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07-10-07, 12:22 AM
#1

Getting level

How do you all keep your cameras level when taking photos outdoors???

I have a tripod which i use while at work doing their photography.

But outside,taking a tripod with me isnt feesable and i sometimes struggle getting horizons level.It dont excally help when the landscape in East Anglia where i live is flat as a dinner table and a horizon is all you see in the distance though so any discrepancies is obvious.

I dont wanna sound too thick here,but is there such thing as a spirit level for a camera?
My Compact/P&S: Hewlett Packard M627


     
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07-10-07, 12:45 AM
#2

Re: Getting level

I know tripods can have spirit levels, our has one, but im not aware of a spirit level for a camera - the only thing i can suggest is adjusting your lines during PP.


     
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07-10-07, 02:27 AM
#3

Re: Getting level

I just try to do it by the eye, or if needed press CTRL A and then CTRL T in photoshop to adjust.
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07-10-07, 07:17 AM
#4

Re: Getting level

I generally use the strighten tool in Picasa if a horizon is wonky ...we have the same problem as you as we live in Lincolnshire I really don;t like wonky horizons lol
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07-10-07, 10:31 AM
#5

Re: Getting level

they do sell spirit level for cameras in ebay,jessops etc ... but im told they are not very good .best to do it by the eye and adjust them like azz had mentions
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07-10-07, 02:29 PM
#6

Re: Getting level

Thanks for the responses.

Often what i end up doing is take (or atleast try) multiple photos of whatever i've singled out and pick the best one from the group.Sometimes though,the best photo for subject isnt quite level and can look odd.

Flat landscapes can be hard to do.
My Compact/P&S: Hewlett Packard M627


     
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07-10-07, 03:29 PM
#7

Re: Getting level

What camera are you using Steve? How many focus points are there when you look through the viewfinder?
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07-10-07, 03:55 PM
#8

Re: Getting level

Quote:
Originally Posted by cymruchris View Post
What camera are you using Steve? How many focus points are there when you look through the viewfinder?
The camera is only a compact-a Hewlett Packard M627 with 7MP.I will when i think im good enough buy myself a proper one though!
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07-10-07, 04:11 PM
#9

Re: Getting level

Some cameras have more than one focussing point in the viewfinder - you can normally straighten things up by using these to line up the horizon... However, if you don't have that - and you really want to straighten things up - this may help a little?

If the top of your camera is flat - and can take something 2.5cm wide - try this:

Spirit level

Not sure how accurate -- but could be a good guideline...
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07-10-07, 04:37 PM
#10

Re: Getting level

Mine just has two halfs of a box in middle of screen.I havent a clue what there really called Chris!

Its only really landscapes i struggle with cause the horizon is always so prominant with no hills,mountains or valleys round here.Can get annoying though when i take a good photo and i only discover its not quite level when i upload it to laptop later.
My Compact/P&S: Hewlett Packard M627


     
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