Do you shoot in AUTO mode?

AUTO mode has always been a feature of point and shoot cameras -the photographer needs little expertise in camera modes to achieve satisfactory focus and exposure. During the last few years, digital cameras have become more popular, and there have been many technological advances and additional shooting modes, however AUTO mode remains the most common setting of many photogs. Research conducted by Canon also reveals that AUTO is one of the most frequently used shooting modes.
So Canon has taken a pro-active step in point and shoot technology, making the Canon Powershot SX200 IS "smarter". Check out my article on Canon Powershot SX digital cameras.

Here is a blurb from dpreview (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09021804canonsx200is.asp) on the SX200 IS:

Cameras with IQ
From today Canon are making AUTO mode different. The latest range of Digital Still Camera products launched incorporate a new smart system that uses Scene Detection Technology, which along with other advanced Canon technologies, leads to one of the most comprehensive and clever AUTO modes ever seen on a digital camera. Whilst complex in technology, Smart AUTO still delivers the peace of mind and ease of use for point and shooters that has always been expected from selecting the familiar green icon mode.

With intelligent and integrated use of key functions such as focus, exposure, ISO sensitivity, flash, dynamic range adjustments and Intelligent Contrast Correction, Canon Cameras have never been so smart. Added to these Canon Motion Detection and Face Detection Technology plus advanced Noise Reduction, together with pleasing colour rendition all delivered by the DIGIC 4 processor, mean when selecting AUTO mode on these latest models, users can be assured of the best in image quality even in more challenging shooting conditions.

Smart Auto overview:
Using Scene Detection Technology, Smart AUTO can distinguish parameters allowing the camera to carry out optimum processing for a shot by:

* Detecting people
* Evaluating Distances
* Evaluating Subject and camera movement information
* Analysing Scene Brightness
* Analysing Colour

You have to admit that these are some amazing advances in point and shoot technology. I invite you to take a closer look at my review of both of these AWESOME Canon Powershot SX digital cameras by clicking here.

Learn Your Camera Settings

One of the most rewarding experiences you can have with your camera is to see the results after you experiment with different camera settings. When you figure out what those settings do, it gives you a feeling of empowerment. And the more you learn, the better your pictures get, even if you are taking the same type of shots. For instance, you choose to use a higher ISO setting because you are in a low light setting, and you get a much clearer shot without the blur that happens when the shutter speed is too slow. The more you experiment with those settings, the more comfortable you feel with your camera. As you can see from the display, trying to decide which setting to modify can be a little complicated.

It is a good idea to purposefully take some pictures when you are not in a "must perform" situation, like at your child's first birthday party. So take your camera and start fiddling with settings and snapping photos. Change the setting and take the exact same picture to see what might happen when, say, you change the aperture setting to a higher number when taking a close-up of a beautiful flower. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. On, and don't forget to read the camera manual.
Want a little more about camera settings? Check out my article on Learning About Digital Photography.

The Newest Canon Digital Camera Offering

Are you aware that March 3-5 is when the annual PMA (Photographic Manufacturers’ Association) show? This is when all the newest products in the photography industry are announced. I am particularly interested in Canon’s two newest Powershot models, the Powershot SX200 IS and Powershot SX1 IS.

When I first discovered the digital camera, I spent over $300 for my little Olympus point-and-shoot. Now I can get a 12.2 megapixel Canon Powershot SX200 IS with many features that once were only available on the pro DSLR models for about $399. And if I want to go up another level to the Powershot SX1 IS, it will cost only another $100. I have done a comparison of the two models at squidoo.com. You can check them out for yourself at www.squidoo.com/canon-powershot-sx200-is. And if you are in the market for a new digital photography precision instrument, consider one of these.