Avoid these pitfalls
7: Off kilter
Pitfall explanation
When you're going for the straight shot, not trying for an artsy, askew view, you have to mind your horizontals and verticals. In vertical shots of trees--a big Christmas fave--where you can see the base, floor, a building, or other scene element with strong horizontal or vertical lines, the scene can look especially cockeyed, drawing attention away from the subject.
When you're going for the straight shot, not trying for an artsy, askew view, you have to mind your horizontals and verticals. In vertical shots of trees--a big Christmas fave--where you can see the base, floor, a building, or other scene element with strong horizontal or vertical lines, the scene can look especially cockeyed, drawing attention away from the subject.
Can this photo be saved?
Yes. It's a simple rotation, although finding the correct amount to rotate can take some trial and error. Plus, you'll have to crop out parts of the image around the edges.
Yes. It's a simple rotation, although finding the correct amount to rotate can take some trial and error. Plus, you'll have to crop out parts of the image around the edges.
How can I avoid this problem?
Tip 1: Visually align the scene. Use the sides of the LCD as a guide when you're framing, keeping its edges as parallel to lines within the scene.
Tip 2: Use a level. You can get a cheap plastic level at any hardware store to rest on top of the camera. If the floor is level, the photo will be.
Tip 1: Visually align the scene. Use the sides of the LCD as a guide when you're framing, keeping its edges as parallel to lines within the scene.
Tip 2: Use a level. You can get a cheap plastic level at any hardware store to rest on top of the camera. If the floor is level, the photo will be.
Which cameras handle these scenes best?
What it takes: A camera with an internal leveling capability or the ability to detect and fix for this.
Suggested models: I wish I had some--I've yet to see any cameras that compensate for a skewed photographic perspective.
What it takes: A camera with an internal leveling capability or the ability to detect and fix for this.
Suggested models: I wish I had some--I've yet to see any cameras that compensate for a skewed photographic perspective.
Additional resources
CNET Community: Point and Shout
We've all experienced the joys, the frustrations, and that magical moment when a workaround solution to a particular problem jolts you. Here's a chance to share your brilliance with fellow readers and learn a bit from them.
Online digital photo printing and sharing
Whether you have a handful of vacation shots or you're a serious photographer with a big image archive, there are plenty of sites that can make printing and sharing a pleasure. We tried out more than 40 of them to give you a snapshot of your options.
Digital camera memory-card selector
Choosing digital camera memory--CompactFlash, Secure Digital cards, and Memory Stick--should be a no-brainer compared to choosing a camera. It's not. Let CNET's Digital camera memory selector clear away the smoke and mirrors surrounding these formats and bring storage clarity into your life.
Digital camera buying guide
We've distilled our expert advice on finding the right digital camera into a handy seven-page guide.
CNET Community: Point and Shout
We've all experienced the joys, the frustrations, and that magical moment when a workaround solution to a particular problem jolts you. Here's a chance to share your brilliance with fellow readers and learn a bit from them.
Online digital photo printing and sharing
Whether you have a handful of vacation shots or you're a serious photographer with a big image archive, there are plenty of sites that can make printing and sharing a pleasure. We tried out more than 40 of them to give you a snapshot of your options.
Digital camera memory-card selector
Choosing digital camera memory--CompactFlash, Secure Digital cards, and Memory Stick--should be a no-brainer compared to choosing a camera. It's not. Let CNET's Digital camera memory selector clear away the smoke and mirrors surrounding these formats and bring storage clarity into your life.
Digital camera buying guide
We've distilled our expert advice on finding the right digital camera into a handy seven-page guide.
- Reviews & advice
- Site map
- Editorial policies
- Meet the editors
- How we test
- Forums
- Internet speed test
- Popular topics
- Apple iPhone
- Apple iPod
- Cell phones
- Dell
- GPS
- LCD TV
- CNET sites
- CNET Site map
- CNET TV
- Downloads
- News
- Reviews
- Shopper.com
- More information
- Newsletters
- CNET Mobile
- Customer Help Center
- RSS
- CNET Widgets
- About CNET
-
TOP PRODUCTS FROM TOP BRANDS
