Are there any cameras that dont break the bank but also have decent stabilization? Ive used a tripod in the past with one of my dads old cameras (No idea what kind of Canon, but i know it used film). However, the tripod only helpped so much as the pictures were still blurry.
I’ve noticed recently that my tremmors have been getting worse. And would like to at least say I tried to get into this hobby before I’m unable to keep soup on my spoon.
You don’t even need stabilization/vibration reduction, you just need a faster shutter speed (and/or better light/light sensitivity). VR/IS/whatever the company calls it can help, but if you can set exposure to 1/125 or 1/250, that should be fast enough to negate the tremors. If it isn’t, bump up the ISO setting and open your aperture as wide a possible, then set it to a faster speed - if that is still too slow, you can look at getting faster lenses (lower aperture) or adding more like with a flash, reflector, or studio lighting.
When you are using a tripod, use a remote shutter to eliminate vibration completely (even if you didn’t have tremors, a remote shutter is still a good idea when you’re using a tripod).
You can get cheap used or refurbished DLSRs online, but if you’re using a film camera, another thing that will help you is switching to a higher speed film (try at least 400 ISO). If you’re on a budget, look at used prime lenses - they’ll have a very wide aperture for not a lot of money. They are available for film and digital cameras alike!
Sorry to hear about your tremors and I hope this advice was helpful, keep shooting! I think you’ll find having a remote shutter or release makes a big difference. If you have an old film camera, it most likely has a mechanical shutter release. If you aren’t sure, post the camera model and one of us can probably help you find something.
If you’re using a tripod, most cameras have a delay shutter. I use 2 second delay all the time (real estate photography) - I trigger it, then get my hands away, and it takes the picture.
Sometimes I actually up the time delay to give myself time to escape if I’m in the shot.
Did not know about a delay feature. I’ll add it to the list of things to look for when I make a purchase. Thank you.
One small bit of related advice: if you’re using both a lens with stabilization and a tripod, make sure to turn stabilization off while it’s mounted on the tripod.
It’s somewhat counter-intuitive, I know, but I’ve found that if it’s left on, the lens tries to compensate, and the resulting images are a bit blurry / shaky.
If you’re already using a tripod is a remote shutter switch an option?
Curently dont have anything. That camera I used was my father’s and that was years ago. I didnt make that clear in my post.
The only concern i have is carrying around a lot of extra gear. I need to look into remote switches as the only knowledge i have are ones that plug into the camera. Are there phone apps or wireless options?
Depends on the camera, but most modern nice ones should all have a wireless option. Either app or dedicated button. I’m by no means a camera expert so I have no idea what devices have what.
For older cameras there’s always the self timer too.
Have you tried using a tripod + cable release? When you are not touching the Camera directly, your tremors shouldn’t matter. If you have enough time, tripod + self-timer should work even better.
Mentioned that set up in my comment to someone else. Which i think would work but really only for stills?
There are also these pole things. Instead of three legs it’s just one.
And I believe they are telescoping so you can set it as you like. Much easier to move around with it. And it just helps steady your shot.
Also a tip for hand tremors.
Motor tremors are caused by two opposing forces in the brain. One of causing the motor action and the other attempting to isolate the “command”. When the command is not isolated very well, tremors happen.
Both of these two processes I mention work together. In equal “power”. (Except in Parkinson’s).
What this means is that the more force or intensity you apply to a motor command, the higher chance you have of causing tremors.
The best way to steady your hand isn’t by increasing force to “control” the tremor but by doing the exact opposite.
Loosen your grip and force as much as possible without dropping the camera (I always suggest a neck strap).
Practice using the least amount of force needed to hold the camera.
It can take a little practice to find the sweet spot before your command is too weak and the camera falls.
But you get what I’m saying right? Hope im explaining it sufficiently.
Relaxed hands reduce tremors.
There are also these pole things. Instead of three legs it’s just one.
Monopods. Definitely recommend. I’ve got one I use for “handheld” shooting with a heavier lens as well.
Sorry, missed that.
Not sure what camera you’re shooting on, but if blurry photos are an issue I would suggest to increase the shutter speed as fast as possible. You might need to increase iso to compensate. If your camera has a shutter priority mode, try that and set the speed to something like 1/500 or faster.
Also keep the camera close to your body, tuck in your elbows. You can also use your environment, like leaning on a tree or wall. I’m often bracing against things if I need a bit more steadyness, esp in low light.
I’m currently looking for a camera. The only one I tried was my father’s that he got in the '70s.
Good tips on how to hold the camera though. I’ll be sure to try them out when i buy a camera.
There are definitely a number of motorized gimbals you can mount a camera to. Gives you more flexibility. Just need to rig up a remote shutter release.
Forgive my ignorance, are gimbles quick to adjust angle? For example if i was taking pictures of a flower but then see a bird up a tree, can adjustments be made to angle the camera up? My understanding of gimbles is they jusy hold the camera level to the ground?
Oh, they’re highly configurable. I use a DJI video camera (tiny 4k camera on a stick), but I assume the larger SLR gimbals can do the same. You can hold a button to lock the angle to the stick, lock the angle to the environment, set it to only stabilize vertically (if you’re tracking a laterally moving target), quickly re-center, and even tweak how quickly it responds to movement.
Of course my gimbal has all the camera controls on the handle. Not sure how it’ll work if you’re using an SLR. Especially with manual zoom/focus. But it’s a good start.
Depends on how great the tremors are.
Some cameras have sensor shift in body stabilization (IBIS), where it moves the sensor to compensate for shakes. I shoot an old Pentax k30 that has it.
Also a larger heavier camera could help dampen tremors?
On the camera you used, modern colour film is pretty “slow”, in that it has a low sensitivity (usually iso 100-400), so requires the shutter to be open longer. Digital will let you use a higher sensitivity, thus a faster shutter speed, so there’s less time for movement to affect the photo.
Unfortubately more weight translates to more tremors. I get a lot of concerned looks at the gym, and I only just started my warm ups. So lighter the better would be the direction I would lean towards.
It’s good to know that digital would be better suited for me. That narrows down the choices a bit I hope.
Look into the micro 4/3 format, it is cheaper, smaller and has great IBIS and lens stabilizations
I would suggest getting a Lumix G97 as it has a fantastic grip and in my experience, Lumix cameras take great photos.
I’ll look into a Lumix, a good grip would be a major plus that I hadn’t considered.
I began my current photo hobby with a Lumix GX80, an excellent camera with terrible ergonomics.
My friend got a G80 a year later, and wow, the ergonomics are simply fantastic.
There are both bodies with in body stabilization, and lenses with in lens stabilization. Any comparison website should tell you this information.
If you tell us more about what you intend to shoot, maybe we can give more helpful recommendations.
Id like to take pictures while out on hikes or camping. Flora, fauna, landscape mostly. Flora and landscapes would be easy with a tripod and a remote i guess, so i am mostly looking for info in regards to animals that might be moving.
Wildlife photography is already at the edge of camera performance, even without tremors. So wildlife photographers will usually use a tripod, too.
There are relatively affordable 150-600 lenses with stabilization, maybe look into one of them for wildlife.
