Photography (Canon)
List Price:
Price: $198.89
- 4x optical zoom; 1.8-inch LCD display
- Powered by 2 AA-size batteries; stores images on SD memory cards (16 MB card included)
- DIGIC II and iSAPS for fast, precise results; VGA-quality movie mode with sound
- ISO 800 shooting; widescreen (16:9) stills recording
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Reflecting on 10 months in the world of (amateur) photography lessons learnt Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
It was ten months ago since I bought my first DSLR. Before that I had endless pleasure with my Canon PowerShot A530. I guess that's why it is still in my bag!
I knew nothing about photography at that stage. I just knew that I want something on which I can put different lenses. I decided (after asking some friends with DSLR's and those super cool extra long lenses) that I will choose between Nikon and Canon. At that time, the 550D with 2 kit lenses was available at a fairly good price, at almost every shop in town. Also the Nikon D "I cant remember what one" with THREE lenses, for about $100 less.
So I decided on the latter. Nikon with THREE lenses. I assume all the other people looking for cameras over that festive season decided to go for the Nikon. So there was only one Canon kit available. I took that one. A nice Canon 550D, with a 18 55 and 55 250, with a nice bag and a 4GIG memory card.
I immediately went off to the beaches to go take awesome pictures. I still didn't know a thing about aperture, shutter speed, ISO and the whole bunch. So "Auto" was the thing. My friends were really impressed with the 55 250 lens. Especcially on the longest end.
"WOW, that one must take awesome pictures" they commented frequently. I also believed that, and went of to Google to see if one can even get longer ones. I firmly believed that it is important to get the finest detail of the distant lion's eyelids, while the whole world was happening around me.
Ten months later I've spent considerable time to understand the basics of photography and lenses. There are really usefull tutorials on the web, free of charge. My kit lenses were sold to a local second hand dealer, and I made some (strange?) additions to my gear, which is as follow:
Canon 550D
Canon 24 105 L f4 EF
Sigma 10 - 20 f3.5 EF-S
Canon 50mm f1.8 EF
Canon EOS 500n / Rebel G
Canon AE1 Program (with a whole bunch of 30 year old lenses)
Canon 50mm f1.8 FD
UV filters and Circular polarisars
The following are the lessons I've learned, and I hope anyone that is currently in the situation that I found myself in 10 months ago, will learn something.
Selling my kit lenses: the second hand market is an active market. One can find good deals out there, and will for sure be able to recover costs if you have redundant equipment. As a novice, you can get good deals on entry level equipment (like the kit lenses) to use for a while in order to learn the basics and to establish what focus lengths you will need. You can buy from second hand dealers to be sure you won't be burnt with fakes.
Keeping the Canon 550D, eventhough the 600D has a cool swivel out screen that can be tilted and turned in 400 different directions: the camera is only a tool. You don't need ISO setting of 700 000, 80 frames per second shooting, and megapixels counts to infinity. If I had bought a Canon 1000D, I would've had more cash to fund an extra memory card and spare batery. The latter will help you to shoot at 10 megapixels for a whole day long! (Rather than to shoot for half a day at 18MP without battery power!)
Canon 24 105: I've established that this is the focal range that I use the most. My old kit lenses helped me to discover this. I bought this EF mount lens (which fits on all Canon EOS cameras, even the old EOS film cameras) to cater for the possibility that I might upgrade to full frame in the future. The polariser filter helps to reduce lens flare and all the other nice things about polarisers. And off course for landscape work I think a polariser is a must have. The image stabiliser helps for low light shots, so I don't have to carry a tri pod with me. (Yes, I'm lazy.) This lens is also a work horse and can handle severe "punishment".
Sigma 10 - 20 f3.5: I needed a ultra wide for the crop sensor camera for landscape work. The 18 55 was simply not wide enough. I decided on the Sigma model, as at that time I had to save some money. As it is widely reviewed on the net, this lens is not the best in its class. But perfect for an serious amateur and hobbyist. This lens doesn't has image stabilizer, but with such short focal lengths, it is rarely needed to use a shutter speed of less than 1/16 (remember to apply the crop factor), so it is still perfect for low light handheld situations. Use a larger aperture (and f4 is larger than f8, and more light enters the lens!) and increase the ISO to 400, and you will be fine.
Canon 50mm f1.8: at first I was dissappointed with this prime. Although as a complete novice, I understood what a prime lens was. I had to zoom with my feet (which is good for a guy that doesn't visit the gym). In all the reviews one will learn that it is excellent for low light situations, due to the large apperture, and that 50mm is a nice focal lenghth. Also called "normal". I didn't know that the effective field of fiew increases to that of 80mm on a crop factor sensor. And handheld shots below 1/80 is just ruined with camera shake. Nonetheless, using a prime is good for you (or it is for me), because you have to learn how to properly compose the picture with the absence of a zoom range, because the lenses is almost weightless, and cost almost nothing. This all is topped with excellent image quality. Nowadays I use it on my Canon Rebel G film camera to utilise the real 50mm (film cameras has no crop factor!). This lens is a must have and keeper for all beginners and amateurs. (If you want the same field of view on a crop sensor, invest in the more expensive primes in the 30mm range).
Film cameras (Rebel G and AE1 Program): yes, I stil shoot film. Before christmas I will develop my own film. It is fun. I don't care whether film is better than digital, or the other way around. I just like it! The fact that every click costs an amount of money, and the fact that you don't see your results immediately, forces one to concentrate on taking good pictures. And both my film cameras, with UV filters, a Canon 200mm FL, Tamron 70 210, Canon 50mm FD, Kenko 2x converter, carry bags and batteries costed less than $150. And the Canon Rebel G works perfectly with my 24 105 and 50mm EF lenses! (Do the maths: I can shoot and develop and print about 10 000 pictures and it will still be cheaper than only the 550D handset!).
What did I do wrong? And what can other beginners learn from my experience?
Amateurs don't need top of the range full frame handsets. Entry level models (like the Canon 1100D) are great. Or buy a good second hand (from a trustworthy source). By saving on the handset, you will have spare cash for and additional battery, memory card, tri pod, UV filters (to protect the lenses!), and perhaps a good training course.
Use the kit lenses until you know what focal lengths will satisfy your style. Then continue using it for another 2 months, just to be 100% sure. If you are in doubt, don't sell them!
Make time to learn the basics. Even my old PowerShot A530 has a manual setting, and this cheapy is sufficient to use as a training set if you don't want to buy before you know the basics. I will strongly recommend to take a beginners course. Some training institutes even present courses with their own equipment, so then you can test and train on the spot before you buy.
Most important: for every 20 minutes that you stare to your computer screen reading about photography, you must spent at least 1 hour out in the field / street / beach to shoot. That's the only way that you will learn!
Brand: : I think brand is a personal choice. Do your own homework. I use Canon because the Nikon was sold out on the specific day that I bought my gear. Besides that I have no preference to any specific brand.
(Please excuse my grammar and spelling. I speak a foreign African language that is not closely related to English!)
Photography (Sony)
List Price:
Price: $88.00
You Save: $31.00 (26%)
- iAuto mode automatically optimizes camera settings
- 26mm wide lens with 4x optical zoom
- Face Detection and Smile Shutter technologies
- Capture breathtaking images in Sweep Panorama Mode
Read more about Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W530 14.1 MP Digital Camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Black)
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W530 14.1 MP Digital Still Camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Pink)
Photography (Sony)
List Price:
Price: $89.00
You Save: $30.00 (25%)
- 26mm wide lens with 4x optical zoom
- iAuto mode automatically optimizes camera settings
- Face Detection and Smile Shutter technologies
- SteadyShot image stabilization reduces blur
Read more about Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W530 14.1 MP Digital Still Camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Pink)
Canon Powershot A530 w/CHDK Time Lapse #4
Time Lapse 1 shot every 10 sec
What are the best batteries for a powershot a530?
I know AA and rechargable is necessary, but can someone give me the specifics of a good type to use? I've been using all sorts of batteries which run dry after about 12 pics! IS anyone can help, I'll appreciate it.
Thanks.
Maha Powerex 2700 mAh AA nimh rechargeables and their C204W charger. I've been using them for 2 years in Canon A series cameras and they are great(450+ pics per charge with no power management at all). www.newegg.com or www.thomasdistributing.com. Are you sure about the 12 pics? If you're using Duracell or Energizer alkalines your camera has a problem. I get 225+pics with Duracell alkalines in an A710IS. Are you using dollar store batteries? Yes? There's your problem, your trying to operate your camera on junk.
How would I use a Canon Powershot A530 as a webcam?
I recently got a digital camera for a Xmas present and I can't figure out how to use it as a webcam. Help???
I have the usb cable hooked up but it says that I don't have a webcam installed on my messenger service.
You can't use the A530 as a webcam. It is a digital camera, not a webcam.
Will u marry me? You'll get free cam from me
What batteries rae best for a powershot a530 camera?
I've been using all sorts of AA rechargable and dispoable batteries but none seem to last more than a dozen pics. If anyone knows exactly what sort I should be using, I'll appreciate it!
PS- I'm looking for an exact type of battery since I already know rechargable AA ones are generally the types I need. Thanks,
You can save battery power by turning the LCD off and using the viewfinder, or at least turn the LCD off when not in use.
I've used Duracell Rechargeable NiMH 2650 mAh and Energizer Rechargeable NiMH 2500 mAh. With rechargeable batteries, you want to look for a high battery capacity. The battery capacity is that mAh rating. The higher the number, the longer a full charged battery will last.
Where can I find a start disk for a Canon PowerShot A530?
This is the disk that came with the camera when purchased.
You can download the software & drivers at Canon's support website - http://alpha03u.c-wss.com/inc/ApplServlet?RQF=MENU&RQS=WWUCA910&LA=1176137605497&SV=WWUCA900&menu=DR&TRF=MAIN
and download it
What is the best way to stabilize pictures using the Canon Powershot A530?
Are there tripods for sale that can be used with this camera, or is there a "steady" setting on the camera itself? Anyone? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, you can get a tripod. Believe it or not, you can get ANY tripod. For some reason that I will never understand there is at least ONE thing in cameras that is universal and that is the size of the tripod threads. Any tripod will attach to your camera. For the A530, you can get almost anything made as it would nto have to hold 5 pounds or anything. Just don't get one of those minipod things that has flexible legs. You can get an acceptable tripod for your camera for $20-30 in any photo department of Best Buy, etc., or in any local camera shop.
This is what you have to know about image blur if you decide to buy a camera that does not have optical image stabilization.
Image stabilization is the real deal and it DOES help your pictures, but it's not essential. In the case of Canon's, it's about a hundred dollar upgrade in the SD (Elph) series. I'll add my stock answer on "IS" (image stabilization) after I'm done talking about some other things here and you can check it out if you want to.
When it was my turn to buy a "pocket" camera to take with me when I didn't want to drag out the SLR, I chose a Canon SD900. There are times when "IS" might help, but overall, I don't really miss it in this camera. If you have longer zoom lenses, any degree of shaking will be magnified and "IS" will cut down or eliminate the blur caused by that shaking. There are a few tricks and techniques that you can use if your camera doesn't have it.
First of all, like the old days, just make a conscious effort to hold still. Try to use the optical viewfinder so you can hold the camera up to your face and not at arm's length. You can turn off the LCD preview if you do this and it will save batteries anyhow. Take a breath and hold your breath while you gently s-q-u-e-e-z-e the shutter, trying to avoid shaking the camera as you push the button.
In any mode on most point and shoot cameras, you will see a "shake warning" if the shutter speed is going to be slow enough that there is more risk of your shaking. There are a few things you can do in this situation to minimize the potential for a blurred image.
You can always force the camera to use a faster shutter speed by selecting a higher ISO (sensitivity) setting. You have a few options with most cameras to accomplish this. First, in the manual mode, you can simply select a higher ISO when the light is low and you are more likely to have trouble holding still for a longer exposure. This will force a faster shutter speed. In any mode, you can use "AUTO ISO," but you can also use "HI ISO" or whatever your model calls it. This will force the camera to go to the next higher ISO than the normal program would select under the existing lighting conditions. If the normal program would use ISO 100, "HI ISO" will bump it up to ISO 200. By doing this, it will make the shutter speed twice as fast so there is less likelihood of blurring due to camera shake.
Some cameras, such as the Canon SD1000, also have an interesting feature called "Auto ISO Shift" that allows you to make a one-touch adjustment to the ISO if the shake warning icon appears.
The down side of increasing the ISO is that higher ISO settings will introduce a roughness to the image called "digital noise." Until you get up to ISO 800, it's not really much of a concern,
You can also use the flash, which would usually eliminate blur, if the subject is within your flash range.
You can also steady the camera on something or use a tripod and then use the self-timer so the shutter will go by itself without you touching the camera, eliminating the possibility for shaking the camera.
I own a Canon Powershot A530 camera? What program can I download for free?
I need a program that will allow me to upload photos and video and easily organize them in my documents. Thank you.
I use a card reader to transfer everything to my computer.
On the hard drive, I use a folder structure to keep everything organized by date. So I have a folder 'pictures', and inside that I have a folder for each year, and inside those I have folders that start with the date (month-day) and include a short description.
I personally use ACDSee to browse though my pictures, but this isn't free. Picasa is very nice free software (it's from Google). Picasa is also an image editor, so you probably won't need any other software.
How do you set aperture on the Canon PowerShot A530 digtal camera?
I can't seem to figure out how to set the aperture on my camera. Does anyone have step by step directions on how to set it up?
your manual has step by step instructions
Have you seen my Stolen Canon Powershot A530 - Philadelphia Area?
A Canon Powershot A530 digital camera was stolen from my home in Collegeville, PA on 05/20/08. If you have this camera in your possession please contact me. No questions asked. I just want the memory card back, it has many sentimental pictures on it and my wife is devastated. I can describe the pictures and have the camera serial number. There is a reward for the camera and/or memory card inside.
Have you tried posting this on Craigslist?
Ihave a cannon powershot a530 what do i have 2 do 2 get the pictures off of it when the program is installed?
program is supposed 2 b installed in my cp.The desktop icon is there .
First, (assuming you have Windows XP) you want to temporarily remove any imaging devices from any USB ports on the back of the computer (i.e., any combination of printer, scanner, copier, fax machines).
Then go to Start, then go to Run, then type in "services.msc" (without the quotation marks). Look for 3 things; Canon Camera Access Library 8, SSDP Discovery Services, and Windows Image Acquisition (WIA). Make sure they all read "Started" under the Status column and "Automatic" under the Startup Type column. If they aren't started & automatic, double-click the service. Under the General tab, change the startup type to automatic and click the start button to start the service. After that is done, you can close down the Local Services window.
Now try & connect the camera to one of the USB ports in the back of the computer. If you get the "Found New Hardware" window and the Canon Camera Window pops up asking you to select a program, choose Camera Window. It will walk you through the rest.
If it does not give you the Camera Window a few seconds after you plug in the camera, just go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, Scanner & Camera Wizard. That should walk you through the rest.
Hope that helps!
My Canon PowerShot A530 lens will not work. How can I fix it without going to get it fixed?
How do I make the lens work again?
Latest News for PowerShot A530 - updated hourly!!!
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