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Digital Photography - Troubleshooting

Why Does a Hand Appear on My Viewfinder or LCD Sometimes?

SUMMARY: Why do bad lighting condition sometimes cause a hand to appear in your digital camera's viewfinder or LCD?


 

When taking digital photos in low-light conditions, you may sometimes notice a hand appearing on your LCD screen or electronic viewfinder. This hand will not appear in your final shot. Rather, it is displayed as a warning to you that due to the low light and possibly the current camera ISO, exposure, aperture, etc. settings, the photo may be susceptible to camera-shake. Thus, if you are not careful, photographs may turn out blurry even if the photograph looks fine in the preview window; due to its small size, details cannot always be seen until you transfer the photo to your computer or print it.

How can you take good photos without worrying about camera-shake?

1. If possible, securely connect your digital camera to a tripod. Even if this warning hand appears, a steady camera-tripod connection can virtually eliminate camera-shake.

2. Adjust your digital camera's shutter speed so it takes photos faster. This may be at an expense of photo details, and your photographs might turn out completely dark in extreme circumstances.

3. Refer to the Digital Night Photography section of MalekTips for suggestions on taking crystal-clear photos in low-light conditions, including advanced tips such as adjusting ISO settings.



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