Simulated Camera

What good is a virtual camera?

Funny you should ask.
So, my regular readers, both of you, know that I love photography.  But, at the same time, you’ll also notice that I haven’t been posting as many photos as I used to post.  There are a lot of reasons for that, but one, and the one I’m going to focus on today, is that I’m rusty.  Rusty in the sense that it’s been so long since I was shooting regularly that I’ve just about forgotten how to use my camera!  No, I am not even kidding.  Sadly, it feels to me like I’ve practically forgotten all but one or two settings and how they effect my photographs.  Seriously!

So, what does that have to do with a virtual camera?
I’m glad you asked!  The other day, I discovered CameraSim, a free, web-based program that “simulates” a DSLR.  It’s a teaching tool that lets you twiddle various standard DSLR settings to see how that will effect your final photograph.  The idea is simple.  What happens when you are in Aperture priority mode, set your ISO to 100 and your aperture to f/14, but it’s overcast?  Well, now you can fiddle with settings and see for yourself!  (Spoiler: Your shot comes out pretty blurry if you’re holding your camera or your subject is moving.)  If you choose “good” settings, you get a clear photo and the app gives you a “smiley face” of approval.  If you don’t choose very good settings, your shot comes out dark or blurry and the app frowns at you.
Like I said, a teaching tool.

The web application is free.  It’s somewhat limited, but it gives you the basic ideas and, again, it’s free.  There is also a $1.99 version for mobile devices which is allegedly better, but I don’t have direct experience with any of those.
So, what the heck, it’s Friday and you’re obviously killing time if you’re reading this blog, so why not go check it out and improve your DSLR settings skills!
And then get out and shoot this weekend!