Q about 'macro' camera settings

4 Scale · 09-07-2015, 09:55 AM

Actually several posters have already provided excellent advice on controlling distortion AKA bent barrel, but I will be glad to recap. There are two easy ways:

1. Frame the pistol in the viewfinder. It's when the barrel is near the top or bottom of the frame that it seems to bend. Looking in the viewfinder keep the lens parallel to the gun but move the camera around until the barrel appears straight. As you move the camera to put the barrel near the top then bottom of the frame, you will actually see the barrel bend one way, then the other. You want the center position where it is in-between and shows no bend. Take the picture at that point, then crop and enlarge the image on your computer as needed to make it big enough.

2. Or, take the photo from farther away then crop and enlarge on your computer.

FWIW I just tested both these methods using my Canon G11 before responding, which verifies that the technique is correct but that the G11 does not automatically eliminate this type of distortion. Some better cameras actually do control distortion via software in the camera. There are also expensive cameras and lenses that optically eliminate distortion, used in studio or architectural photography but those are costly and complex. There is also image software for your computer that can eliminate distortion. But given your budget it might be best to stick with the two approaches above.

09-07-2015, 09:55 AM	#24
4 Scale User Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 544 Thanks: 194 Thanked 490 Times in 251 Posts	Actually several posters have already provided excellent advice on controlling distortion AKA bent barrel, but I will be glad to recap. There are two easy ways: 1. Frame the pistol in the viewfinder. It's when the barrel is near the top or bottom of the frame that it seems to bend. Looking in the viewfinder keep the lens parallel to the gun but move the camera around until the barrel appears straight. As you move the camera to put the barrel near the top then bottom of the frame, you will actually see the barrel bend one way, then the other. You want the center position where it is in-between and shows no bend. Take the picture at that point, then crop and enlarge the image on your computer as needed to make it big enough. 2. Or, take the photo from farther away then crop and enlarge on your computer. FWIW I just tested both these methods using my Canon G11 before responding, which verifies that the technique is correct but that the G11 does not automatically eliminate this type of distortion. Some better cameras actually do control distortion via software in the camera. There are also expensive cameras and lenses that optically eliminate distortion, used in studio or architectural photography but those are costly and complex. There is also image software for your computer that can eliminate distortion. But given your budget it might be best to stick with the two approaches above. Last edited by 4 Scale; 09-07-2015 at 11:10 AM.