Understanding Reducing the Effects of Hand Movement

Have you ever been disappointed to discover that the photos or movies you recorded during your trip were all blurred due to hand movement? Camera and camcorder stabilization functions are devised to technically reduce these undesirable effects.

 

 

 

In the early days, the only way to reduce the effects of hand movement was by using optical stabilization built into the lens. Through advances in technology, electronic and digital stabilization became available. To many of us, these terms may look similar and confusing. This is why I would like to talk about stabilization; or the reduction of the effects of hand movement.

How can we stabilize them?

A sensor attached to the camera lens or imaging device (CCD, CMOS) detects hand movement and moves in the opposite direction to offset the effect. This is a very practical method when shooting in low light.

What kinds of stabilization art there?

Two stabilization methods to reduce the effects of hand movement exist: optical stabilization and electronic stabilization. Samsung uses both optical and electronic stabilization methods, which are integrated into its digital cameras and camcorders according to the products' characteristics and level.

Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S)

A sensor within the lens detects hand movement and moves the lens in the opposite direction to offset the effect. Until now, optical stabilization has performed better than the electronic method. Unlike camcorders, however, optical stabilization for cameras is only effective if the camera comes with an anti-shake lens.

Name of the optical image stabilization function for each company.

Samsung - Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S), SMART O.I.S,
Canon - Image Stabilizer (IS)
Nikon - Vibration-Reduction (VR)
Panasonic- MEGA O.I.S.
Sony- SteadyShot, Active Steady Shot

Electronic Image Stabilization

Electronic stabilization works slightly different in camcorders and cameras. In cameras, it reduces the effects of hand movement by enhancing sensitivity and increasing the shutter speed, or by moving the CMOS sensor in the opposite direction to detected movement.
In camcorders, it reduces the effects of hand movement by employing the CMOS's free space during recording. Roughly put, this can be said to be the difference in the characteristics of still images and movies.

Name of the electronic image stabilization function for each company.

Samsung Digital Image Stabilization, Hyper Digital Image Stabilization (DIS, HDIS)
Sony - Super Steady Shot (SSS)
Konica Minolta - Anti Shake
Pentax - Shake Reduction (SR)

Which method is better?

When electronic stabilization was first developed, optical stabilization performed better. Although optical stabilization still performs better today, the gap between the two methods has been dramatically reduced due to the rapid progress of electronic control technology. Further, since electronic stabilization is more versatile and can be used in wider applications compared to optical stabilization, some say that electronic stabilization will become more prevalent in the future.

Recent higher-level models tend to employ both electronic and optical stabilization to maximise their performance. For instance, Samsung's latest HMX-S16 series camera comes with the Dual IS method; integrating both optical and electronic stabilization. I hope this helped you to better understand stabilization, or the reduction of the effects of hand movement. One thing you should remember, though: to minimises hand movement, it is always better to use a tripod or ensure a stable position when taking a shot or recording a movie, rather than merely relying on stabilization functions!

How to Work from Home and Actually be Productive

More companies are realising that allowing their employees to work from home can benefit productivity, save money on office space and parking, reduce absenteeism, and improve morale. If you aspire to become a telecommuter (full- or part-time), learn how you can make working from home work well for you.

 

Break Free from Your Cubicle

One of the biggest advantages to working from home is saving time and eliminating stress. Even if you telecommute only a few days a week, that’s less time you’ll have to spend travelling back and forth, less time in traffic or sitting on a crowded train. Instead, going to the “office” will simply mean rolling out of bed and walking to another room.

Stay Away from the Fridge, the TV, and the Kids

Working from home requires discipline, so don’t create your own distractions. Dedicate a space solely for work, and make sure it’s comfortable, quiet, and clutter-free. Structure your time and take breaks when you need them. If there are children in your house, try to find a space where you can work with the door shut. It might be wise to pack a lunch for yourself each morning, as if you were going to the office. This will help limit mindless snacking during the day. (It also means that you won’t have to stop in the middle of the day to make lunch.) Finally, assess whether you work better with music or without, and plan accordingly.

Get the Tools to Get the Job Done

When it’s time to get down to business, your home office should be equipped with everything you need to be productive. Invest in the right tools, and you’ll get more accomplished in less time.

For instance, a notebook computer gives you the freedom to move from room to room, while Wi-Fi keeps you online wherever you go. A fast processor allows you to run multiple applications with ease, and a roomy keyboard with a comfortable keypad makes typing all day long a breeze. Be sure to have a good lamp and an ergonomic chair, too.

If you’re working on a desktop computer, you might consider replacing your old CRT with an ultra-thin LCD-LED monitor, such as the widescreen Samsung EX2220. It saves space, produces high-quality images, and reduces eye strain. These monitors also use up to 40 percent less power than conventional CRTs, and because they generate less heat, you might save on air conditioning costs as well!

Ideas for Small Spaces

If you’re tight on space, many printers boast compact design yet still deliver essential features, including fast print speed and large paper capacity. If you choose a wireless printer, you can place it almost anywhere in your home. That’s especially helpful if your home office is small, or if you have to share a network with anyone else in your household. Multifunction printers, which can copy, scan and fax, are another space-saving idea.

Smartphones can serve as personal assistants at home, keeping you organised and on track to meet your deadlines. A Samsung Jack with Windows Mobile™ 6.1 lets you access the full Microsoft Office Mobile Suite, so all your appointments and business documents are available at any time. And multiple messaging with Wi-Fi allows you to SMS, MMS, Instant Message, email and video message at high speed, helping you stay connected, no matter where you are.

Protect your phone and yourself

With so much of our lives now existing on our mobile phones, it is essential that we take the necessary steps to protect our privacy. Modern mobile phones are now incorporating innovative security features such as the Mobile Tracker, Fake Call and the Listen-in application to keep you, your content and your phone as safe as possible. 

 

• Print-friendly

One of the real problems of having so much of our lives existing on our mobile phones is that losing a mobile phone, whether it is stolen or simply misplaced, is a real hassle. And it isn’t just the money and time involved in replacing it that’s annoying, it is also an invasion of our privacy. Luckily, help is at hand.

The Mobile Tracker feature found on mobile phones is one of many features that help increase the chances of recovering a lost or stolen phone. Basically, when a new SIM card is used by your phone it automatically generates and sends a message to a pre-designated number with the new SIM card’s mobile phone number. This helps in tracing the new SIM and your mobile phone, which can be a powerful deterrent against thieves.

Other helpful security features include the Fake Call and the Listen-in application. Both are initiated by a double tap button, the Fake Call (as you may guess from the name) makes your mobile phone ring as though someone were calling it. This can be an extremely helpful tool when unsure about your surrounding or just when you wish to avoid a particular person. There are numerous occasions and situations when this feature can lend a hand.

Then there is the Listen-in application. This allows for a pre-designated person to listen-in on your phone calls. This is a very powerful tool. This also works by double-tapping a button during a phone call; at this point your phone will ring another phone unbeknownst to the person you originally called. Like most security features, this is not something you will use often but might it be the difference one day.

And finally, when talking about mobile phone security, being prepared is always the best defence against unfortunate situations. Memory cards, such as Micro SD cards found in the Samsung Tocco and Monte phones, ensure that all your important information is backed up. So, even if you do have your phone stolen or just leave it on a bus seat, all your content, from pictures to email addresses, are kept safe and secure. They really are a must-have accessory for any modern lifestyle.

Handy hints in capturing and protecting your memories

Remembering to bring the camcorder and have it fully charged is just the beginning of capturing and preserving important memories. You really want to look back on important moments in your life and see them as they were, and to do this you will need to practice using a combination of filming techniques and the latest advancements in recording technology.

 

Capture true-to-life images

Nothing can replace quality visuals. From colour reproduction to clarity, they let us relive moments as they really happened and let us connect with them in a much deeper way. For this reason, it is essential that you record using the latest technology like the BSI (Back-side illuminated) CMOS Sensor.

It ensures that images are benefitting from the optimal amount of colour intake. Previous technology, such as the Front-side Illuminated CMOS sensors, captured images with an inferior set-up; a certain amount of colour and light was blocked by the internal wires from being received on the ‘light-receiving’ surface. This failing was overcome with BSI CMOS Sensor, and now the images you capture are true-to-life and exactly as you remembered them.

One of the other benefits of filming with the help of the BSI CMOS Sensor is that it makes filming in the dark more effective. With the improved structure of the sensor, the camera now requires less light to pick up colours, and the results are noticeably better. From shadows to poorly lit rooms, you will enjoy enhanced visuals with richer colours that may have not previously been captured.

So, the benefits of BSI CMOS are quite clear, but they still rely on you capturing decent footage. So, here are a few filming techniques that will hopefully help you capture the best possible footage.

Filming techniques

A few basic filming techniques can ensure that you get more from every frame. There usually isn’t an endless supply of memory, so it is important that you make the most of what you have.

Plan the Shoot

Before you turn the camcorder on, think through what you are trying to achieve. Who will be watching the footage? What will they want to see?

Clean the Lens

Get into the habit of checking your lens for water spots or dust, as this will avoid hours of ruined footage.

Zoom

Try to avoid using the zoom on your camcorder. You are far more likely to see the camera shake when you are heavily zoomed on a particular point. Use the zoom facility between shots to compose your picture.

Frame your shots

Be sure to frame your subject properly. This involves moving closer for good proportions, and don't be afraid to place the subject slightly off-centre to give context.

Hold your shots

A common mistake is to stop recording too soon. Try holding your shot for an extra three seconds. This will allow plenty of time for any post-production. You may insert scene transitions.

Filing system

There is no point in filing anything if you’re not going to save it properly. A good storage system, like an external hard drive, not only ensures that your footage is ordered and secure but makes it easier to access. Often our precious memories remain unwatched because people don’t know where to start looking.

Pack the Tools You Need for Successful Business Travel

Business travel can be stressful. Take the pressure of a big meeting and multiply it by the hassle of travel, and it’s easy to lose your cool. But if you take the time to prepare, and arm yourself with the right tools, you’ll come off looking like a pro. Make a great business impression by following these simple tips.

 

Your Most Important Bag: Your Briefcase

• Bring plenty of business cards—more than you think you’ll need. If the meeting goes well, you may end up with introductions to higher-ups you weren’t even expecting to meet.


• Consider an Optical Disk Drive so you can burn discs on the fly. That way you can update your proposal based on meeting feedback and give clients a revised budget spreadsheet, all before you leave the building. You can also give clients a copy of your presentation to remind them of your key points. Many of today’s super-light notebook computers don’t have a built-in DVD writer, so a sleek peripheral is the way to go. Compatible with both Mac and PCs and available in seven colours, Samsung ODDs integrate seamlessly with your work laptop.


• Bring a new pack of blank DVD-Rs—again, more than you think you’ll need. Once they see how quick and easy it is for you to burn discs, meeting attendees may request additional copies to circulate among colleagues.

Pack Smart to Make a Great First Impression

• Stock your toiletries bag with a complete miniature set of your must-have products, including a designated travel toothbrush. Not only will you get through airport security with less hassle, you won’t have to unpack them when you get home. If your favourite hair product doesn’t come in a trial size, grab a set of inexpensive plastic containers at a drugstore.


• Since your new toiletries set complies with carryon requirements for liquids, you can keep it with you on the plane. Just prior to landing, head to the lavatory to splash some water on your face, use eye drops, and give your teeth a quick brushing.


• Though travelling in sweatpants is best left to the leisure travel set, you still may still want to bring a fresh set of clothes for your arrival. Even if it’s just a neatly folded shirt or blouse to change into in the airport bathroom, you’ll arrive at your meeting looking fresh and wrinkle-free.


• Planning to rent a car? If you have a portable GPS unit or GPS-enabled phone, pre-program your hotel and meeting locations so you’ll arrive stress-free at your destinations.


• Focus on packing light. For instance, two meetings in two cities in two days only require one suit. If you can limit yourself to a single carryon bag, you’ll save time, avoid baggage-check fees, and produce a smaller carbon footprint.

Prepare Yourself for the Main Event

• Spend some time on the plane reviewing the list of potential meeting attendees. They’ll be impressed when you’re able to effortlessly bring their titles and affiliations into the conversation.


• If your travel schedule allows, try to arrive 15 minutes early. Taking a little time to sit quietly after a long morning of travel can do wonders for frayed nerves.


• Just outside the door, remind yourself to stand up straight, take a deep breath, and focus on your goals for the meeting. Then go for it.

Capture an Unforgettable Group Photo

Group photos get taken at some of the most exciting times in life: major family events, sports championships, school graduations. So why are they often some of the most boring pictures found in a photo album? A few easy tips and the right camera can help take your group photos from unremarkable to unforgettable

 

• Print-friendly

A group photo shouldn’t look like a police lineup. It can (and should!) show the personality of the group: the closeness of a family, the camaraderie of a sports team, or the chemistry among a rock band. Choose a camera that helps you get the perfect shot in any conditions. Samsung NX cameras, for example, combine the lightweight body of a compact with many features of a full-size SLR, including interchangeable lenses.

Keep Focus

Group photos can be difficult for an amateur photographer, simply because there are so many points of focus—that is, faces—to capture. Use the NX’s Face Detection mode to perfectly focus and expose up to 10 faces in a single photo.

Remember to Have Fun

You’ll get better results every time if you can make a group of people smile than if you have to tell them to smile. Make some fun props available to help people loosen up: funny hats, feather boas, mustaches-on-a-stick. And promise the children that if they behave themselves for the family photo, you’ll take a few "silly" shots afterward where they can pull funny faces or jump in the air. You never know—one of those shots may turn out to be the keeper!

Get In on the Action

Sometimes—especially in family photos—the photographer also belongs in the picture. Certain NX models (like the NX200) have a programmable self-timer that can be set to fire the shutter after any interval between 2 and 30 seconds, allowing for greater flexibility than cameras with only a few preset choices. Decide beforehand where you belong in the lineup so you’re not rushing to squeeze into the arrangement.

Set the Scene

Select from different Scene modes to choose the one that best matches your setting. For instance, choose Beach to mitigate the effects of bright sunlight reflecting off sand, which might otherwise cause underexposure. Also consider adding a polarizing filter to increase colour saturation and to remove reflections from shiny surfaces such as water.

Light It Up

If you have a choice, take your photo in the morning or late afternoon when sunlight is softer and less direct. If you do have to shoot during midday, try a few shots with the flash turned on, even if you’re outside, as it can help tone down harsh shadows and increase colour saturation.

Finish Smart

Use Smart Filters to add creative effects after the shoot. Turn your photo into a sketch, add moody lighting, or give it a goofy fisheye effect.

Group Photo Wrangling

Trying to capture a group of squirmy children? Use your camera’s Burst Mode to capture up to 30 photos per second—odds are that at least one of the photos will capture the entire crew at their best.

Creative Arrangements

When posing your subjects, don’t just line them up. Arrange them at different levels and heights. Use a tree or stone wall if outdoors, or the back of a sofa or the stairs if at home. Even something as simple as different heights of seating can help. Use a mix of low chairs, bar stools, and standing.

Rise Above

If there’s a safe spot to elevate yourself (a stepladder, a jungle gym, the back of a truck), a vantage point looking down on your photo subjects can be an interesting angle, especially for big groups—more faces, fewer bodies. As a bonus, having your subjects looking up will minimise any double chins in the group.

Catch the Outtakes

Take candid photos and even shoot HD movies with the NX’s video feature while the group is gathering, arranging, and then breaking up. Children especially can be at their most charming when they think the camera isn’t looking.

Don’t miss capturing a once-in-a-lifetime group photo because of a lack of ideas or camera features. With a little inspiration and the right equipment, it’s easy to make a memory that no one in the group will ever forget.

Point and Shoot or Interchangeable Lens?

When deciding which type of camera is best for you, it’s no longer necessary to decide which camera is “good”. Advanced optical technology has ensured that all digital cameras will take great photos, and then some.

 

In Pursuit of Perfect Pictures

Consider what you'll be shooting (for instance, family vs. sports), the purpose of the pictures (website postings vs. printed photographs), and so on. Then ask yourself, what fits your lifestyle and how creative do you want to be? Can I carry a larger camera with lenses around or do I need to keep it simple? Do I want or need to override the camera’s exposure settings?

Point and Shoot: Versatile, Easy to Use, Fits in Your Pocket

If sheer ease of use is what you're seeking, then point-and-shoot cameras are models of simplicity. Point and shoots are ideal for the absolute beginner, or for the amateur who wants to take casual party pictures. A good point-and-shoot camera will offer a decent zoom for close-ups and have similar capabilities to an interchangeable lens camera— like manual override of a few settings that affect the image quality. But if you're looking to take quick, quality pictures, these cameras will be just fine.

Yet point and shoot cameras can also appeal to experts as well—those who like to capture "the decisive moment." Because it's an agile, easily portable camera, with no need for elaborate technical adjustments or additional equipment, even world-class photographers keep a point-and-shoot camera handy for when they require a "lean and mean" approach to photo-taking.

Point and Shoot: Dual LCD Screens

The innovative DualView Camera is designed for self portraits and couple shots. It gets you out from behind the camera and into the picture. This camera has two screens that help you frame up shots—a 1.5" front LCD screen for self portraits and a rear LCD touch screen with easy access your photo library.

In addition to having two screens, the DualView ST600 has a 27mm wide angle lens. The 5x optical zoom gives you a wider shooting range from a shorter distance so you get more of your subject in the image and have greater flexibility than most cameras with a built-in zoom.

Point and Shoot: Wireless

The SH100 with its jumbo 14.2 megapixel sensor is Wi-Fi capability, allowing you to email and post pictures directly from Wi-Fi hotspots. Upload directly onto Facebook, Picasa or YouTube at the touch of a button and share your moments with friends and family almost instantly. Have easy access to your smartphone too using the SH100’s Remote Viewfinder functionality, enabling remote previews and control of zoom, flash, resolution and more.

Point and Shoot: Long Zoom

Long optical zoom cameras allow you to focus in on your target with precision and maximum pixels. With a shorter zoom, you are forced to crop later, which is time-consuming and crops precious pixels out of the image.

Interchangeable Lens

The NX System is designed to be like a traditional DSLR i.e. allowing interchangeable lenses, but is engineered to be compact through the elimination of a traditional optical viewfinder and mirror box.

Large Apertures

A quality lens should let you shoot at larger apertures to allow more light in needed to freeze a scene while providing little distortion. Do you tend to shoot in low light or need edge to edge sharpness, then look at a lens with a large aperture (FStop) such as the 30mm NX Pancake Lens. Lenses such as these that also use an aspherical element in its optical design, improve sharpness and keep distortion at a minimum.

Telephoto Zoom

Point and Shoot or Interchangeable Lens

Shooting sports outdoors and need to be close? A telephoto zoom lens such as The T50200IB 50-200mm gives the versatility to pull back for images such as portraits, but zoom into the field to capture the action. This lens also incorporates ED glass in its optical design minimising colour distortion typical in telephoto lenses.

In addition, shooting modes that permit the manual choice of shutter speeds (Shutter Priority AE) or aperture (Aperture Priority AE) unleash your creativity by allowing you to choose how movement is captured and the range of focus within your scene. Just like a Point and Shoot however, you can also shoot in Auto for ease of use.

Memory and Sharing

When shopping for cameras, make sure that your camera uses a standard memory size such as SD or MicroSD (like SD, but smaller). Some cameras use proprietary memory card formats, which will be harder to find and more costly to purchase. There are multiple ways to clear memory and transport photos: move the SD card from the camera to a computer or printer; use cables to connect the camera to the computer directly; or ideally, use Wi-Fi to send images to your computer or email directly to friends and family.

Good luck with your purchase!