PCPhoto 
Learning Center The Power Of JPEG
Learning Center The Power Of JPEG
The Power Of JPEGCapture outstanding photos from JPEG-saved images by following these shooting guidelines |
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Page 5 of 6 Learn to use your camera’s custom white balance as well. This is the best way to get accurate, brilliant colors from every situation. Most cameras deal with a greater range of color information from a scene with this setting than is possible with auto white balance. Custom settings are based on the camera measuring the color of light as it’s seen on a white or gray card. Every camera does this differently, however, so you’ll have to check your manual. But you may be surprised at how rich colors can seem from custom white balance compared to other settings. Sharpness If we’re discussing optimum quality with JPEG, we need to talk sharpness. The number-one cause of a photo’s lack of sharpness isn’t poorly designed lenses, but camera movement or shake during exposure. This does more than make a photo look blurry; at minimal levels of shake, the photo might not even look too bad, but image brilliance and crispness will suffer, dulling the shot. Hold the camera as firmly, yet comfortably as you can. That means no flying elbows, no light-fingered grips and no one-handed shooting. Press the shutter firmly, but never punch the button. Be aware of your shutter speed. When the camera is shooting automatically, this is easy to overlook. Be wary of shooting anything under 1⁄60 sec., and if you’re using a telephoto focal length, that shutter speed needs to get much faster to maintain sharpness. When your speeds drop, look for ways to stabilize your camera. Image-stabilizing technologies such as the IS (Canon), VR (Nikon) and OS (Sigma) lenses and the unique AS chip solution from Konica Minolta all help you get sharper images at slower shutter speeds. You also can brace your camera against a solid object or use a beanbag. A beanbag with a tripod screw is a great accessory, but the only one I’ve ever seen is The Pod from Adorama. For tripods, avoid those cheap, flimsy models found at mass-market retailers; they can cause as much vibration as they might stop. To buy a tripod, set it up to full extension, then lean on it and see how stiff it is. For lightest weight, look into a carbon-fiber unit (although these are more expensive). Both ballheads and pan-and-tilt heads work well. Choose a head that’s easy for you to use.
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