Any Amateur Photographers Here

[Whisky]

Since I struggle to punch tags I'm looking to up my game in the photography department so as to not come home feeling so empty handed all the time. I got a Sony RX100 IV inbound and leaving Friday for a mulie hunt. If nothing else, I'm going to end up with a shit ton of pictures and a hangover from beer and scotch. This camera is able to shoot in RAW. I really don't know what that means (or any other geeky jargon) but I know its where its at for getting your awesome "sunset" pictures , etc. Shoot in RAW, edit the details in later, so they say....

Anybody got any pointers or quick literature that would shorten the learning curve to this stuff? Anybody familiar with this camera at all? And also, what program would you recommend for doing the editing? I will not have time to get familiar with this thing at all before the hunt.

Thanks

 

[JayKay]

Just that a RAW photo takes a lot more space on whatever media you're storing it upon. Depending on settings, RAW might take 5X the space. Plan your cards accordingly. SD, Micro SD, CF, whatever...

 

[ndbwhunter]

If you haven't already looked, there is some great information on Rokslide. That group would surely be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[deleted_account]

I've seriously considered taking a class of some sort. I have a decent camera but the numb skull behind doesn't know how to operate it properly

 

[You]

I've seriously considered taking a class of some sort. I have a decent camera but the numb skull behind doesn't know how to operate it properly

i do not appreaciate your avatar. carry on.

 

[deleted_account]

scary isnt it

 

[camoman]

Absolutely unnecessary to shoot in RAW to capture great sunrise/sunset imagery, granted you do have to know what settings you're shooting in and where to focus for different effects. Some of the shots I've taken in .jpg

 

[H82bogey]

I'm not familiar with that camera. Does it have the ability to change lenses? If so, invest in a good lens or two. They are worth it. great lens can make a below average camera take amazing pictures, while low quality lenses can make a great camera look awful.

If you have the ability to adjust settings on the camera, do a quick google search on their functions, time and place to use. Don't, I repeat, don't use the "auto" function. Not that its a bad function, but if you take about 45 minutes to read a few tips for the options your camera has and use them, your pictures will turn out much better. For example, landscape mode, portrait mode, low light settings, etc.

Remember light is everything. I got into photography as a hobby a few years back and have had some great fun with it, and every once in awhile I get it right and take a great photo. Have fun with it!!

 

[Sum1]

I think we are all pretty much all amateur photographers.Not?

 

[camoman]

I'm not familiar with that camera. Does it have the ability to change lenses? If so, invest in a good lens or two. They are worth it. great lens can make a below average camera take amazing pictures, while low quality lenses can make a great camera look awful.

If you have the ability to adjust settings on the camera, do a quick google search on their functions, time and place to use. Don't, I repeat, don't use the "auto" function. Not that its a bad function, but if you take about 45 minutes to read a few tips for the options your camera has and use them, your pictures will turn out much better. For example, landscape mode, portrait mode, low light settings, etc.

Remember light is everything. I got into photography as a hobby a few years back and have had some great fun with it, and every once in awhile I get it right and take a great photo. Have fun with it!!

The Sony RX100 IV isn't an SLR. Regardless, H82 is correct, don't shoot in auto. Put an hour into reading about your camera and what functions and settings to use in particular situations and you'll be 100% better off.

 

[MSA]

My only advice is to treat your camera like a gun. The more you shoot, the better chances you have at hitting the bullseye. Dont take one or two shots of something, take 20. then pick the best photo later....its not like youre wasting film.

 

[SDMF]

I set up cameras to run in Aperture Priority "AV" should be a setting on a dial or in a menu somewhere. Then in the menu I like, ISO Auto, the default smallest/lowest F-stop available at any given zoom (this will clear up your target and blur most of the rest) Continuous Auto Focus, Auto White Balance, the highest quality image and the fastest frame rate.

 

[k9guy82]

I was firm believer in DLRs until I found that my Iphone can take better pictures at times, especially by myself. I have a Canon Rebel I occasionally use. I had to google a lot of stuff and experiment with it to really get good shots. As for editing, I try not to do any or very little when I use my camera. However when I use my phone, I use the SnapSeed app. Its all about angle, lighting, and creativity.

 

[SDMF]

MSA probably gave the best advice, take a ton of pics. Fiddle with the settings and see what works for you as you can look @ the pic info in you're editing software later and spot trends of settings you like.

The other advice I'd offer, get a camera that you'll actually USE!! If you're not willing to haul it along all the time, it's nearly worthless as you'll find more and more reasons to leave it behind. I haul a DSLR in a Simms waterproof backpack almost all the time. I've used several P&S cameras and still haven't found one I like that lasts and has the features I want. Thinking of a Canon G16 but haven't sat down to really cypher that out.

 

[Whisky]

This was a rather quick purchase so I just went with the point and shoot because I felt I would use it more. My bro has a DSLR that he has packed elk hunting and it hardly ever made it out of the pack, and now hardly ever makes the trip. If I get good at it I will drop the coin for a better set up, but holy christ they can cost a lot. I just want to get some experience and go from there.

The internet (and Camerland) say this Sony is the only point and shoot worth owning......otherwise DSLR.

 

[Whisky]

Really glad I got the new camera. Fun time playing with it and I think a few pics turned out Ok. Should have done this years ago!!

These are all Jpeg havent had time to mess around with editing the RAW yet.