Digital camera accessories

[rdeis]

Hi, all.  I have a Sony DSC-W1 that I'm quite happy with.   Daytime action shots are better than I'd hoped for-- but now I want them closer, so it's time to get a telephoto lense of some sort.

I've seen several brands, types, magnifications, and etc, but I don't really know what to look for.  I remember that larger openings (aperature?) are better for image quality, and I know the difference between 2x and 3x magnification, but I don't really know anything in terms of quality, how larger magnifications affect focus and shutter speed, or etc.

My objective is to get pictures like these two:
http://www.firebirdsilkenwindhounds.com/Forrest/Pages/Image7.html

http://www.firebirdsilkenwindhounds.com/Natasha/Pages/Image0.html

I got lucky on these because the hounds were running very close to me, I want to be able to get them from accross the field.

Where do I learn how to choose a lense?

[rdeis]

Oh, and while we're at it, comments on improving the color and lighting are welcome if you have them. (-:

The next running event is on the 26th and I'm hoping that some knowledge and a new lense will help me get much better shots.

[ShutterbugGail]

Where do I learn to choose a lens?

Hi rdeis and welcome to the Digicamhelp Q&A Board.

Here's some very basic information on digital camera converter lenses.

http://www.digicamhelp.com/digital-camera-converter-lenses/index.htm

If I were buying a converter lens, the first place I'd look is what your camera manufacturer has to offer. If you're happy with the lens of your Sony camera, no doubt the quality of their add-on lenses will be excellent. A quick search at the Sony site pulled up some of these accessories for the DSC-W1:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_ParametricSearch-Start?search_keyword=Sony+DSC-W1&selected_category_name=None

Quailty add-on lenses can also be purchased for some digital cameras, which are made by third party manufacturers.  They usually cost less than those made by the original manufacturer. I recommend you contact a reputable camera store and ask what is available. They will also help you select the right adapters to attach the lens to the digicam, if one is needed.

Will get back to you regarding your other question.

btw, nice pictures!

[ShutterbugGail]

I don't really know anything in terms of quality, how larger magnifications affect focus and shutter speed, or etc.

Focus and exposure may have to be adjusted manually when using an add-on lens on a consumer digital camera. Like any telephoto lens, you'll probably have to use a faster shutter speed to avoid camera shake.

As to quality lenses and which may be the best for the price, I recommend you ask other Sony camera users at the Sony Talk Forum. You should be able to get a lot of good camera and lens-specific info there:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1009

[ShutterbugGail]

Oh, and while we're at it, comments on improving the color and lighting are welcome if you have them. (-:

Everyone will have a different approach and opinion but to me it would be difficult to get a better exposure. The overall image is almost monochromatic. What I'd do is a bit of post processing with a program like Photoshop:

-use levels to liven the photo by reducing the "flat" look

- selectively sharpen the dog and not the back ground

- crop slightly so the dog isn't smack in the middle of the frame

I've played with it a bit here:

http://www.pbase.com/gailb/image/39681706.jpg

In addition, after I selected the the dog and sharpened, I reversed the selection and reduced the brightness of the field ever so slightly. In fact, if I did it again, I'd probably brighten the dog a tad.

I'm sure there are other image editing techniques that would work as well, but that's how I'd go about it.

Related reading:

Using levels
http://www.digicamhelp.com/what-is-a-histogram/levels-histogram.htm