Hi George,
As I do not know what you are currently doing, I will start from the basics: light!

You need at least 3 strong light sources, one on top and one on each side. They should cover the whole scene. You have some good tips and light arrange example from Master Jose Luis Lopez here:

http://jllopezstyle.com/basic-tips-for-taking-pictures-of-your-kits/

Then you need a tripod, and a cable (or use the timer).

A large flat background, set the white balance on your camera and the lowest ISO you have, and you are ready to start.

Do not use the flash, and avoid the zoom also if possible. From my point of view, macro is not needed either.

You will have to experiment with different exposure compensation values (eV), or play directly with f-stops and exposure time.

If you still can not get what you want, post a couple of tests.

George,

BLUF: your Nikon apparently doesn't allow you to make the adjustments you need to make.

You may want to look at these two reviews of your camera:

Nikon L330 REVIEW (YouTube)

Nikon Coolpix L330 Review

Good Luck!

F stop is a measure of the size of the hole behind the lens through which the light travels to the film or sensor. Small number means more light, high number means less. A byproduct is that more is in focus with a small aperture, so generally better for model photography. F16 is a good starting point. However, less light through the hole means the shutter needs to be open for longer for the same amount of light to reach the film or sensor, so the tripod avoids blur due to your hands shaking. With some lenses I can hand hold down to around 1/15 sec but a tripod always gives better results. F stops halve the amount of light with each one as the numbers increase, from 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32 etc.. Shutter speeds do the same but are more intuitive, as the amount of time reduces with each step, e.g. 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250th etc..

ISO is a measure of the light sensitivity of the film/sensor. High number is more sensitive (so easier to use in less light) but shows more grain in the image. Again therefore, a low number gives better quality but needs large apertures or slow shutter speeds; hence the tripod.

Photography is a compromise between these three variables. Ideally for model photography I'd opt for low ISO number, small aperture (high f number) and slow shutter speed.

The principles have not changed since the days of film so there are loads of books an probably websites that explain the basics.

Sorry if I went too technical... I had no idea of your background so before explaining what you may already know I just went straight to the point.

If your manual is this
http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/44/COOLPIX_L330.html

You can find some useful information on page 46 for exposure compensation. Use positive values (+0.6 eV for example) to get lighter images as they usually will be a bit dark with default settings.

Page 50 says something about setting ISO Sensitivity.

While the camera does not allow many manual controls, I think you can still get some decent shots with it, it's a matter of trying different options...and that needs time and work.

Could you put some pictures in the gallery or on a photo hoster? Some "problem" pictures and a few of your set up? That way we could take a look and maybe get some more information. Maybe add the data (f-stop, iso, time etc) in a comment (Not sure if those data is available in the picture itself in your cameras case)


The camera itself sounds quite capabel and should be more than up to the task with good sensors and rather fast lens. Granted, a Canon would make far better pictures with the lenscap on, batteries removed and the room totally dark. But still, a fine camera (for a Nikon)