Is it really the camera fault???

Doubting is a profound human nature (except for overconfident people!). So, you may ask yourself, is it the camera (or the equipment) fault if you cannot get the best picture that you are looking for? Yes, by today very high and demanding image standards, we are asking for almost perfect exposed and focused photographic subjects right from the camera output file. And, I must add, those modern picture devices are doing an outstanding job compare to not that far ago analog counterparts, thanks to the combine advancement of internal compute abilities and of sensor newest technologies.

But, even with the most sophisticated system, can a camera be able to really anticipate what will be our photo interpretation of a scene or a specific subject? Because, in some ways, that is the crucial point. Unless you were able to teach (or configure) yourself the behavior the internal camera computer, it will rely on bases implemented that are the summation of multiple selected and pre-experimented situations-solutions. In one word, it is a replication of the vision of others.

We already that modern sophisticated digital cameras are deeply configurable even in some ways that were unimaginable a few decades ago. Speaking of color (and black and white) renditions, of focus stacking, of exposure bias and corrections, of high-resolution picture merging, etc. The contemporary photo equipment is simply amazing and honestly can surpass the common knowledge of most photographers. So, the "pre-processing" of a taking picture intended can be a dire task if you agree to invest truly in that process. Moreover, the post-processing of the image file can also very complex providing you have at first a good basic image (RAW) file registered.

Creativity is not already part of all the algorithms introduce into the artificial "intelligence" of the newest digital camera. There is still places for selecting a subject into its context and for choosing the moment to register it. Because the photographic expression can still be a matter of personal interpretation. Even the most technical parameters have bias that could be voluntarily accentuated by the photographer. The choices are still present into the photo taking process.

Therefore, freedom of subject choices and personal pictorial interpretation have some consequences. No automated systems can guarantee a perfect camera set-up. Furthermore, there are technical limitations that every photo equipment will reach depending of the picture taking situations. So, is it really the camera fault? Or is it because the photographer intends to do something that his/her photo equipment is not able to cope with? Or worse is it a wrong configuration on the part of the user? The key point here is that we still have to learn how to our photo equipment is working and how to properly set it. And this simple fact is deterring a lot of people that are used to simply take a device and spent a very minimal time on learning to use it.

Here are some parameters (among others) that can be useful to check and possibly to change on your camera:

The picture quality set-up: Image file compression (JPEG, RAW) and resolution (Fine, Normal, Small); Sensor sensibility (ISO); Color and black and white rendition (Picture modes, ); Exposure set-up (Aperture, Shutter speed, Light distribution curb); Special effect picture modes (that can be a lot of possibilities there); In-board picture camera (post) processing; Avoiding too low shutter speed or unstable camera sit can generate micro blurry line of definition; Preventing incorrect focusing and/or insufficient deep of field will produce softy subjects; Rejecting low quality glasses (like cheap filters); Cleaning dirty front glass on lenses; all these factors can enhancer or destroy a nice picture.

The composition of your subject: The point here is to better analyze what is in the subject arrangement that is catching your attention. Don't forget that your photo interpretation has to be translated on the two-dimensions picture file. Framing; object or subject dimensions and localizations; light distribution; context references; you are the master of your picture canvas. Like the painter, we have to exercise our inspiration "to get the picture". Past and repeat experiences learned knowledge throughout others works or personal critics and experimentations can refine your subject composition.

The photographic moment and the interaction between you and your subject (if applicable): It is the (perfect) timing of a picture taking moment. It can freeze an expression, a position, a glimpse of light, a documentary event. The key is anticipation that can be subjective or truly conscient. You can be lucky but most of the time it is better to prepare yourself by learning about your subject or following it in its changing evolution. You can also rely on your (photographic) instinct to immortalize this very magic instant of time.

You may ask yourself again: Is it the camera fault? Yes, it can be, but the real disturbing factor is most of the time located behind the camera often by a technical misunderstanding from its own (photographer) operator. The modern digital cameras are sophisticated tool with many ways to be configured, thanks to technology and the people who have engineered it. But even with this marvelous imbedded electronic aid, the photographer setting task stay paramount for producing from good to outstanding pictures.