Nikon L11 Frustration

[spiralgirl]

Hi,

Whenever I have my Nikon L11 in Scene Mode or in Camera Mode and I take the flash off I get the blur warning all the time. I've turned that feature off and reset the camera and it still comes on so I avoid shooting with the flash off if possible. Is anyone else having this problem?

[David Metsky]

The blur warning means the camera is being forced to choose a shutter speed that is too long for you to hold the camera steady. This is caused because there's not enough light, something the flash can take care of but changes the exposure of the shot.

Are you shooting indoors? You should look into pushing the ISO higher to allow the camera to operate in lower light situations, but it will make your images noisier.

In bright light or outdoors this is probably not happening, right?

[spiralgirl]

David Metsky,

Thanks for responding. No, it doesn't happen outdoors that I remember. Yes, I'm usually shooting indoors a lot since I'm taking pictures of product I make (I sell soaps and bath beauty products at markets). When I use the flash the picture looks like a white out and I end up taking so many shots trying to get it right. I tend to get the best shots without the flash but always get that blur warning. The odd time though it's a good shot. Also usually shoot in Macro mode.

[David Metsky]

In situations like that add more light to your subject. Bring extra lights, lamps, whatever you have. That will allow you to use a faster shutter speed. Take a look into building a light tent to make for more uniform lighting on your product.

Or, put the camera on a tripod and use the timer, it won't matter how long the shutter stays open. The shake doesn't matter if the camera doesn't move. Combine more light and a tripod and you'll be able to capture the shots you are looking for.

[spiralgirl]

David Metsky,

Thank you. I'll try that next time I shoot inside. I've just set up a lovely disply out on the deck with shells and wood so I can shoot most of my photos outdoors.

I tried to explain that white out to the camera store guy but don't think he understood what I meant. Whenever I use the flash indoors I get that white out and it's probably due to the angle as well. Sometimes I shoot straight down on the product or straight one and when I take off the flash I can actually see the colours of the picture itself. So I'll try bringing in a lamp and see if that helps before getting the tripod.

Only had the blur warning once outdoors but usually it doesn't come on which is nice. Thought this was a defect or something and I've been hating my camera lately. It's 6 months old so I gotta make it work for me so appreciate the advice.

[tim11]

Most decent cameras give you flash warning when the light is lower than ideal to take a sharp image. You just have to hold the camera more steady and ignore the warning if there is no way to turn the warning off.

The problem with using flash at close rang is you will get unnatural colours and harsh shadows behind the objects. You should take photos close to an open windows, brighten up the area with a powerful lamp or using a tripod will help. Better still if you can do all three.

[AndyfromVA]

Have you tried adjusting the exposure control?

[spiralgirl]

tim11,

Thanks. There is a way to turn the blur warning off and I've set it to off but it doesn't go away which drives me nuts. Now I understand why I got the white out as I always shoot in close range with the flash on to avoid blur warning. Even when I sit it on a desk or something I still get the blur warning.

I'll try lights first and near a window, then resort to the tripod. Don't want to put more money out unless I have too. I paid $209.00 with tax in Canada for this camera (it was $184.99 before tax six months ago). Now the same place I got it has it at $139.99 and it teaches me to wait 6 months to buy something new. Otherwise I'll shoot outdoors.

[spiralgirl]

AndyfromVA,

Yes, I've tried the manual +/- controls but that is hit and miss and very hard to get a good picture with the flash on indoors. Sometimes it works.

[David Metsky]

You can fake a tripod by placing the camera on a book or some other steady surface and use the autotimer. A bean bag or a mini-pod will just cost $10-15 and allow you to shoot at any shutter speed that the camera needs. I think this will get you the most bang for the buck.

[bascom]

Whenever I have my Nikon L11 in Scene Mode or in Camera Mode and I take the flash off I get the blur warning all the time.
Why do you turn the flash off? Using the flash will give you more light.

[David Metsky]

Why do you turn the flash off? Using the flash will give you more light.
Because the flash photos are ending up over exposed.

[spiralgirl]

David Metsky,

Thanks, I'm planning on getting a tripod that is only $15.00 on sale. I think it's a mini but may extend. I'm going to check it out in the next day or so.

Tonight I learned some other tricks. Flash off gives me the best shot outdoors inside and out so I usually shoot that way close up and hold steady and wait for the hand warning to stop then I shoot. Also I've tried flash on and if I auto expose I get a good shot usually at -1.0 with a lamp nearby.

Here is a shot I did close up with the flash off and a steady hand. I'm also addicted to the colour boost in iPhoto 08 but for this photo I didn't need it.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k186/foofooberry/DSCN0053-1.jpg

At least now I feel I can work with my camera and am just experimenting until I find what works.

[David Metsky]

I did a quick color correction and sharpen on your image and got this:
http://www.hikethewhites.com/dcrp/DSCN0053-1.jpg
Is that closer to what you see in real life? I used PhotoShop.

-dave-

[spiralgirl]

Dave,

Wow, thanks that looks amazing and yes very realistic. I wish I knew how to use Photoshop and one of these days I'll learn as I'm motivated after seeing what you did with my photo.

[David Metsky]

Actually, that took all of 15 seconds and two mouse clicks.

Image -> Adjust -> Auto Levels

Filter -> Sharpen -> Unsharp Mask

Doesn't PhotoElements or whatever the inexpensive version of PhotoShop have those two tools? I find that many (most?) photos coming out of P&S cameras will benefit from those two steps.

[spiralgirl]

Dave,

Thanks for the tips on what you used. I went into iPhoto 08 which is what I use all the time as it has basic functions and I got an exact replica of your photo but clicking the Colour Boost to 3 and that was it. It does have a sharpen and exposure and all the basic things so it works pretty well.

Today I got my mini tripod which is great and it's adjustable. I tried it out quickly in my kitchen and got the hand warning but the shot came out perfectly. For $15.00 I can't complain. Now when I shoot outside I can set it up on the deck and then do one product after another without fiddling with the camera constantly.

[photofan]

Put more light on the job. Get some studio lights, and diffusing screens. Too much light will wash-or burn-out the image due to it being so bright. Diffusing it, by putting white sheet-like material over the lights, will soften the light, and make the image less washed out. On a small on camera flash, put a hanky over the flash head, and hold in place with a rubber band. For big studio lights, get the adaptor rings which hold the diffuser on, yet far enough away from the bulbs to prevent burning. Set a faster shutter speed, if your camera allows such manual control. If it only has program exposure modes, try using a sports program. More light, and a faster shutter speed, will get rid of the blur. Diffusion will avoid image burn out.