New “camera” - advantages and ... learnings
As noted previously I have a new-ish telephone with a great camera. As ever with a new telephone there is a period of joy mixed with frustration as one gets to know the quirks and shortcomings of the new device - and it gets used to you and your quirks!
Working with any new device can involve lots of fun and lots of frustration.
> “Where’s the button-thingy for …?
Ah. There, amongst other random applications.”
> “Oops! Where’s all the power gone?!
Hmmm. Switch off them random bits of software what I don't use."
> “I need to send a text. Can I add a smiley-face as well?
Hmm.”
Mostly those things are sorted with a few runs of “click-mistake-retry-(grr!)-retry-ahh! Success!”
And the camera...
How well does that work?
When one selects “camera” on one’s mobile the standard setting is “auto-focus”. So when I point the thing where I need to take a picture the internals will bring it into sharp focus. I touch the right “button” and - wow! - another great photograph.
The only trouble is that it is the auto-focus, not me, that often decides what bit I “need” in focus. I try again, and again it focusses on the background, or a small item off to the left, or a random stone right in front.
I try to distract the device by moving the ‘phone to one side, focussing on an item nearby, then turn again to the subject and … D’oh!
So I try teaching it to listen to me and not to some arbitrary “guidance software” - or whatever it’s called.
“Bu-but I wanted to focus on that flower!”
“Calm down young man! You really needed to have it focussed on the wall in the background, I can assure you.”
As part of the software for this device there is the choice of a “Pro” setting. In other words, I can select this and do my own focus (and set the “shutter” speed, the aperture, and the ISO setting).
(I do find that trying to focus whilst peering at the screen on the back of the machine whilst holding it at an angle can be awkward. A camera’s viewfinder is easier!)
Sometimes when I try the “Pro” setting then revert to auto, the auto focus has learned what bit I need in focus!
Yes!
“Ha! Now I have focussed on that flower!”
“Calm down young man! We are only here to help you, I can assure you, and we are pleased you have succeeded.”
Now I feel I am getting the hang of it and taking (some) control.
So. It takes good photographs… Correction. I still take good photographs using it.
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