This can introduce too much contrast on bright days, leading to blown highlights.

[dahauss]

Thanks for th info. I like to shoot in 3:2 mode so I can frame the photo perfectly. ALso I have been experimenting with the NATURAL SETTING and notice some shots have a lot of noise in them. Is there any way to use one of the manual settings to achieve the same as natural light setting without the noise???

THanks....

[dahauss]

Also what do I need to do to play the AVI files created on the camera in Windows Media player? It appears I need some kinds of codec...

[AlexMonro]

Thanks for th info. I like to shoot in 3:2 mode so I can frame the photo perfectly. ALso I have been experimenting with the NATURAL SETTING and notice some shots have a lot of noise in them. Is there any way to use one of the manual settings to achieve the same as natural light setting without the noise???

THanks....

Set a low ISO - 80 or 100 - under the F menu. You'll need to be in a mode other than Anti-blur or Natural Light. You may need to use a tripod if the light is low.

[dahauss]

Which mode is the best to achieve this natural light wihtout using the "n" setting? Also, usually I shoot in the auto setting and it appears it is around 200 iso most of the time since I set it on auto. Should I not do this? shoudl I use auto mode with 100 or 80 is0??

[AlexMonro]

I usually use aperture priority ("A") mode, at around f/5.6 for the best overall image sharpness (allowing for diffraction effects).

If you're concerned about noise, avoid auto ISO.

You might find some of the basic photography tutorials here (http://tpub.com/content/photography/14209/index.htm) helpful.

[dahauss]

I have been Using the F/5.6 and it has been giving me great results on the "A" mode. Is that setting recommended for indoors, outdoors or both??


Thanks...

[AlexMonro]

It depends on the light, and the effect you want to achieve.

For portraits, you often want a narrow depth of field, to have just the eyes in sharp focus, with the backgroubd soft. This is difficult with a small sensor camera, such as the S9100, but you can get close by using a longish focal length, say around 150-200mm equivalent, and as wide an aperture as you can get.

For other interior shots, you might want to get all the features in a room sharp, so you might need to stop down further than f/5.6, even at wide angle. Then you'll probably need a slow shutter speed, requireing a tripod, or to bump up the ISO, leading to noise if you try making bigger prints.

Photography is all about compromises, juggling the basic exposure variables of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, together with focal length and focus point, to get the effect you want, remembering that all these variables interact, and have pros and cons.

Have another read through the tutorials, and then pick up your camera and experiment - with digital, it doesn't cost you anything except time!:)