Digital cameras 101

[mjacobson]

HI!  I have a question about my Canon A80.

I wonder if it at all possible to kept the photo in a certain spot while I am viewing the photo.  
Example:  I take the photo then I am looking at it & realize that I can get a lot closer to the object after the moment has passed.  

I hope this is makes sense.  
I appreciate any advice on this circumstance.

Marcy

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Marcy,

Glad you stopped by at the Q&A Board.

Can you please clarify something. Are you talking about reviewing an image on the LCD after you take it? Or are you talking about moving closer to the subject then taking a second photo?

If you are talking about the first, ie. viewing a close up of a photo after it was taken, many digital cameras let you zoom in closer by pressing the zoom button (assuming your camera has a telephoto lens)? The image is then enlarged on your LCD. You can scroll around and look at various portions of the image by using the toggle switch which has arrows pointing up and down or right and left. People often do this to make sure that the photo is focused well and properly exposed. If not, they retake the photo.

If you are talking about taking a second photo of the same subject, but getting closer, you can of course use your zoom lens. Or, you can walk closer to the subject. In both cases, you will have to refocus the shot by depressing the shutter release button half-way down before fully pressing it.

I hope this helps a bit. If for some reason I haven't understood your question, please let me know and we'll try again.

[Marcy]

I am trying to do this after I have taken the photo & am viewing it on the LCD screen.   I know I can use the telephoto zoom button...but it doesn't say if I can "hold" the photo in that spot.   It is also when I am playing around with the picture after the shot is done.  

I am sorry I am being so difficult.   I talk so much better with my hands!!  We only have a Best Buy in the area & for some reason they are not very knowledgable.

[ShutterbugGail]

The photo should hold when you preview it. It may, however, go off if you have your camera set to shut off the LCD after a specified time.

Because LCDs use a lot of battery power, many cameras let you set a 1, 5, etc. minute automatic shut off. You can also use the menu to keep the LCD on all the time until you switch the camera off. You can change these settings in the Set-up menu, often by accessing a menu called "monitor." (the terms may vary from camera to camera.

Does this help?

You are not being difficult, Marcy. I apologize that we haven't figured out a way so each of us can "talk" with our hands.    We're here to help...so if these suggestions don't work, let us know and we'll try again.

[Marcy]

The photo will hold there for a few moments.  But, do you know if I can lock it in that way so I can print the photo from that spot.  I guess it is kind of like cropping the picture.  

Good tip on the automatic shut off.  I think mine is on all the time.   I will have to look into that.  

Thanks again!
Marcy

[ShutterbugGail]

Marcy,

Let me ask you. Are you trying to hold the photo in Record (photo taking) Mode? If so, switch to Playback Mode. Your image will hold in Playback mode and you should be able to print from there too (as well as crop an image if your camera has that capability).

[marcy]

I am sorry I did not clarify that...yes, I am in the playback mode.   It will hold there for a coule of seconds, but I don't know how to "freeze" it or keep it in that cropped area.   I wish I had the correct terminology for it.  
In the manual it shows how to zoom within the photo when in the playback mode, but not how you to keep that photo "right there".   It goes back to the original photo taken.  

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Marcy,

This one really has me stumped. All four digital cameras I've had hold the image in playback mode until you move on to the next one. Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with your camera.

Due to this, I'd like to recommend you post your question in the Canon forum at dpreview, where others more familiar with your model can be of more help. Or, you can also consider calling Canon tech support.

Let us know the solution when you find it as it can help others.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1010

[Marcy]

Well, I found my answer.  And, you might have been trying to explain this to me all along.  

If I crop it on the camera & try to save it that way & then go to print or email it the resolution on the computer will or can be different.  Therefore, I have to do all of my cropping on the computer.

Again, my apologies for wasting your time.  But,  I know now where to come to get great information.  THANK YOU!!

[ShutterbugGail]

Marcy,

Please don't think you were wasting our time. You were not.

Digital cameras, even basic ones, can be quite complex for most of us. There are hundreds and hundreds of digicams and each works a little differently and have different terms for the same functions. So explaining a particular situation can be difficult, particularly in writing.

At the very least, our "conversation" helped you sort through the problem you were facing. We're so glad you found the solution and that you were kind enough to share it with us.

You're very welcome to come on back here any time to ask questions or seek some information you need at the main site!

[marcy]

I have to say this is one of the friendliest message boards I have ever been on.  

Oh, and you might regret saying "come back anytime".  Only joking.

Thanks again!!