It’s no doubt that the latest Nseries devices carry a camera that can replace a separate digital camera for the daily uses of the average photographer. I, for one, have stopped caring about my Kodak digicam ever since I bought the N95. There is more than just convenience in the fact that the handset is always with me, always on and only a click away. Here is a roundup of a couple of tips that will make the camera in your Nseries even more useful and more capable.
First of is Devin Ballentina from The Nokia Guide with a list of tips to improve the picture quality. His advices include keeping the flash on, even in well-lit conditions, avoiding digital zoom, focusing on different objects, and preferring to move the main object from the center of the frame. Devin also posted some images to explain the benefit of his methods. I have been using the selective autofocus for a couple of days and it’s one really good tip!
The next tip isn’t as easy as the first one, but it’s really great if you’re into photographic effects. Mr-X from FinestFones explains in full detail the process of achieving Time-Lapse photography with your Nseries. Time Lapse photography is the technique you see in movies where one frame gets accelerated through time, like from sunset to dawn. Mr-X goes through the required software, the whole setting and gives 2 good examples he has done himself. It may take a while getting everything together, but if you like being creative with your handsets, this is one of the wow’ing effects you will ever be able to demonstrate.
Next up is Al Pavangkanan, also known as Dr Tran, guest authoring on The Nokia Blog and demonstrating the possibilities of taking an HDR Image with an Nseries. “High Dynamic Range imaging, better known as HDR, is a great way to make your digital photos look awesome. HDR imaging uses multiple pictures with different exposure settings and combines them with Tone Mapping to make awesome pictures.” As with Time-Lapse, this technique needs some effort and material to be accomplished, but Al made a good guide to follow and the results are pretty fantastic.
Finally, 2 applications for S60 3rd edition brought by Tea Vui Huang. The first one is Photo Detagger and allows to wipe out all the EXIF data that the image holds (camera device name, date and time, external conditions,…). It’s a good way to protect the privacy of the photographer. The second is DNG Phone Camera and allows taking RAW images with your handset. That should allow you to have a pre-processed image and let you modify and improve that photo according to your own liking on a computer. RAW files are used by professionals because they contain much more information that JPEG formats and maintain their quality over time.
Now what are you waiting for, click that camera button and get to photography! It’s one great way to keep the memories, and now it’s even become better. And do tell us how often you use your phone camera, as well as any other tips to get the max out of it.
