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#1

Best way to take pictures?

Archive: 37 posts


Alright, so I'm just wondering. I've seen some fantastic pictures posted around here (Looking at you Taffey and Domik) so I'm just wondering, do you need an hd camera/capture device/whatever kind of specific equipment to take good pictures (maybe not excellent, but at least not the fuzzy mess I'm generally capable of) or are there certain settings on standard digital cameras that can help?

For my part I use a Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS, if that's of any help in answering this question.

I'm also considering getting an AV cable for my PSP 2000, would doing so allow me to play PSP games on my computer (and thus take direct snapshots)?

After looking into it I've changed my mind. The cable sounds pretty worthless and completely not worth the price ($20)
2010-08-31 19:10:00

Author:
SirPaper
Posts: 150


I have the same issue. I think the best way to take pictures is, as you say, to plug the PSP directly into the computer, but you need special software to get the picture to the screen. I have only just wrangled my computer into recognising my camera so I haven't taken the plunge and downloaded anything yet. I looked this up on the internet before in searching for a better way and found this page that might be useful from MyPSP.com (http://www.mypsp.com.au/GuideDetail.aspx?id=212). Hope thats of some help.2010-08-31 19:19:00

Author:
PygmyOwl
Posts: 1316


Looks interesting, and I think that would be what I'm looking for, except I don't use custom firmware.

I'm sure it'll help someone though, so thanks for that link.
2010-08-31 19:22:00

Author:
SirPaper
Posts: 150


Aha! I can help with this one, and I'm sure Domik will have some input as well. I spent quite a bit of time looking into this so I feel like I can actually provide an intelligent answer.

There are two basic ways you can obtain in-game images. The first and most straightforward method is by using a regular camera (such as your PowerShot) and taking a picture of the screen. This way can actually produce some very good looking images, but the real problem is getting them to be consistent - as in, all taken from the same angle at the same magnification with the same light level, etc. You'll get the best results from your camera by using macro mode (usually a symbol of a flower), and you also MUST turn your flash off. To reduce and/or eliminate glare from the screen you'll need to take your pictures in a slightly dark room, such as inside your house during the day but with all the lights off. Your camera will likely warn you that the light level is too low and that your pictures will be blurry, so put your camera on a tripod or solid surface if at all possible.

The second way of capturing images from your PSP is by means of using a video out signal of some sort. This varies based on your model of PSP and the cable you own for it. I'll talk about standard definition (SD) video first.

SD video is characterized by standard 3-plug "RCA" type connectors - a very common type of audio/video connection (pic (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/RCA_Connector_%28photo%29.jpg)). You usually have a red plug, a white plug (both audio), and a yellow plug (video). You can also use an S-Video connector which is a small, round plug with several pins in it (pic (http://www.zpluscable.com/images/products/prem-svideo-end.jpg)). S-Video supposedly supplies a slightly better picture than RCA, but I've never noticed a real difference. I believe you can get an RCA video out cord for your PSP 2000, but I'm not sure about S-Video.

To capture an SD video signal, you need a video capture unit. These are generally very cheap ($30 USD or so) and simply plug into a USB port on your computer (pic (http://www.webtvwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Diamond-VC500.jpg)). They come with basic software, but there are some good freeware programs available that offer slightly better performance. Capturing the image on the screen is as simple as pressing a button, but the quality isn't top-notch. Here's a couple examples:


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/20100706-223142-1.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/20100630-224735a.jpg



Now for the part you're really interested in - HD video. There are many different types of connectors used to transmit HD signals (e.g., HDMI, fiber optic, etc.) but the one that applies to us PSP users is "component" (pic (http://nukoda.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/component-video-cable-5RCA.jpg)). These connectors look just like RCA connectors except that there are more of them. There are two plugs for audio (red/white) and three for video (blue/red/green). I believe you can get component cables for all types of PSPs, but I'm not sure on that - I'll have to look it up. I use a component cable on my PSP Go for taking my pictures; I had to upgrade from an RCA cable when I decided I wanted better quality pictures.

To capture an HD signal you need... you guessed it... an HD video capture unit. The bad news is that HD units are much more expensive, sometimes excessively so. You could easily spend $1000 on an HD capture setup if you wanted to. After quite a bit of research I came across the unit I use now, which is a Hauppauge HD PVR (http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/wp-content/uploads/hauppauge_hd-pvr.jpg). It's about $200 which isn't too bad, and it has a lot of good features. It allows video passthrough while you record, which means that you can watch the video output on your TV screen at the same time your computer is capturing video - the unit plugs into your computer via USB. The Hauppauge doesn't have a built-in still image capture function, so instead I just record video and take screenshots as I play it back. I have a couple freeware batch image processing programs that crop and adjust my pictures for me, so it's a pretty easy process. Here's a couple examples (of the same images above) of HD captured screens:


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/7-12-2010-02-1.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/3234e68a.jpg



I know Domik uses a different method that, as far as I understand it, involves magic.


EDIT: I should also add that my method is for PSPs running Sony firmware.
2010-08-31 19:51:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


God those last two are so clear.2010-08-31 19:54:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


Oh, I forgot to add... There's an even simpler 4th option for getting in-game pictures. Send me a PM and ask me to do it for you! I'm always happy to help out.2010-08-31 20:01:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


Since you have a 2000 you can just hack it and use remotejoy to get pictures.2010-08-31 20:03:00

Author:
ARD
Posts: 4291


The Taffey strikes again!
Thanks, that sorts out everything! Hopefully we should see some improvement in my picture quality soon.
2010-08-31 20:03:00

Author:
PygmyOwl
Posts: 1316


....May Mm/Cambridge bless you Taffey. Although I'm tempted I don't want to mooch of you all the time, I want to get some pics myself.2010-08-31 20:04:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


ARDEH!! How've you been?




Since you have a 2000 you can just hack it and use remotejoy to get pictures.
Yes, this is true, but as far as I know you can't connect to PSN... which means no DLC and no Community Moon. (I of course wouldn't be surprised if that was no longer the case as it changes fairly often, but it's the last I heard.)




....May Mm/Cambridge bless you Taffey. Although I'm tempted I don't want to mooch of you all the time, I want to get some pics myself.It's no problem at all - mooch away!
2010-08-31 20:10:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


I have a PSP 1001 though so no video output for me .

Doesn't matter though I'll just borrow my sister's DSLR, get a tripod and and snap away .

Oh and there's two programs called PSNabler and PSNlover that let you go on psn with custom firmware. And I could hack my psp right now if I wanted too (snip cable, download software..) but My psp is already unstable as it is so I'd rather not do anything to it at the moment.
2010-08-31 20:13:00

Author:
kitcheninja
Posts: 211


ARDEH!! How've you been?
Yes, this is true, but as far as I know you can't connect to PSN... which means no DLC and no Community Moon. (I of course wouldn't be surprised if that was no longer the case as it changes fairly often, but it's the last I heard.)

Uh...TAFFEH...why are you so...energetic?

PSP CFW has been a bit...meh in the last couple of years since DAX stopped M33ing but I'm pretty sure there's some for of 6.3X custom stuff.

Or something.


What?
2010-08-31 20:14:00

Author:
ARD
Posts: 4291


Taffey is one of the nicest internet dudes I know. He's not energetic, just kind....and a little energetic.2010-08-31 20:21:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


Uh...TAFFEH...why are you so...energetic? IT'S THE ESPRESSO TALKING WHEN I HAVE TOO MUCH I GET REALLY ENERGETIC BUT EVENTUALLY IT WEARS OFF and then things start to go... downhi.. Too tired to type.

ZzzzzZZzzzZz
2010-08-31 20:29:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


OMGZ PEOPLEZ, TAFFEY IZ HIGHLARIOUZ!

No seriously, EPICly funy post Taffey.
2010-08-31 20:36:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


Wow, thanks for that ginormous post Taffey! (Yes, I did read all of it.)

Micro mode! I've seen that, figured out to use it when making videos of PSP/DS games (didn't know what it was called though), but until now hadn't played around enough to get it working on pictures.

After some quick testing:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z269/SirPaper/LittleBigPlanet/PumpkinProgress.jpg
1st: Sunset setting, large image size scaled down. (Sunset setting because I was messing around and that's what I came up with before posting this thread. )
2nd: Micro setting, small image, taken close to the screen. (Argh, ze grid!)
3rd: Micro setting, small image, taken from a bit farther back away from the screen. (Better I think)

Still need to mess with it more before I'm satisfied (not right now though, I need to charge my camera battery), but thanks a lot Taffey!

As for the Component Cable, I looked into it. The PSP2000 cable at least will let you play games ONLY on an HDTV (You can watch movies on a standard though, wee) and to make matters worse it scales the picture down so that you basically only play on half of the screen (there's giant black bars all the way around).

So yeah, no way I'm spending 20 bucks on that. >_> (Was hoping maybe it would work to play on my computer somehow, but seems like no dice without extra equipment)

As for a capture unit, don't think I'm going to go that far, but those pictures look fantastic.

However, I'll say it again I think the micro mode tip is going to help tremendously. So thanks! At the very least you probably saved me money on a fairly pointless $20 cable. XD

[EDIT] Oh, and for the tripod/flat surface I actually do have a mini-tripod (http://www.minitripods.com/Giottos_Qpod2.html) That I use. (Same model as the link, but yellow instead)
2010-08-31 20:46:00

Author:
SirPaper
Posts: 150


Taffey, an awesome snack and an even better person.2010-08-31 21:44:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


Aha! I can help with this one, and I'm sure Domik will have some input as well. I spent quite a bit of time looking into this so I feel like I can actually provide an intelligent answer.

There are two basic ways you can obtain in-game images. The first and most straightforward method is by using a regular camera (such as your PowerShot) and taking a picture of the screen. This way can actually produce some very good looking images, but the real problem is getting them to be consistent - as in, all taken from the same angle at the same magnification with the same light level, etc. You'll get the best results from your camera by using macro mode (usually a symbol of a flower), and you also MUST turn your flash off. To reduce and/or eliminate glare from the screen you'll need to take your pictures in a slightly dark room, such as inside your house during the day but with all the lights off. Your camera will likely warn you that the light level is too low and that your pictures will be blurry, so put your camera on a tripod or solid surface if at all possible.

The second way of capturing images from your PSP is by means of using a video out signal of some sort. This varies based on your model of PSP and the cable you own for it. I'll talk about standard definition (SD) video first.

SD video is characterized by standard 3-plug "RCA" type connectors - a very common type of audio/video connection (pic (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/RCA_Connector_%28photo%29.jpg)). You usually have a red plug, a white plug (both audio), and a yellow plug (video). You can also use an S-Video connector which is a small, round plug with several pins in it (pic (http://www.zpluscable.com/images/products/prem-svideo-end.jpg)). S-Video supposedly supplies a slightly better picture than RCA, but I've never noticed a real difference. I believe you can get an RCA video out cord for your PSP 2000, but I'm not sure about S-Video.

To capture an SD video signal, you need a video capture unit. These are generally very cheap ($30 USD or so) and simply plug into a USB port on your computer (pic (http://www.webtvwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Diamond-VC500.jpg)). They come with basic software, but there are some good freeware programs available that offer slightly better performance. Capturing the image on the screen is as simple as pressing a button, but the quality isn't top-notch. Here's a couple examples:


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/20100706-223142-1.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/20100630-224735a.jpg



Now for the part you're really interested in - HD video. There are many different types of connectors used to transmit HD signals (e.g., HDMI, fiber optic, etc.) but the one that applies to us PSP users is "component" (pic (http://nukoda.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/component-video-cable-5RCA.jpg)). These connectors look just like RCA connectors except that there are more of them. There are two plugs for audio (red/white) and three for video (blue/red/green). I believe you can get component cables for all types of PSPs, but I'm not sure on that - I'll have to look it up. I use a component cable on my PSP Go for taking my pictures; I had to upgrade from an RCA cable when I decided I wanted better quality pictures.

To capture an HD signal you need... you guessed it... an HD video capture unit. The bad news is that HD units are much more expensive, sometimes excessively so. You could easily spend $1000 on an HD capture setup if you wanted to. After quite a bit of research I came across the unit I use now, which is a Hauppauge HD PVR (http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/wp-content/uploads/hauppauge_hd-pvr.jpg). It's about $200 which isn't too bad, and it has a lot of good features. It allows video passthrough while you record, which means that you can watch the video output on your TV screen at the same time your computer is capturing video - the unit plugs into your computer via USB. The Hauppauge doesn't have a built-in still image capture function, so instead I just record video and take screenshots as I play it back. I have a couple freeware batch image processing programs that crop and adjust my pictures for me, so it's a pretty easy process. Here's a couple examples (of the same images above) of HD captured screens:


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/7-12-2010-02-1.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac207/tross13/3234e68a.jpg



I know Domik uses a different method that, as far as I understand it, involves magic.


EDIT: I should also add that my method is for PSPs running Sony firmware.

Yay!!! That's my sackboy!!!

Anyway, the method with the TV and computer is the same thing I thought of a few weeks ago when my uncle came and gave my dad a little box that connects the TV to the laptop via USB. All I need now is an RCA cable to take awesome pics like you and Domik.
2010-08-31 21:59:00

Author:
ConverseFox
Posts: 2333


Your sackboy is a tad random. Anywho, the pictures are really good.2010-08-31 22:01:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


Well, it's not.

I really like motorstorm, I like the alien eye, and the sunglasses. Lastly, he needs hair. TADA!!! My sackboy.
2010-08-31 22:08:00

Author:
ConverseFox
Posts: 2333


Ah, so he's not random, he's just a collection of your favorite parts....with hair. I have one of those, well....without the hair.2010-08-31 22:11:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


Yay!!! That's my sackboy!!!

Anyway, the method with the TV and computer is the same thing I thought of a few weeks ago when my uncle came and gave my dad a little box that connects the TV to the laptop via USB. All I need now is an RCA cable to take awesome pics like you and Domik.

I've been looking into the cables. If you have a slim then the AV cable won't let you play games on the tv at all. Just movies, pictures, and internet.

If you have a PSP Go though then it might be different, I'm not sure. I think the AV cable works for games (I assume it must if Taffey was using it for LBP pictures).

PSP-3000 I have no clue though whether the AV cable allows for games playing on the tv. PSP 3000s apparently can play games on standard tvs.

And the original PSP I don't think can play anything on tvs without custom firmware/physical hardware modifications.
2010-08-31 22:29:00

Author:
SirPaper
Posts: 150


I have a PSP-3000. Is it the same as the PSP-2000 only in black?2010-08-31 22:43:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


I have a PSP-3000. Is it the same as the PSP-2000 only in black?

Just looked into it a bit more.

Apparently 3000s have better screens, built in mic, and they CAN play games on standard tvs.

So it's just regular and slim PSPs that are out of luck on that.

[EDIT] After taking a couple more shots and then editing out the background, I came up with this.

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z269/SirPaper/LittleBigPlanet/PumpkinEdit.png

I think it looks pretty good personally.

Er... well it would look good if the forums background wasn't white. Here's the image with a background on it.

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z269/SirPaper/LittleBigPlanet/PumpkinEdit-1.png
2010-08-31 22:54:00

Author:
SirPaper
Posts: 150


Dang I want to be able to take a snapshot like that too!2010-08-31 23:02:00

Author:
The-Questor
Posts: 1328


Hey just telling you, it's not micro setting, it's macro. and it has a flower image to represent it, for most cameras that is.2010-08-31 23:23:00

Author:
anoken
Posts: 1654


Hey just telling you, it's not micro setting, it's macro. and it has a flower image to represent it, for most cameras that is.

Yeah, just noticed that it was macro on my camera. Figured it might be something specific to my camera though.

Thanks for the info.
2010-08-31 23:27:00

Author:
SirPaper
Posts: 150


If you have a PSP Go though then it might be different, I'm not sure. I think the AV cable works for games (I assume it must if Taffey was using it for LBP pictures).The Go can output either SD or HD video during gameplay, or anything else for that matter. You need different cables depending on what you want to output.

I have my Go in a cradle next to my TV, and I use a bluetooth controller with it about 95% of the time. It's just like a console except that you can pick it up and put it in your pocket anytime you want.
2010-09-01 01:31:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


http://www.gooogIe.co.uk/?gid=748059&hl=en&meta=o&q=PSP%20Go

I'm sorry I couldn't resist . Well I'm also a flaming hypocrite sine i paid 300 dollars for my psp 1000 during realease and i just bought a Ps3 this month (not buying LBP1 waiting for 2) but it came with assassin's creed 2 for free so i saved about 50 dollars .

Back on topic:
Can GO show output with a HD cable or only component?
2010-09-01 01:47:00

Author:
kitcheninja
Posts: 211


OMGZ PEOPLEZ, TAFFEY IZ HIGHLARIOUZ!

No seriously, EPICly funy post Taffey.

At least he's on the coffee. I hate to see him on an energy drink! :eek:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRuNxHqwazs
2010-09-01 02:20:00

Author:
CyberSora
Posts: 5551


Can GO show output with a HD cable or only component?The only HD cable that they make for the Go is component - I don't think there's an HDMI one available.2010-09-01 07:23:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187


I have my Go in a cradle next to my TV, and I use a bluetooth controller with it about 95% of the time.

I have tried so many times to get my DS3 to work with m Go but it has never worked for me

/off topic
2010-09-01 11:56:00

Author:
ARD
Posts: 4291


DS3

HOLY CRAP, they just announced the 3DS and now a DS3 as well? Nintendo needs to slow down!

2010-09-01 12:39:00

Author:
Voltergeist
Posts: 1702


I find the best way to take pictures is to use a HD camera and a component cable. I have a Sony Bravia television so it's really easy to connect. Heck, the TV even has an XMB! You just play the game on the TV and then take a photo of it, easy and non-expensive pictures, as long as you have the right equipment. You can get a component cable for under $10 at GAME and it works for most PSP models.

Here's a comparison between a photo directly at the PSP and using the TV. Trust me, it's the same camera. Unfortuantly, I couldn't get the same shot, but you still can see the difference...

Direct to PSP:
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/struanmcd/Untitled1.png

Direct to TV:
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab209/struanmcd/DSCN1425.jpg

Hope this helps!
2010-09-01 12:51:00

Author:
Struanmcd
Posts: 333


Yeah, I got a component cable from game for my psp 3000, I can do everything on my TV, although I've never tried taking photos of the tv or connecting it to the computer.2010-09-01 15:32:00

Author:
The Forgotten
Posts: 316


HUH how u get that costume with that car with 6 wheels? i never saw that on playstation store or something else O.O2010-09-01 18:44:00

Author:
Maximee9
Posts: 4


HUH how u get that costume with that car with 6 wheels? i never saw that on playstation store or something else O.O

It's part of the MotorStorm? Hessian Stitch Level Pack that you can get off the playstation store.
2010-09-01 19:19:00

Author:
SirPaper
Posts: 150


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