Using a Tablet for Taking Pictures: Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Shots

Let's face it, using a tablet is not the best choice for taking pictures for all sorts of reasons. No flash, clunky to hold, and bad Zoom features are just a few of the drawbacks that make tablets less than ideal for photography. However, if you have to use a tablet for taking pictures, there are some tips, apps, and accessories that can radically improve your shots.

In general, it's best to think small when planning to take a lot of pictures with a tablet. Going for a smaller model is the way to go, as they are easier to hold and steadier. If you already have a larger tablet, consider opting for something in the 7-8 inch range. This will make it easier to hold steady, reducing the likelihood of blurry photos.

Steady hands are essential when taking pictures with a tablet. Most tablets don't have image stabilization, which compensates for shaky hands and leaves you with blurry photos, especially in low light. To combat this, use two hands and lock your elbows in, making sure to hold the tablet horizontally so that you get the right orientation for your TV or computer screen.

When shooting video, remember to hold the tablet horizontally and get a little closer to the action. Avoid using the zoom feature to try to get closer to what you're capturing, as this will dramatically reduce picture quality. The digital Zoom on your tablet is just as bad for photo quality as it is for video, so it's best to avoid using it altogether. If you need to get closer to the action, simply step forward and capture the shot.

If you want to do more with your photos, try using Adobe's Photo Editing app Photoshop Touch for iOS and Android. This app offers a range of features, including filters and effects, that can help enhance your photos. Alternatively, try Snapseed if you like experimenting and getting creative with your photos.

Lighting is another area where tablets often fall short. Most tablets don't have a built-in flash, but some newer models do offer a strobe feature. However, these are weak and won't light much past a few feet. If possible, look for better lighting to make the most of your shots.

Accessorizing can be a great way to improve your tablet photography experience. There are two accessories that can really help make your photos frame-worthy: a tripod and a tablet mount. You can use just about any type of tripod, but you'll need one that's specifically designed for tablets. Additionally, there's the Cybershot QX10, which looks like a lens but is actually a camera that wirelessly connects to your tablet. This essentially transforms your tablet into a gigantic viewfinder, allowing you to take better photos and videos.

If you're in the market for a new tablet, be sure to check out our ratings at ConsumerReports.org. With so many options available, it's essential to do your research and find one that meets your photography needs. By following these tips and using the right accessories, you can improve your shots and get better results from your tablet.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enlet's face it using a tablet is not the best choice for taking pictures for all sorts of reasons no flash clunky to hold and bad Zoom features but if you have to there are some tips apps and accessories that can radically improve your shots think small generally if you're planning to take a lot of pictures with a tablet you might want to go for a smaller model that's easier to Hold Steady try something in the 7 to 8 in range if you already have a larger tablet here's some more advice steady now most tablets don't have image stabilization which compensates for shaky hands that leaves you with blurry photos especially in low light and your video yeah that's going to look terrible instead of swearing off caffeine you should use two hands and lock your elbows in and remember if you're shooting video hold the tablet horizontally so you get the right orientation for your TV or computer screen get a little closer don't use the zoom to try to get closer to the action the zoom on your tablet is a digital Zoom which means using it dramatically reduces picture quality that's true for your phone too so what do you do get off the couch off the bleachers off your and get in there you can always crop it later with a free onboard photo app on your tablet if you want to do more with your photos try adobe's photo editing app Photoshop touch for IOS and Android or try try snap seed if you like experimenting and getting creative with filters and Effects light up your life most tablets don't have a flash but some newer ones have a strobe not that kind of strobe anyway they're weak and won't light much past a few feet the only thing you can really do is look for some better light excessorize accessorizing is always a good idea especially when it comes to tablets there are two that can really help make your photos framable try a tripod you can use just about any kind but you'll need a tablet Mount also there's the Cybershot qx10 which looks like a lens but is actually a camera that wirelessly connects to your tablet essentially transforming your tablet into a gigantic viewfinder if you're in the market for a new tablet check out our ratings at consumerreports.orglet's face it using a tablet is not the best choice for taking pictures for all sorts of reasons no flash clunky to hold and bad Zoom features but if you have to there are some tips apps and accessories that can radically improve your shots think small generally if you're planning to take a lot of pictures with a tablet you might want to go for a smaller model that's easier to Hold Steady try something in the 7 to 8 in range if you already have a larger tablet here's some more advice steady now most tablets don't have image stabilization which compensates for shaky hands that leaves you with blurry photos especially in low light and your video yeah that's going to look terrible instead of swearing off caffeine you should use two hands and lock your elbows in and remember if you're shooting video hold the tablet horizontally so you get the right orientation for your TV or computer screen get a little closer don't use the zoom to try to get closer to the action the zoom on your tablet is a digital Zoom which means using it dramatically reduces picture quality that's true for your phone too so what do you do get off the couch off the bleachers off your and get in there you can always crop it later with a free onboard photo app on your tablet if you want to do more with your photos try adobe's photo editing app Photoshop touch for IOS and Android or try try snap seed if you like experimenting and getting creative with filters and Effects light up your life most tablets don't have a flash but some newer ones have a strobe not that kind of strobe anyway they're weak and won't light much past a few feet the only thing you can really do is look for some better light excessorize accessorizing is always a good idea especially when it comes to tablets there are two that can really help make your photos framable try a tripod you can use just about any kind but you'll need a tablet Mount also there's the Cybershot qx10 which looks like a lens but is actually a camera that wirelessly connects to your tablet essentially transforming your tablet into a gigantic viewfinder if you're in the market for a new tablet check out our ratings at consumerreports.org\n"