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1500 questions
44
votes
6 answers
Is crop-factor a bad thing?
It seems to me that there is a preference for full-frame sensors rather than cropped sensors, and I'm curious as to why. It seems to me, that the cropped sensor means that I get more bang for my buck with zoom lenses. True, I suppose it means I…
Rabbi David
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44
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4 answers
What does the number of elements and groups in a lens mean?
All lens specifications include a statement of how many elements the lens contains, and in how many groups, for example:
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300 mm 1:4,5-5,6G: 17 elements in 12 groups (two ED glass elements);
Nikon AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR…
Kiril Kirov
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44
votes
11 answers
How do I tell which point-and-shoot cameras take good low light photos?
I have a Canon Powershot A710 and I previously had a previous Powershot A-series model. I love them due to the high amount of control they offer. Sadly, they both suck in low light conditions, their flash is very unresponsive, and the camera takes…
Vinko Vrsalovic
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44
votes
4 answers
Unsharp mask - what do the parameters do?
I'm interested in getting into post-processing stuff, and I'm wondering about the Unsharp Mask operation. Specifically, there are 3 parameters involved:
amount
radius
threshold
What do these do? Should I just leave them on the default settings? If…
Hamish Downer
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44
votes
18 answers
What are common beginner mistakes in photography?
What are common mistakes seen in images taken by beginning photographers?
For example, a friend of mine pointed out that the horizon was not straight in one of my images, and now I see it everywhere! What other mistakes am I probably making…
fmark
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44
votes
6 answers
Why don't DSLRs come equipped with "classic" focusing screens (split prism, etc)?
I have a hard time manual focusing my Canon EOS 350D.
Compared to the few higher spec DSLRs that I played with, and that have a pentaprism, my Rebel's (pentamirror) viewfinder feels crammed and somewhat darker.
I feel like I have to squint in order…
Cristian Diaconescu
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44
votes
8 answers
Can you tell from a blurry photo if focus was too close or too far?
If you focus on a focal plane that is sufficiently in front of your subject, or past it (relative to depth of field), the subject will appear blurry. Is there some way of telling purely from the resulting blur if focus was too near or far?
EDIT: the…
G_H
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43
votes
15 answers
Why do it "in-camera" rather than in post-processing?
There's a very common attitude among photographers that the appearance of a photo (ex: exposure) should be created using the features of the camera (aperture, shutter, etc; does not include the "retouching" features built into newer cameras'…
Craig Walker
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43
votes
6 answers
How to explain that the .jpg (digital file) of my photograph isn't free?
since I keep getting asked by different people if I can just send them the digital file to a photo of mine they've seen in the news, I'd like to ask:
How do I explain politely that I'm trying to make a living of this, and will only sell narrow…
danba
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43
votes
7 answers
Why use a dedicated light meter instead of the one built into the camera?
I know a few people who carry around a dedicated light meter unit (such as this one by Sekonic) and use that to meter photos instead of using the meter built into their cameras (and these are relatively new mid-range DSLRs).
Is there any good reason…
ahockley
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43
votes
7 answers
Why is giving clients RAW files such a sensitive matter among photographers?
I've been trying to understand why handing out the RAW files to clients is a sensitive issue among professional photographers.
I've often heard explanations that compares the RAW files to film negatives and that I wouldn't hand them out. The answer…
Hugo
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43
votes
1 answer
How does one create the Dave Hill effect for portraits/action shots?
Inspired by the question here by sebastian.b, and the response to the subsequent meta question. I would like to ask how to achieve a specific photo effect.
There may be more photographers that pull this off, but I know of two specific ones. The…
BBischof
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43
votes
5 answers
When best to use Multi-Zone/Matrix, Spot, or Center-Weight exposure metering modes?
What are Multi-Zone/Matrix metering, Center-Weighted metering, and Spot metering? What about Partial?
Is there a good rule of thumb, or a few pointers, on when best to use each exposure metering mode?
Eric B
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43
votes
9 answers
What is the difference between EF and EF-S lenses?
This is specific to Canon, but what is the difference between EF and EF-S lenses?
CodeToGlory
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43
votes
7 answers
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using auto ISO on a DSLR?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using auto ISO on a DSLR?
Using manual ISO obviously gives you more control, but auto ISO may mean that you get "the shot" under quickly changing conditions (such as street photography, varying quickly…
SoftMemes
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