If you’re already using a tripod is a remote shutter switch an option?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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