Miniature Effect

Light Meter by Lisa K. Berton

My new Canon PowerShot SX30 IS and I set out to test out its many cool features, one of those being the Miniature Effect. You’ve probably seen commercials using this trendy style of filming over the past few years. It’s intrigued me and driven me crazy at the same time but having it available on my camera will only lead to trouble on my part, fun trouble.

The camera utilizes selective focusing, vivid color, and contrast. Selective focus is also known as tilt shift and specialty lenses are available for SLR cameras. Point and shoot digitals have built-in software that attempts to mimic the look.

I have some examples for you to peruse. Taken at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll find this docked boat adding to the overall feel of Asia. As you walk over the bridge from Dinoland into Asia, you’ll spot the boat off to the right. If you’re coming from Asia, you’ll find it behind Drinkwalla, a refreshment/snack stand.

A normal shot looks fine.
lkb-Miniature-NormalBoat.jpg

A totally different image emerges when using Miniature Effect. It’s so simple that it’s just a matter of turning a dial and pressing a few buttons. As always, I encourage you to read your camera’s manual. Off the top of my head, I do not know what other cameras offer this feature.
lkb-Miniature-Boat.jpg

I walked down to the “dock area” and grabbed a closer shot.
lkb-Miniature-NormalFrontBoat.jpg

The effect is visible but doesn’t have as much of an impact as the shot of a larger scene.
lkb-Miniature-FrontBoat.jpg

When I return to Walt Disney World next month I’ll test out Miniature Effect on more subjects.

Now say “toy boat” 5 times fast.

If you missed last week’s blog, I challenged everyone to shoot in B&W as well as color to submit photos. Check it out. I’ll start posting pics next week.

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4 Replies to “Miniature Effect”

  1. Wow! I haven’t been to these blogs in a very long time, but I am so glad I stopped by tonight!

    I love this, Lisa! I had no idea some cameras could do this now!

    Very cool effect! Have fun using it! 🙂

  2. My Olympus XZ-1 point and shoot will capture miniature-effect photos. It’s labeled “diorama” on the Olympus. As you pointed out, it’s most effective when shooting from a high vantage point.

  3. I have a Canon S100 that also has this setting. I’ve never used it. I don’t really seen how it makes it look “miniature.” To me it just looks like a very limited field, like high aperture setting and fast shutter.