I got the S2 last Saturday and i think it is too advanced for me. I really needed a bigger zoom- I mainly take photos of my kids at sports, daughter riding horses etc. I have practiced this week and it works great for still objects but I really had a hard tim e getting shots of her on horse while moving to come in focus . someone has helped me here on this forum who has been great and he tells me how to set it and all but I really want more of a camera that is easy to use that has a better zoom than 4x. Any suggestions!!
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S2-too advanced for me??
- Thread starter hlsess
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Smiffy
Member
S2 & 4X zoom??? The A620 I have has a 4 x zoom & I thought the S2 had a 12 x optical + all the usual digital rubbish! Please don't take offence but as you have stated your "newbie" status, have you switched on the Image Stabilisation? If the S2 is anything like the A620 & I believe all the menus are relatively similar you should be taking cracking 12 x image stabilised shots with ease. I hope you find the answers you are looking for as the camera you have is capable of taking fantastic shots. Sorry, I can't help you.
imbsysop
Senior Member
you must have the wires x-d, very seriously .. the S2 is a x12 zoom cam .. if you need more zoom and the S2 is already too complicated for you, you'd better change goals & hobbies ..
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if needed, email me at : [email protected]
Horum Omnium Fortissimi Sunt Belgae !
G6H1
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if needed, email me at : [email protected]
Horum Omnium Fortissimi Sunt Belgae !
G6H1
G
gail
Guest
Yes, take your time. Getting good shots of moving subjects like you describe is challenging. If you pre-focus the chances of getting focused shots will significantly increase.
It would be so much easier to provide helpful advice if you share what camera modes and settings you're using. Are you using full auto, P or Shutter priority mode? Do you have continuous auto focus on or have you switched to single area focus (which most S2 users suggest)? What Image Stabilization (IS) mode are you using? There are three!
Almost all digital cameras are complex and take time to learn to use correctly. Ones with long zooms have some sophisticated options and settings. If the S2 is too complex, the Panasonic FZ5 has a much simpler menu system. Whichever camera you use in this class, learning it will take patience and practice but you will be richly rewarded. Whatever you do, if you want to own a digital camera with a long telephoto lens, make sure it has image stabilization.
I would be helpful if we can take a look at one of your images where you've experienced problems. Also, you can find some very helpful tips about using the S2 here:
http://www.digicamhelp.com/canon-s2-blog/canon-s2-tips.htm
--
gail ~ http://www.pbase.com/gailb
My digital camera BLOGs: Canon S2 IS & A510, Panasonic FZ3, Nikon 5400
http://www.digicamhelp.com/digital-camera-blogs/index.htm
Rob Bernhard
Senior Member
I'm confused, you say the camera is too complicated for you, but you're letting the camera do all the thinking. you say it's too complicated but you want a camera that has more features.
Seriously, what you need is simply education. You need to learn and you need to practice. You need to read photography books, you need to read these forums and that means really reading and searching and spending time.
buying a camera with a lot of features doesn't make you a master photographer any more than buying a box of tools makes you a master car mechanic.
read
learn
practice
repeat
Seriously, what you need is simply education. You need to learn and you need to practice. You need to read photography books, you need to read these forums and that means really reading and searching and spending time.
buying a camera with a lot of features doesn't make you a master photographer any more than buying a box of tools makes you a master car mechanic.
read
learn
practice
repeat
G
gail
Guest
You're absolutely correct. Do you have any suggestions to offer to helping reduce blurred images?
--
gail ~ http://www.pbase.com/gailb
My digital camera BLOGs: Canon S2 IS & A510, Panasonic FZ3, Nikon 5400
http://www.digicamhelp.com/digital-camera-blogs/index.htm
Thanks for the input-I'll just keep practicing- I do not have my wires crossed I was just asking for some help-thought this was where to ask- I have only had the camera a week and have read awesome reviews -that is why I bought it- I will work on the settings thanks
wish_i_could_shoot
Well-known member
Also note that what you are trying to do (take full telephoto action shots) is among the most difficult things for a camera to do. To really do it well requires multi-thousand dollar equipment. The S2 (and its peers) will get you about as close as you can get on a budget.
ausGeoff
Leading Member
Yes. Firstly, return the S2 and buy a camera (maybe a little $200 point-and-shoot) that you can practise with until you get a "feel" for what sort of photography you'll be happy with.
Next; don't blame the camera! It's YOUR fault that you're not getting the shots you expect. There's no such thing as an "easy" to use camera - all the skill lies with the photographer.
Also: Did you really think the S2 was only a 4x after supposedly reading all those wonderful reviews, or did you simply fall in love with the look of the camera? Wow, nice shiny new toy! One of the major (only?) reasons anybody would buy the S2 is because it is a 12x zoom!
Lastly; yes, you DO have your wires crossed, and you might get more help if you didn't make snide comments about the people here who have vastly more experience than you currently possess.
Cheers.
gdjoslin
Senior Member
Any suggestions!
I think (she he) knows she got a 12, that is why she bought the S2. (She, he) is just thinking of returning it for another camera.
I don't think (she, he) has her wires cross. She is asking for help. I also haven't noticed any snide remarks,...... on her part.
Peg Bethany
Senior Member
First, I don't have an S2 (yet). I just stopped by the forum to see if there was anything I needed to know. But, I can not resist reminding you that you will not find a "consumer" digital camera with more zoom than your S2. For more zoom you will need to get an SLR and a big white canon lens that costs more than my car! And you'll need a monopod at least, and in my case a bearer to haul it around.
What you do need is practice. And with digital cameras - we can practice for free. Unlike the good old days when a day of practice used 10 rolls of film. And the EXIF data captures all those settings that we recorded (sometimes) in our notebooks.
Sports photography is a speciality. It helps to understand the sport. That way you can setup the shot in your mind before it happens. With kids - this doesn't always work.
While you are working on you technique - I can only suggest that you try more head on shots. The girl and the horse coming towards you for example. Those are sometimes more forgiving as far as focus goes. Also, while you are learning give yourself every advantage by shooting on bright sunny days.
So, shoot - study the results - both photos and EXIF data - then go try again. Shoot kid sports, cars on the street, dogs running around - anything that moves.
Don't give up.
What you do need is practice. And with digital cameras - we can practice for free. Unlike the good old days when a day of practice used 10 rolls of film. And the EXIF data captures all those settings that we recorded (sometimes) in our notebooks.
Sports photography is a speciality. It helps to understand the sport. That way you can setup the shot in your mind before it happens. With kids - this doesn't always work.
While you are working on you technique - I can only suggest that you try more head on shots. The girl and the horse coming towards you for example. Those are sometimes more forgiving as far as focus goes. Also, while you are learning give yourself every advantage by shooting on bright sunny days.
So, shoot - study the results - both photos and EXIF data - then go try again. Shoot kid sports, cars on the street, dogs running around - anything that moves.
Don't give up.
G
gail
Guest
I in no way took this as a statement that the S2 had a 4x zoom; just looking for an easier long-zoom camera that are easier to use like the 4X zoom a510 or a520 (eg. the Panasonic FZ3 or FZ5).
Online forums never cease to amaze me at how judgemental and holier than thou some participants can be.
Anyway....
Keep on asking questions, practice, experiment...you'll learn. Many here are willing to help.
--
gail ~ http://www.pbase.com/gailb
My digital camera BLOGs: Canon S2 IS & A510, Panasonic FZ3, Nikon 5400
http://www.digicamhelp.com/digital-camera-blogs/index.htm
mooingmooseman
Well-known member
hahaha, gail, i was reading those other people's comments and thing the EXACT same thing. i can't believe all these people would bash this one poor guy for saying s2 has 4x when WHEN HE DIDN'T EVEN SAY THAT! what a ridiculous bunch of people.
i just got the s2 also and yeah, it really does take a LOT of practice. i've been visiting this canon forum daily reading up on what people have been asking and also asking about specific problems myself. the people on this forum (SOME of them at least) really know what they're talking about and are a great help if you have specific concern.
the camera takes a lot of getting used to, so keep reading up on tips and ask about specific concerns. the s2 is a great camera, even for amateur photographers, so good luck and have fun!
i just got the s2 also and yeah, it really does take a LOT of practice. i've been visiting this canon forum daily reading up on what people have been asking and also asking about specific problems myself. the people on this forum (SOME of them at least) really know what they're talking about and are a great help if you have specific concern.
the camera takes a lot of getting used to, so keep reading up on tips and ask about specific concerns. the s2 is a great camera, even for amateur photographers, so good luck and have fun!
glenncombs
Senior Member
You hang in there. Don't get discouraged. As some have said, it takes practice to learn to use a camera like the S2 to its potential. It can work easily for the amateur in Auto and P mode, but not for sports photos. You're friends and buddies on CTF and the other forums will stand by to help you with advice to get the results you're looking for, whatever camera you may choose to use.
All the best,
G
senoreit
Active member
What exactly were the snide comments? He/she was admitting his/her own inexperience and asking for help.
glenncombs
Senior Member
EXACTLY,
Nothing suggested by the person initiating this thread, beyond looking for help.
So, may I suggest some.
Set the camera for Tv mode. Get some members of the family or friends interested in helping with action photos. Get the subject(s) to interact with motion about 25-50 feet away from the camera. Set the shutter speed for about 1/500 second or faster. Best if you have some reasonably good light on the scene. (Daylight) Turn image stabilization on. Set focus to single (shot), not continuous. Pre-focus the shot. Zoom to set the proper typical crop you're looking for. Let the action begin. Pan the camera if necessary to keep up with the movement. Press the shutter and take ths shot before the subjects move too far from the focus. You may want to consider bracketed focus shooting. Refer to the manual on this, but, it's very easy to use. Don't forget to turn off braketed focus shooting when you're finished with that series of shots.
You may also want to consider continuous shooting, to capture one or two particular photos that may be clearer or more desirable than others. Just press and hold the shutter button. Release the shutter after the series of shots is complete. Check your results on the PC, after upload. Some photos will be better to keep than others.
And, there’s always movie mode, which will deliver good results, and you can then capture still shots from the movie. Can’t beat that for sports. I would recommend one of the higher resolution modes for the movie. (640x480 pixel resolution at 30 or 15 fps)
The S2 does excellent movie recording. If you haven’t, try it. You’ll be amazed.
Glenn
I use the S1 and they seem similar. I can still get blurry pictures but it helps to zoom slowly, follow the subject with the camera, and press the buttom half way down until it is focused and then press the rest of the way. The darker the area that you are looking at, the more likely it will be blurry. Good luck.
I did not imply the s2 has a 4x zoom- the camera I had before has a 4x zoom- Iguess some people don't read correctly. Yes, I know ift is me not knowing alot about photography- I totally do not blame the camera- i justwanted an eaier to use camera- if that's ok.
Larry Lynch
Veteran Member
There are very few cameras in the world that I would classify as BETTER for what you want to do if you mean staying with the same class of camera (all in one, digital, no lens changes ect).
The problem is that the reviews, the literature and the advertisements make it look easy.... It is SIMPLE, but not EASY.
Frame your subject, hold steady, HALF press the shutter, wait for focus, press the shutter ALL THE way!!!
Thats the things you need to do, and you pretty much have to do them VERY quickly with a moving target.
STEP 1:
go into the cameras "setup menu" and set the stabilization to "single shot"
Step 2:
go outdoors and practice taking pictures without using any zoom.
(in order to use the long zoom you must prove to yourself that you can steady your hand and take wide angle pictures FIRST..)
once you can reliably shoot the stuff around you without messing it up with camera shake, or framing mistakes, then start zooming in on stuff.
Step 3
repeat step 2 over and over again until you really KNOW its not your shaky hands, or lack of focus lock (the little green square in the middle turns green) that is messing you up.
No one here is familiar with your level of competence, so some of us are a little "fusty" with your posting..
OTOH I decided that maybe you arent familiar with cameras in general, and that might be the problem.
Using the camera without the zoom is how I teach someone how to use a camera.
If I had a camera as powerfull as the S2 50 years ago when I was learning how to take pictures, I too probably would have frustrated myself trying to learn photography inside out (starting with telephoto instead of learning the basics first)
This is actually true, whether you have photographic experience or not.
The S2 is obviously totally different from your last camera, or your question (and your post) would be moot!
Slow down, take your time, and learn the camera.. try different ways of holding it, use different fingers to support it, try all kinds of stuff, after all, with digital its not like you gotta pay for wasted film!!!!
As for the pictures of Horseback riding.. you didnt say whether or not the horse was being ridden in an indoor arena, or outdoors in sunlight.. This is REALLY important..
If the horseback riding is INDOORS the S2 probably isnt up to the job.
I take Equine event pictures all spring and summer every year, and indoor arenas NEVER have enough light for an S2 or any other current small digicam.
I paid quite a bit more for the flash equipment I use in an indoor area than I did for my S2....Thats because its HARD to get a picture of a moving horse in an indoor arena. Im not saying "give up" Im saying "dont expect too much"..
Outdoors, the S2 should be able to handle all the horseback riding pictures you could wish for, AFTER you familiarize yourself with the camera.
If you are bound to be rid of the S2, the only GOOD replacement for it would probably be the Sony H1 or the Panasonic cameras..
Larry Lynch
Mystic, Ct.
MiKelly
Forum Enthusiast
I just purchased the S2 after using an Olympus 10x camera for the past 4 years. I used the Oly to photograph my kids participating in track, cross country and basketball. (Hopefully, the S2 will do a better job.)
I pre-focused and set the exposure on the Oly on a spot and waited for my kids to enter the zone. Then, I snapped the shot. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.
TRY THIS: The S2 has a 'short cut' button which I set to lock the focus. I believe that this will allow me the easily lock the focus (by pressing the short cut button) so that the camera can set the exposure when the shot happens. So far, I haven't had an opportunity to use it, but I think that it will do the job. This should also reduce shutter lag time...
Anticipate, Lock focus, Press button to set exposure, Take the shot.
Hope this helps.... You might want to spend some time on this page....
http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/pss2is/components-e.html
Mike Kelly
Houston, Texas
I pre-focused and set the exposure on the Oly on a spot and waited for my kids to enter the zone. Then, I snapped the shot. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.
TRY THIS: The S2 has a 'short cut' button which I set to lock the focus. I believe that this will allow me the easily lock the focus (by pressing the short cut button) so that the camera can set the exposure when the shot happens. So far, I haven't had an opportunity to use it, but I think that it will do the job. This should also reduce shutter lag time...
Anticipate, Lock focus, Press button to set exposure, Take the shot.
Hope this helps.... You might want to spend some time on this page....
http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/pss2is/components-e.html
Mike Kelly
Houston, Texas
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