Fuzzy photos from too slow of shutter speed

Janet80 · May 30, 2006

Yup, I've got some fuzzy photos because it was twilight (so not enough light) and I was trying to avoid using the flash, and the subject was moving. This is probably "in my dreams" but is there any tricks in photoshop where you can make them less fuzzy? I am using a Nikon d50 digital SLR..... there probably isn't a way, but I thought it couldn't hurt to ask. :mrgreen:

DuncanK · May 30, 2006

You can use the unsharp mask filter but I've never been really happy with what that does.

Try bumping up your ISO next time.

Corry · May 30, 2006

There are various shaprening tools, but they can only do so much. It really depends on the amount of motion blur that you have. You can post up some examples if you'd like, and we'd be able to better help you.

Big Mike · May 30, 2006

Well you could crank up your ISO. You will get more digital noise but you will be able to use faster shutter speeds.

A faster lens (bigger max aperture) would allow a faster shutter speed.

The rule of thumb is to have a shutter speed that is faster than your focal length. So for example, if you are are shooting at 50mm, you want your shutter speed to be 1/50 or faster (like 1/60).

At least that was the rule with 35mm film...but your camera has a smaller sensor than 35mm film. That gives you the "crop factor"...they say that the crop factor has to be added into the rule of thumb...so for a focal length of 50mm, you would need a shutter speed of 1/75 (1/90 probably).

With a moving subject, you would need an even faster shutter speed but that can depend on lots of different factors. You can try to pan the camera with the movement of the subject. If you do it well enough, you don't need a fast shutter speed at all (if there is enough light of course).

The obvious answer is to use a tripod or something that allows you to fire the camera without touching it. Of course, that won't help with the moving subject...just the camera shake.

Janet80 · Jun 2, 2006

Okay here is an example of what I mean:

I love this picture because its not run of the mill, his face is adorable... if I could get only his face to be clear I would be a very happy person, the rest of it being blurry captures the movement in my opinion :lovey: