SX50HS on a Tripod

Ronnie H · Apr 29, 2015

With the fine IS system do you really benefit useing the camera on a pod?

I have a light weight Dolica AX620B100 and for wildlife & birding at 1200mm with a remote shutter switch,,,would the Pics have better IQ

I know it works with my BIG guns a steady pod with Canon 50D and 100-400L?

whats your thoughts,,and suggeted settings

Thanks Ron

MurryG · Apr 29, 2015

My answer is YES. There are times when a tripod (or at least a mono-pod) really help the SX50. Full zoom in windy conditions and when you must make sure the composition is perfect in the camera are just two cases that come to mind. Also if you ever want to stack images for wider focus or when shooting overlapped images for panos the results on a tripod are the best.

Murry

Globemstr3 · Apr 29, 2015

Hi there

I can attest it makes a BIG difference to me. I use a GX600B200 tripod with a remote shutter works great. Lately Ive been using my Velbon UP 400DX monopod with the remote shutter velcroed on it and its a great improvement. So easy to just carry the cam attached to the monopod without having it around ny neck. Great walking stick too for a old timer like me!

--
Mark

soufiej · Apr 29, 2015

I'd say there are always situations when a tripod will help the photographer. Full zoom on the SX50 can still benefit from a tripod IMO when you do not have a static subject. Down low and my knees are no longer able to remain completely steady in some spaces where I want a shot. High magnification work will IMO always benefit from a tripod and a completely steady camera using either a remote shutter release or the self timer of the camera. Long shutter speeds are best done with a tripod and always make sure you disable the IS when you are using a tripod.

Using continuous shooting mode helps when a tripod isn't readily available. Out of, say, a half dozen shots, one is likely to be a keeper.

Any special editing requirements which involve layers of images will no doubt require a tripod.

Globemstr3 · Apr 29, 2015

Where does disabling Intelligent IS come to play on a tripod. I hear thats the norm but does it make any diff on the SX50? Or is this thats what they say? Really confused here. I know the Old Powershots had that stigma but the SX50? I looked alot and it basically states thru electronics recognizes static states and Intelligent IS does not kick in.

--
Mark

Globemstr3 · Apr 29, 2015

Folks saying turn IS off is kewl on a Tripod. If that is really necesary. Better remember to turn it on hand held. I dont buy it and please correct me. Not with Old Powershot talk but the SX50.

soufiej · Apr 29, 2015

If you don't want to do it, don't.

PC Wheeler · Apr 30, 2015

From p. 90 of the user's manual: "Additionally you should set [IS Mode] to [Off] when using a tripod or other means to hold the camera still".

From p. 147: "If image stabilization cannot prevent camera shake, mount the camera on a tripod or take other measures to hold it still. In this case, set [IS Mode] to [Off]."

So you are clearly correct in saying "Long shutter speeds are best done with a tripod and always make sure you disable the IS when you are using a tripod."

However, I'd leave the IS on when using a monopod.

--
Phil

Ronnie H · Apr 30, 2015

Well today i tried,,it on a tripod,,with IS on and Off i can see NO difference in IQ,,can some one else try it and see what the verdict is???

Thanks Ron

soufiej · Apr 30, 2015

Ronnie H said:
Well today i tried,,it on a tripod,,with IS on and Off i can see NO difference in IQ,,can some one else try it and see what the verdict is???

Thanks Ron

It doesn't matter what our results are. You need to learn how to deal with your camera in any given situation. IS will not help a camera on a tripod. It can hurt. But, if the image could successfully be hand held with IS, then you probably won't see much difference in that situation by using a tripod. You use a tripod when the IS is likely not sufficient to achieve a clean shot.

And, yes, I would still use IS when also using a monopod since there are still several axes of rotation possible with a monopod.

ericp7 · May 1, 2015

Sorry for the noob question, but when your talking about whether or not to turn the IS off when using the SX50 on a tripod, is it a matter of IQ only, or can leaving the IS set "on" when on a tripod can physically damage the camera?? I thought I had read that in another thread, sorry if I'm mistaken.

I have a cheap Dolica monopod, I really like it. I am going to be purchasing a tripod soon because I've been taking some long range/lower light shots at deer where it would be great to just be setup knowing where they typically come out and use the remote shutter release I picked up. With that said, my long range max zoom shots (handheld) have turned out great, I haven't had another camera to compare it to, but the IS seems awesome! I feel like if a fly lands on my camera while hand holding full zoom it would lose my subject, but somehow they turn out solid.

When I shoot my deer in video mode from that long distance, that's another story. My video from that distance has a distinct "Blair Witch" effect going on that surely a tripod would tame. For me, I know I could find use for a tripod and I plan to get one.

dwightr8 · May 1, 2015

ericp7 said:
Sorry for the noob question, but when your talking about whether or not to turn the IS off when using the SX50 on a tripod, is it a matter of IQ only, or can leaving the IS set "on" when on a tripod can physically damage the camera?? I thought I had read that in another thread, sorry if I'm mistaken.

Here's an article that should answer your question.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solution/image-stabilization-when-use-it-and-when-turn-it

One thing I'm not sure about is whether or not the SX50 will sense if the camera is mounted on a tripod and automatically turn IS off. I don't think so but maybe somebody else can answer that for sure.

soufiej · May 1, 2015

There's no indication the SX50 can sense a tripod. I, for one, am not looking forward to even more idiot proof features being added to my camera. It's a very simply habit to get into; power down IS when mounting a tripod shoe and power up IS when removing the mount.

Physically disabling the system is your best bet anyway. Using IS with a tripod can result in lower image quality as mentioned in the article. A feedback loop is established which will catch the lens in a position where it is unable to recover at the moment of the shutter release. Totally defeats the purpose of the tripod.

The constant searching actions set up by the feedback loop can result in premature failure of the mechanical bits of the system. If you begin hearing unusual amounts of noise from the lens over time, this is the most likely cause. The repair will not be covered by your warranty in most cases. The owner's manual tells you to shut down the IS system and that's what you should do when using a tripod.

ericp7 · May 1, 2015

That answers that! Thanks!

RoyAmatore · May 1, 2015

You will benefit from a tripod and even a monopod. That said, with proper technique hand holding works very well. This shot was taken with the SX40 on a tripod from about 12 feet.

Lindonuk · May 1, 2015

All these were taken Handheld,

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lindon_meakin/

RoyAmatore · May 1, 2015

Lindonuk said:
All these were taken Handheld,

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lindon_meakin/

They are very, very nice. I see that most were not taken at maximum zoom. The few that were would have benefitted imo from a tripod or monopod.

PC Wheeler · May 3, 2015

RoyAmatore said:
You will benefit from a tripod and even a monopod. That said, with proper technique hand holding works very well. This shot was taken with the SX40 on a tripod from about 12 feet.

Very nice

I've never had much luck trying to shoot birds from a tripod. They don't seems to sit still for it!

--
Phil

PC Wheeler · May 3, 2015

dwightr8 said:
ericp7 said:

Sorry for the noob question, but when your talking about whether or not to turn the IS off when using the SX50 on a tripod, is it a matter of IQ only, or can leaving the IS set "on" when on a tripod can physically damage the camera?? I thought I had read that in another thread, sorry if I'm mistaken.

Click to expand...

Here's an article that should answer your question.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora...ge-stabilization-when-use-it-and-when-turn-it

My approach is more simplistic: If a camera's manual says to turn off IS when on a tripod, I'll do that.

SX50HS on a Tripod

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