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1. Never use image stabilization on a tripod.
If I do not forget, I always turn off stabilization on the tripod. When shooting with long lenses, the sensor may “wander” while trying to frame precisely. It makes framing very hard. This is especially true with IBIS. When shooting long exposure, the stabilization mechanism may move slightly which can cause a blur.
On a good tripod, there is no need for image stabilization. I prefer to turn off everything that is not needed.
2. Never delete an image in-camera
Unless it is an accidental shot of my shoes or the inside of the camera, I never delete an image in-camera as I do not trust the EVF or LCD to evaluate an image. The only benefit would be to have more memory (easily solved with more memory cards) and less work in the post (only if a lot of images are deleted). The disadvantage is the accidental deletion of an image.
3. Always reformat your memory card
It is good to at least occasionally reformat cards in order to defragment it. What is the advantage of deletion vs. formatting? Some Sony cameras take a very long time to format, but most do it quickly.
Re IS on a tripod: what I have read is that newer, higher-end Canon lenses can sense when there is no movement–that is, when on a rock solid tripod–and lock the IS elements, making it safe to use the lens with IS turned on. I had thought that the 100mm L macro was one such lens, but I am not certain. I normally do turn IS off just to be safe (my tripod isn’t really rock solid), but I have sometimes forgotten to turn IS off and haven’t noticed a problem. I’ll check this more carefully.
Jeremy: thank you for stepping in with respect to tone. There is another photo forum I sometimes visit where the culture is for people to argue and insult each other, and it’s unpleasant and a waste. We can disagree without that.
I’ve done this forever and never had one image corrupted. I’m either living on the side of the angels (doubtful), or this old wives’ tale has bit the dust.
Good advice. Can I just correct one item though. It is not possible for a memory card to become fragmented. Fragmentation is something that happens to hard drives only. However, if you want to erase everything on a card you have to format it. Always format in the camera and not in a PC or Mac. That is because the structure of the format may be different. There are often folders created for video for example.
Regarding IS and tripods…..just TEST IT for your body and lenses. Quick, easy and more reliable for YOU than internet opinions which rarely reference their own tests.
Regarding IS and tripods…..just TEST IT for your body and lenses. Quick, easy and more reliable for YOU than internet opinions which rarely reference their own tests.
I did post a thumbs-up sign but it seems to have gone AWOL.
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“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.” – Steve Jobs
This quote from Steve Jobs, as well as the support of family, friends, and loyal followers from many years are what inspired me to create this new website that is dedicated to photography. There are a lot of websites featuring photography. Many are good; in fact, many have been created and run by friends of mine. That is probably what I like most about photography. You make a lot of friends with whom, more than anything else, you share a passion and love for photography in many ways.
photoPXL was created around a dinner table with friends. This site will be about the community of photography, a place where young and old alike can share their stories, learn about the art and craft of photography, and gain an understanding of what it takes to Enhance Your Vision.
photoPXL will publish articles about photography and look at the many types of cameras we use to take photos, ranging from smartphones to medium format systems. We’ll explore the many options for processing your images and focus on the art of printing. I’ve always felt the process of making a photograph wasn’t complete until I could hold it in my hands. Color profiles, papers and types of printers will be reviewed, plus so much more.
One of the most exciting features of the new site will be building a community using photographer profile pages. This will be a place where you can share your images with other readers and see what others are doing with theirs. There will also be a forum where you can ask questions and share your knowledge, further developing the sense of community.
We will not only feature articles, reviews and opinions, but will also have a YouTube channel with numerous training and technique videos.
On the main site, look for more visits with some very well-known photographers where we’ll share their vision in our series “Shooting with the Masters.” There will be exclusive, behind the scenes segments where we’ll bring you things you haven’t seen before.
Photography for me has always been personal. I can be really serious sometimes, working to catch a certain image, but no matter what I never forget to have fun. I want this site to mean the same thing for you and be a place where you can come and experience many photography-related topics and have fun while doing so.
All in all, you’ll be Enhancing Your Vision.
Please sign up today. We will not only notify you when we launch photoPXL.com but will also keep you posted on the progress we are making on creating this site.
Joining me in this adventure is long-time friend and videographer Chris Sanderson. Chris’s insight, creativity, skill and passion have been invaluable in propelling me forward on this journey. Debra, my wife, will be sharing her unique vision and artistic view as well as handling workshops and so much more. Michael Durr is one of the more creative and fun videographers I have ever met. We are fortunate to have him as part of the team. Plus, we will have many articles from a wide range of well-known and maybe not so well-known photographers. There is so much talent out there.
We are working hard to not only create content but also to build a robust site that can be expanded upon over time. Something dynamic, and evolving.
I truly hope you will join us in creating this new community. We look forward to your collaboration, contributions and guidance along the way.
Kevin Raber
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Owner, CEO, Publisher
