Do your pictures ever look a bit off-balance? One possible cause can be a crooked tripod. Fortunately more and more cameras are adding a tool for leveling the camera called a virtual horizon. It functions similarly to an electronic level.
In this image, the camera looked straight. But checking the virtual horizon, I could tell the camera was slightly titled. Turning this option on varies by camera, but it usually involves using a pre-assigned button or accessing a menu item.
Adjusting the height of a tripod leg I leveled the camera to get a better shot. By slowly raising one leg, I can get the camera perfectly level. This method is best for panning shots or panoramas. You may also be able to adjust your ball head for a quick fix.
The virtual horizon graphic shows a green line when the camera’s position is aligned with the horizon. This tool is invaluable for shooting landscapes and architecture as it ensures straight lines and minimizes perspective issues.
Note: This is just one way to level a camera.
______
Reblogged this on Adam Jones Photography.
When I first purchased my D7100 I liked the virtual horizon in live view mode, then I found out I could get it in the viewfinder, great feature!
I’ve used that occasionally and have found it helpful in certain circumstances. I realize that I tilt consistently to the right, so I have to be very cognizant of looking around the viewfinder very carefully to ensure that my photo is as straight as possible.
It might be handy to blog suggestions for the myriad people whose cameras do not have the built-in levels that Nikon provides.
This isn’t a Nikon only feature
I’ve used that occasionally and have found it helpful in certain circumstances. I realize that I tilt consistently to the right, so I have to be very cognizant of looking around the viewfinder very carefully to ensure that my photo is as straight as possible.
When I first purchased my D7100 I liked the virtual horizon in live view mode, then I found out I could get it in the viewfinder, great feature!
It might be handy to blog suggestions for the myriad people whose cameras do not have the built-in levels that Nikon provides.
This isn’t a Nikon only feature
Reblogged this on Adam Jones Photography.