Working with digital images

[scenicdrives]

Hi there,

I am here again to seek your help. this time is regarding blurry photos taken in the theatre. I think the stabilising factor on the canon SII didn't work in the dark. Is there a software that would help me fix the photos? ???unblurr them. Thanx you so much in advance. Cheers

[bdery]

Hi,

image stabilization will help YOU keep more stable, by reducing the shake you transfer to the camera. It will not do miracles, but it will let you use shutter speeds two to four times slower than otherwise.

However, it will do nothing to stop the movement of others if it's recorded on the sensor. When light is low, the camera can do three things : open up the aperture to get more light in, increase the ISO to simulate a brighter scene (sort of like increasing the volume on an audio set) or, in last resort, leave the shutter open longer.

But if, while the shutter is open, you move a little or your subjects move a little, the camera will record those movements and you will get a blurred image.

There is no way to completely "unblur" an image, as you put it. To some extend, increasing sharpness could help, but not much I'm afraid. In very low light, the only working solution would be to increase the ISO dramatically. With the S2 (I think that's the camera you own) you can go up to ISO 400 (in auto mode the camera Will stop at 150) but doing so will increase visible noise. The "best" solution would be to use a DSLR, but these cameras are expensive, require the purchase of lenses, and are not simple in use. But a camera is a tool, and some tools are better fit for certain jobs.

I hope this helps!

[Deb]

Hi Scenicdrives, as Bdery stated, there are camera settings that you can adjust during the shooting process to help reduce the blur associated with a moving subject. IS is intended to reduce the blur associated with YOUR movement. Since you've already shot the images, you might try a software called "Focus Magic". Here's their link http://www.focusmagic.com/examplemotionblur.htm . Blur can result from two sources: focusing or movement. This software addresses both of these.

[scenicdrives]

HI there,

Thanx so much for replying!! I really appreciate the info provided in both posts... I am stil getting used to my camera and sorta was hoping it does do miracles lol... but I am getting there slowly... I am always afraid if I fiddle with it I stuff it up :-/... that's why I keep coming back for help... Thanx for being there for me guys. Cheers  

[Deb]

Thank you Scenicdrives! You are most welcome. We're all happy to help!

Re: camera settings ... Don't fear.    Just try adjusting one setting at a time and take some test shots. They're free afterall.    Look over the images and notice what changes with those adjustments. As you begin to understand what those feature do, you'll know under which shooting conditions you need to apply them. Soon you'll be shooting like a pro! Above all, have fun with it!