Help with my Canon 860IS

[vivitheBeijinger]

I really like taking pictures. I had a Nikon F(?something-for beginners), it uses films, I just started to learn how to use it, then I smashed it into pieces while I was having a fight. I could take some OK pictures with it.

Now I've got a Canon IXUS 860IS, it seems really easy to use, it's like a toy for everyone who's not too stupid to push some buttons. but I'm not satisfied with the pictures I take. so my question is, is it possible to take good/artistic pictures with Canon 860IS? Is it just me not knowing the shooting teniques or is it that the camera doesn't have enough functions for a good picture?
Is Canon 860IS just made for snapshots for common users?

Can anyone help me?

Thank you so much....

[NikoJorj]

I'm not satisfied with the pictures I take.
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

To answer you, I'll have to ask you another question : what exactly doesn't satisfy you?
Are you sure it's something inherent to a PnS?
Or might it not be related, more generally, to any camera?

To give you my 2c's nevertheless, a PnS like that certainly can take outstanding pictures, if you understand well its limitations. Maibly, the dynamic range is narrow, so avoid too contrasty scenes, and take care of the metering to avoid blown highlights. For the same reason, you may want to restrain the camera on contrast and saturation.
Note than these problems could also be dealt with by RAW capture, which could be enabled by a modified [a href=\"http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page]CHDK[/url] software.

Another issue is noise : to avoid it, stay away of anything but the highest sensitivity (ie the lowest ISO number , probably 80ISO).

Once you've understood these limits, simply unleash your creativity and take pictures!
Cameras don't make good photos - photographers do.

[Nigelfrommanchester]

I have the IXUS 850 IS and I am very happy with it. Picture quality is relative - these P&S digital cameras can produce results that were vrtually impossible with any camera 10 years ago. I can also take it many places where a DSLR would be out of place (even more with the waterproof housing   )

My tips with the camera are:
- use the highest file size (ie large superfine)
- always save the original file somewhere safe and edit a copy
- learn how to manipulate your pictures in a package like Photoshop Elements
- when you get a good shot make an A4 print and enjoy it
- take pictures with what you have, and only change it when the camera is a limitation.

Enjoy it!

Nigel