Can A Tripod Really Help Me Take A Better Photo With The Canon 7D?

Some people rely on tripods, and some have never even used one let alone touched one. But is this accessory really needed? If so, why? I'm not a professional photographer, I have been photographing for quite a few years now and I can and have taken some very amazing photos. So if you are looking for a professional view on tripods, you won't get it from me. However, if you want a few from someone that has had several cameras and some experience, you will get it from me. And the answer? Is yes.

Tripods are all about stabilization. One of my all-time favorite things to photograph are sunsets, sunrises and moons. These (if they do move) move VERY slowly. I don't know about you, but holding my camera up to my face and clicking off a few pictures gets tiring, and when my arms get tired, they shake, and when you shake, you get blurry pictures. Which of course only leads to more frustration, right?!? I've been in instances where I have tried to lean on things like cars and railings and this just isn't helpful either because you are STILL holding the camera in your hands so you still have some residual shaking going on.

Whereas with something like a tripod for the Canon 7D, you won't have the camera in your hands anymore, your hands will be ON the camera, but the tripod will actually be holding the camera on its own. This of course leads to less blurry pictures and more fun and less stress and frustrations. Also, if you are using a slower shutter speed, these tripods will allow you to take better photos as well! In the same way that you can purchase the cheapest digital camera and have an amazing quality, you can also purchase a cheap tripod and still have amazing quality.

One thing that we suggest before buying anything, have it be an inexpensive digital camera, a tripod, a lens or anything else is to first read a few of our blogs to find the BEST item for your lifestyle and for you. Not all cameras are created the same or have the same options, and not all accessories are created the same or have the same options either. So it's best to find your way through our site before you purchase digital camera accessories or digital cameras!

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Optical Zoom Vs Digital Zoom - What Is The Difference?

Most of the digital cameras these days like the Canon 7D will have two choices in the camera menu when it comes to zoom options. First you have the optical zoom. This zoom is all about allowing for a flexible focal point length. This allows you to ultimately magnify a subject without disturbing the actual focus of the lens. The optical zoom can be more or less compared to the way your eyes work in that whatever you focus your point on, will always and continually be focused. Optical zooms are understandably superior to digital zooms, and should be the foremost thing you look for when you purchase digital cameras.

Whereas with the digital zoom it will essentially lower the quality of your photos quality because no detail is gained when using this option. For optical zoom you should be following specific guidelines that will allow you to take the BEST photo possible. As with mega pixels, the amount of optical zoom allowable per shot will depend on what you plan on using the camera for. For example, if you are simply going to use the camera at home or at functions, you might consider using a 2x optical zoom.

Whereas if you are taking pictures on a regular basis or you are into photography as more than just a simple hobby, you would want to pick a higher zoom. Usually the higher the zoom, the higher the price, although you can still find high zoom options with an inexpensive digital camera of you take a look at some of the products carried in a digital camera online store. Usually though a 2X optical zoom will be around $100 - $150, and a 6x optical zoom could be anywhere from $250 - $500. Again, these prices are flexible! I bought my first camera and it had a 12x optical zoom and it was a mere $300 and a fantastic camera.

So yes, it definitely is possible to buy the cheapest digital camera with the greatest options and still have quality in hand! Here is a little guide you should follow as far as how far away you can take close up from and what zoom you would need for your camera; up to 7 feet - 2x or higher, up to 15 feet - 4x or higher, up to 25 feet - 6x or higher, up to 35 feet - 8x or higher.

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Confusing Digital Camera Online Terms Part II

Last week we've blogged about ISO and aperture. But what does the aperture preview as well or "pre-recorded" aperture option do? Well, this handy feature lets you view your photo right after it's been taken - usually lasting a few moments. This is great for people that want to view their shot to take note if it was good or not and if they should take another shot. Most photographers take a few shots of the same subject though just the same. You also may have heard of the term mega pixels. In the same way that your TV is made up of a million little dots, your digital picture will also be made up of dots. Obviously the more dots (the more mega pixels), the better the quality of the image.

So something like a Canon 7D with 12 mega pixels is going to take a better photo than something like a Canon Power Shot with only 4.5 mega pixels. The more you learn about digital cameras online, the better decision you can make via the purchase of a digital camera. Also, remember that just because you find an inexpensive digital camera, doesn't necessarily mean it's going to take bad pictures or be a bad camera! You could ultimately find the cheapest digital camera online and it could end up taking better photos than that of a more expensive camera!

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