Do digital photographs normally require slowler shutter speeds than the old film ones?

Question

My digital camera needs some insane handholding speeds and they are usually slightly blurred : (

Answer 1

Try placing it on a flat surface & take a few pics. If the 'blur' disappears, then nothing is wrong except for a shaky hand when taking the pic. More than likely it happens as you depress the button to take the pic.

Answer 2

Not necessarily, many factors affect possible shutter speeds so it is not just a digital versus film camera question. Lens construction and lens quality have a major influence.

Many digital cameras allow you to alter the ISO. This is like changing the speed of the film you use in a normal camera.  The faster you set the ISO the faster your shutter speed is able to be. My camera allows me to set ISO as high as 1600 but it lowers the number of megapixels significantly.  800 is a fast ISO and doesn't lower the megapixels the camera can record at on my camera.  Some cameras drop the megapixels at anything over 400. 800 is still a fast speed.  If you can adjust the ISO of your camera set it as high as you can without lowering megapixels this should make for faster shutter speeds and less blurring.

I am assuming your camera is automatic only. If it is able to be used in part manual mode, ie allowing you to change aperture, shutter speed etc, then using a larger aperture will make for  faster shutter speeds.

Answer 3

There is no reason they should need longer exposures.  If you are using your digital camera in fully automatic mode, are you allowing time for it to lock its exposure and autofocus?  That usually involves pressing the shutter half way down for a second until a little indicator light comes on.  If you just press the shutter all the way down, the chances are the picture will be out of focus and wrongly exposed.

If that is not the problem, check the menu for 'ISO Setting'.  If possible, reset it to 'AUTO' or, if you can't do that, choose an ISO speed of, say, 400.   You may get lower picture quality if you choose a higher ISO rating above this.  (The ISO is about how quickly the camera responds to light.  Low number = slow speed).

Another option:  If your camera is set to aperture priority exposures and the selected aperture is small (f16 or f11) then your camera will have to select a slow shutter speed to get an acceptable exposure.  The solution is to reset it to AUTO or to select an appropriate aperture for the intended exposure.

Hope there's something in there that helps a bit.  Good luck.

Answer 4

not really, its all in your settings of your camera. And it is the kind of shot u made. if dark , then it could have a  slow shutter speed. And should be held steady.

Answer 5

The previous answers sum things up pretty well, but as far as the blur goes, try changing your hold/clicking technique.  I've seen a lot of blurred pics caused by bad shooting form.  If you're using a DSLR type camera, cradle the camera in your off hand - the one that's NOT pressing the shutter release.  Tuck that elbow into your body for support.  When you release the shutter, instead of poking at the button, use a slow steady pressure.  With point and shoot cameras try putting your whole thumb beneath the camera to steady the shake from releasing the shutter.  In either case, take your time.  People seem to want to take pictures like they're shooting ducks.  Point, shoot, and take a breath before you put that camera down.