Hello again, ksshane
...the Kodak DX4330 model has been designed for the "novice to advanced amateur" photographer and receives high praise in all the reviews i read
A good example and an overview is available
HERE
Generally, users of the DX4330 are happy with their purchase and you might the find this
DISCUSSION FORUM useful
I presume you have read the
INSTRUCTION MANUAL thoroughly and are conversant with all the features and their use
The DX4330 is "fool proof," meaning most functions are automatic and the user has little or no creative control over the settings - which is fine in most situations, but the camera *can* be fooled (as i suspect is happening in your case)
Here's a few pointers:
1.
Metering
You will note the colour is different in each image - so much so they might be of different subjects (but i'm presuming it's the same snake)
I suspect this can be attributed to the backgrounds you choose, the framing (zoom length) you choose and the subject itself which is fooling the "matrix" metering system and auto "white" balance
Metroshane suggested a turf green background - that would be a good idea until you understand how the light meter works. It doesn't have to be green, just a mid or neutral tone; a grey blanket would be ideal to start with
2.
Zoom
Mrsid thought Image #1 was the best, i agree:
In this image you have used a wider setting, probably the widest at 38mm. Check the instructions on using the
OPTICAL ZOOM and don't confuse it's function with that of the
DIGITAL ZOOM
Until you understand the affects, my advice would be to only use "optical" (not "digital") and utilise the wider settings - but you'll need to get closer to the subject for better framing (i presume your snake doesn't bite and is not venomous
)
3.
Flash
This is one of the few areas the user has control - and i suggest you turn off "auto" and set the flash to "fill" until you become fully conversant with this feature
Try some shots with it "off"
Instructions are
HERE
4.
Lighting
I suspect your camera has problems dealing with the mixed lighting being used: flash, window light and tungsten from the lamps
(Just as side note, Image#6 shows the affect of daylight being mixed with tungsten: you'll note the blue affect - that's window light. I wrote a small tutorial on using
COLOUR BALANCE as a creative tool and creating that blue affect, which you might find vaguely interesting)
Until you understand how your camera works, try plain daylight. Place the subject near a window - or take it outside
5.
Focusing
Apart from Image#1 your images are soft. In part this is due to depth of field - but read the manual on
FOCUSING
6.
Depth of Field
Apart from a choice of focal length (zoom) you have no control over this, but you might be able to fool the camera
Try setting the camera on "slow shutter," this will force the camera to close down its aperture and increase your depth of field
Depth of field (or lack thereof) is nicely demonstrated in Image #1 where the foreground and rear of the subject is out of focus. This is effected by the aperture setting
7.
Recording
While learning, keep some notes detailing each shot and refer to them when reviewing your images on the computer monitor
Study each shot, try to understand what the camera has done in each case and learn from there
Note: have a look at these
EXAMPLES of what the DX4330 can achieve with the various features and settings, well worth a look
Okay ... have you had enough for one day (?!!!)
I've never photographed snakes before and look forward to seeing your results
Best wishes!
e_
?
