benefits of pocket cameras | The Good Shots Photography

December 28, 2021

Big Accomplishment as a Google Guide

Got this today:

Chenkin top Google Photographer — Alan Chenkin recognized for over 5 Million Views on Google!

In my role as a Google Guide, I frequently take pictures and occasional videos of the places and restaurants I visit while traveling or staying local. While this has been a slow year for traveling or even going out, I have been keen to take photos and inspire everyone who will be traveling post-pandemic.

For the most part, I use my Google Pixel phone camera. It’s adequate for quick posting of plates and dishes of food, and can be fairly ubiquitous as everyone lives on their phones these days.

While traveling, I used either my pocket shooter, a Canon SX720 (Great zoom, quality images) or my Bridge Camera, A Nikon B700 (Goes from Close up to insane zoom without changing lenses, and sends images to phone via Bluetooth app).

On occasion I carry my DSLR, a Nikon D5600, But it requires a larger bag for the additional lenses and accessories. I have to say it has more controls and post-processing options than the Nikon B700 Bridge camera, especially when adding filters for effect, or doing time lapse photography. When you are traveling or taking quick shots for a restaurant review, the compact nature of the Google phone or the Canon SX720 make it easier to take and post quality pictures.

Even if you are not a Google guide, I hope my pictorial reviews will inspire you to better photography and good choices with cameras for your photographic adventures!

Thanks for reading my blog, and hoping all your shots are good ones!

-Alan

August 30, 2018April 20, 2019

Need a new pocket shooter? Check out this camera….

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t lug a lot of camera equipment around. Not that I don’t want to, but casual camera work does not always require a DSLR and a bag or two of “must carry” equipment, like lights, backdrops, extra lenses, etc. etc.

My first pocket camera was a Nikon, and it was small (a big plus) but lacked resolution and zoom features. It served me well until I gave it to my grandson, and he got a lot of use out of it.

Even though I have a great camera in my Google Pixel XL smartphone, I find the lenses and sensors on a small camera make for great pictures. especially if you want to blow them up, or make extensive editing/cropping.

After the Nikon, I got a Canon SX600. compact, fits in a shirt pocket, and decent battery life. It did have wifi, but no bluetooth. 18x zoom, 3″ LCD screen, and 16MP resolution. While it still is one of my favorites, I felt it was time for Bluetooth and more zoom. (I love more Zoom)!

So I got myself a new SX730HS, like this:

The Canon SX 730 HS (specifications), Available on Amazon and eBay

The 40x optical zoom is awesome, especially for a camera of it’s size. With image stabilization (tip: use a tripod or rest it on a railing for steadying it at maximum zoom) it gets in really close. With a 20.3 mega pixel image, Bluetooth, and wifi, you have a lot of bases covered. It also has a feature called “image assist”, to keep your subject in focus as you zoom. (Did I mention I like to zoom)?

The Unforgettable Photograph: 228 Ideas, Tips, and Secrets for Taking the Best Pictures of Your Life, from Amazon Books

The camera is a little bit larger than what I would have liked, it’s big for my pocket and I keep it in a LowePro Tahoe case from Amazon. I also use a carabiner to clip it to my belt loop. It fits nicely in a suit jacket pocket or a coat. I like to keep it handy, but don’t like it to be exposed to the elements or potential crooks. The LowePro case has a pocket for spare batteries and an SD card or two. This comes in real handy when your battery dies and you are taking some really promising shots.

I also strongly suggest you get a set of spare batteries and an extra charger so that you always have a fresh battery on hand, especially if you shoot movies.

SX730 batteries and chargers on Amazon

SX730 batteries and chargers on eBay

The Canon SX730 HS is a comfortable and efficient camera for all around snapshots, with the capability to wirelessly transmit your pictures to your smartphone, which will send them to the cloud.

I would feel very comfortable taking this camera on vacation, because of it’s size and features. You can shoot on full automatic or use the shutter/aperture, and scene settings to your best advantage. Not to mention movies.

Here is hoping you enjoy all the pictures you take!

March 13, 2018April 20, 2019

Smartphone accessories that turn your phone into a super-camera!

Firstly – Do you need a stand-alone camera?

Smartphone lens kit OR Digital SLR camera?

For most of us, all we require is in a smartphone. Selfies, snapshots, etc., don’t require high resolution, or need to be strikingly clear. Adequate will do – in those situations. However, if you want more than just a snapshot, and like pictures that are clear, composed well, and give you control over the final product, than it may be time for you to consider getting a camera to add to your capabilities. Let’s consider some options:

Smartphone lens kits

Click on the image to see the lens kit selection from Amazon !

These kits turn your Apple or Android phone into a multi-lens digital camera! You can get tripods, zoom lenses, macro, close up, and special effects lense that just clip on to the phone. No fancy technical twist on gimmicks, just a way to use your phone’s camera like an expensive DSLR. Usually in the $15 to $75 price range, these adapters can up your game if you are traveling or want more from your phone’s camera, without the added bulk of a big camera.

Pocket Cameras

Pocket size point and shoot cameras on Amazon

These small cameras usually come loaded with features (Zoom, Close up, wide angle, Macro, etc.) and fit in purse or pocket, even with a small carry bag. Three of my favorites are above. Personally, I carry a Canon SX 600 as my pocket shooter. The good part is it’s not always out, like when you are swimming at the beach, so it can be tucked away for when photo opps appear! (If you are at the beach, consider waterproof cameras, like these from EBay. Don’t forget a floating strap). My daughter still has the waterproof Nikon I bought her 4 years ago. with the big yellow floating strap, it’s hard to misplace, and easy to find -especially when snorkelling!

Now you have some options for upping your photo game. You don’t have to carry all the fancy photo equipment like I have, but you can take shots that will look like they were taken on an expensive camera! Make sure your lenses are clean (especially on the smartphone – they have small lenses), and take multiple shots – extra never hurts!

Have fun and take pictures!

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