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12/07/2004 08:22:24 PM · #1 |
What is the best setting for these conditions and my type of camera?
Conditions:
1. Taken after dark
2. Only Christmas lights as my light source in most cases
3. Tripod will be used
Camera features:
1. Panasonic FZ20
2. P / A / S / Manual
3. Manual focus ring
4. A: 2.8 –11.0 through out the zoom range
5. SS: 8sec. – 1/2000
6. EV +2/-2 1/3 steps
7. Pop up flash if needed
8. Self-timer 2sec. / 10sec.
The reason I̢۪m asking this question I have been asked to take pictures of homes and business that have been decorated for Christmas. The photographs will be judged and the best business and home will be picked from the photographs I and a few other photographs take.
I have practiced with a few shots and the lights seem to blur even though I have the camera on a tripod and set @ 2sec. self-timer to avoid camera shake. I have to admit [as seen in some of my photographs] I̢۪m not great at guessing adequate lighting. Any help would be grateful. I have to start shooting [if I do] this weekend.
Below is an example of one shot I have taken. Notice the lights seem to blend together instead of giving a pinpoint spot of light. Is this expected or am I doing something or many things wrong?
SS: 4sec.
Ap: 5.6
ISO: 80
EXP +/-: 0.00
WB: Auto
Flash: Off
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12/07/2004 08:25:32 PM · #2 |
| Scott, I think a faster shutter speed might help. 4 seconds is a long time. Perhaps try one second or two and see what happens. You might also want to try bumping the ISO to 100 and then you could use an even faster shutter speed. |
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12/07/2004 08:28:37 PM · #3 |
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12/07/2004 08:34:45 PM · #4 |
Are you certain you're getting focus locked? If you're focusing on the tree in that shot, it kinda looks to me like you might not be in focus.
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12/07/2004 08:45:44 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by ahaze:
Are you certain you're getting focus locked? If you're focusing on the tree in that shot, it kinda looks to me like you might not be in focus. |
Yes it is giving me a focus lock. I have my auto focus set for 9 points. I have the options of spot, center, 3 points horizontal, and 9 points. My metering mode is set for Center-Center spot.
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