Have you ever returned from a trip thinking you had taken some great shots? But, upon review of your prints you were disappointed to discover that some of them, especially those shot indoors or at night or in other dark places, came out blurry, looking like someone was shaking the camera when you took the picture?

That is a very common problem called “Camera Shake” and every year it destroys millions of photos that could have been wonderful.

“Camera Shake” is caused when there isn’t enough light for the camera to set a fast shutter speed. Your camera’s shutter opens and has to stay open for up to several seconds for enough light to hit the film to make an image. The problem: most people cannot hold a camera perfectly still for more than a small fraction of a second.

The blurry image you see is caused by the camera moving while the shutter is open, and it happens to everyone.

To avoid “Camera Shake” and get a clear sharp picture in low light, the camera must be attached to something so it will not move at all. That is where a SLIK tripod comes in. Mount the camera to the tripod and it will not move. Also, use the camera’s self-timer or a cable release so that you are not touching the camera when the picture is taken. Do this, and you will eliminate “Camera Shake” and get the great clear pictures you were expecting.

What about the flash?
Think your camera’s flash will solve all your problems when shooting indoors or at night? Think again. Has this ever happened? You knew the flash went off when the pictures were taken, but some pictures, shots taken outdoors at night or in large, dimly lit rooms are still way too dark?

Many people believe that if their camera has a built-in flash, they will get perfect pictures all the time. But keep in mind that a built in flash on most cameras will only light up an area between 10 and 20 feet in front of the camera.

For outdoor scenery the flash will not help.
For pictures in large rooms, the flash will not help.
For pictures of beautiful city lights at night, the flash will not help.

Only securing your camera to a tripod and allowing the shutter to be open for as much time as it needs will prevent “Camera Shake” and create those post-card perfect shots that will become part of your memories for the rest of your life.

Tip: For pictures of city lights at night, after mounting your camera to the tripod, make sure your camera’s built-in flash is turned off! This will force the camera to set itself using what is called “existing light” (the natural light of the scene) instead of factoring the light made by the flash. Only then will you get the picture you were hoping for.

I have a Compact Digital Camera, why would I need a tripod?
Believe it or not, we hear this every day. A common misconception is that digital cameras are like magic and they do everything perfectly. The same rules that apply to film cameras apply to digital cameras! Both film and digital use light to create an image. Camera Shake still applies to digital cameras as does underpowered flashes.
Digital cameras are very small and convenient. If you are looking for a tripod to complement your compact camera, check out the SLIK SPRINT and more flexible SPRINT PRO models.