still trying to work out this new camera

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

08/03/2005 05:09:31 PM · #1

this is what happens inside in full auto. So bright like i was saying before

This is after, when i put a piece of paper above the lens to try and bounce the flash away.

I think i need to do a university course on how to work it LOL
Any suggestions?

bledford

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

08/03/2005 05:14:44 PM · #2

Have you read the manual? Also have a look at //www.photoworkshop.com/canon/index.html for tips

08/03/2005 05:17:16 PM · #3

Originally posted by lentil:

this is what happens inside in full auto. So bright like i was saying before

This is after, when i put a piece of paper above the lens to try and bounce the flash away.

I think i need to do a university course on how to work it LOL
Any suggestions?

You could be too close for using the flash at full power. Reducing the flash power may help though the solution of bouncing the flash seems to have done the trick.

08/03/2005 05:21:37 PM · #4

i was about 15feet away from candles

08/03/2005 05:23:36 PM · #5

Another thing is that the colour tone of the candles is darker than what I would call medium so the camera meter will be tricked into over exposing. Some exposure compensation would probably help as well.

08/03/2005 05:24:48 PM · #6

why are you using the full auto mode?

check your exposure comp, and flash exposure comp settings. I'd ask more questions about settings but since it was in auto mode I doubt it makes a difference.

08/03/2005 05:26:13 PM · #7

Originally posted by kyebosh:

why are you using the full auto mode?

check your exposure comp, and flash exposure comp settings. I'd ask more questions about settings but since it was in auto mode I doubt it makes a difference.

i am in full auto cause i was told to start with that. What should i be shooting in?

08/03/2005 05:28:53 PM · #8

I never did the auto modes on my 300D... I started with Av and Tv, and I STILL use them the most when i'm not in M. Use P mode if you're not used to anything manual, it will still give you some control, but to me it still feels like automatic mode. I would seriously try to figure out Av and Tv, and just expiriment a little with them. After awhile you'll learn what settings work for what you have to take a picture of. I think that staying in Auto mode isn't really the best way to learn how to use an SLR and it's features.

ps: check your histogram after the shots you take and adjust your settings apropriately. Be it changing the Av or Tv values to less extremes or to set the EC or FEC settings differently.

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 17:30:24.

08/03/2005 05:30:34 PM · #9

Originally posted by lentil:

Originally posted by kyebosh:
why are you using the full auto mode?

check your exposure comp, and flash exposure comp settings. I'd ask more questions about settings but since it was in auto mode I doubt it makes a difference.

i am in full auto cause i was told to start with that. What should i be shooting in?

What modes were you shooting with with your old camera? I would continue with those same modes. What mode you choose could depend on the subject matter. P mode would be a starting point as that mode gives you more flexibility with the multitude of camera options where AUTO does not.

08/03/2005 06:05:02 PM · #10

thanks all. I was just experimenting outside in manual and they were heaps better.
When i am in AV- how do i change exposures? I know there is that little wheel at the front but that only changes the shutter, how do i change the aperature on that setting too?

08/03/2005 06:07:58 PM · #11

Originally posted by lentil:

AV is aperture priority so you can change the aperture, the camera adjusts the shutter speed.

TV is shutter priority so you can change the shutter speed, the camera adjusts the aperture.

In both modes you can use exposure compensation to get the output you want.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/03/2005 06:10:22 PM · #12

Originally posted by lentil:

Press the top right button next to the menu screen [AV+/-]. Hold down while turning the wheel next to the shutter button.

What lens are you using? and Is the picture of something neutral brown against a white background?

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 18:11:59.

08/03/2005 06:12:01 PM · #13

thanks scott.
You guys will be so sick of me (if you arent already)

no picture inparticular, just experimenting on what i should have it on

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 18:12:58.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/03/2005 06:14:15 PM · #14

Originally posted by lentil:

thanks scott.
You guys will be so sick of me (if you arent already)

no picture inparticular, just experimenting on what i should have it on

No, that's what we all are here for. To Ask question, learn, and share answers. We just hope we can help. I know a lot of users has helped me. Just giving back.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/03/2005 06:16:38 PM · #15

Lisa,

Set your camera to AV mode and center focus point. Without the flash press the shutter half way and see what shows under the picture while viewing. What is the SS / Amp / and is the exposure line one zero?

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 18:16:58.

08/03/2005 06:23:23 PM · #16

Also what metering mode are you using? It makes a big difference.

08/03/2005 06:23:50 PM · #17

I just know that when it is on AV, the actual shutter speed is flashing 30". If i take a picture on that it takes 30seconds.

08/03/2005 06:26:19 PM · #18

Originally posted by lentil:

I just know that when it is on AV, the actual shutter speed is flashing 30". If i take a picture on that it takes 30seconds.

That shouldn't happen outside, even at AV 32.

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/03/2005 06:30:21 PM · #19

Originally posted by lentil:

I just know that when it is on AV, the actual shutter speed is flashing 30". If i take a picture on that it takes 30seconds.

You must be in a dimly lit room. What does you aperture say. On the top LCD display on the back of camera it should tell you what the camera setting are when you press down the shutter half way.
The AV value is on the left of the amount of pictures you are able to take. Example: 3.5[283] and below that you will see a line like this.
-2..1..V..1..+2 [where is the tick mark on that line?

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/03/2005 06:31:26 PM · #20

Originally posted by kyebosh:

Originally posted by lentil:
I just know that when it is on AV, the actual shutter speed is flashing 30". If i take a picture on that it takes 30seconds.

That shouldn't happen outside, even at AV 32.

You are right. The only time I get 30" in the AV mode is with my lens cap on. And thats at AV 3.5

Just took test shot in a dimly lit room. I turned on the flash light so you could see that the room was dim. No lights on just an window to the right and it is cloudy outside and did not use the flash.
Here is my EXIF Data:

Exposure Time - 1/25"
F Number - F3.5 829D
Exposure Program Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings - 400
Date Time Original - 2005-08-03 18:20:21
Date Time Digitized - 2005-08-03 18:20:21
Shutter Speed Value - 4.64 TV
Aperture Value 3.61 - AV 9202
Exposure Bias Value - 0EV 9204
Metering Mode Pattern - 9207 S
Flash Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode 9209 S
Focal Length 50mm 920A R

Message edited by author 2005-08-03 18:53:03.

08/03/2005 06:51:41 PM · #21

could there be something wrong with the camera?

(i need to go out now for a couple of hours so i will check back on any answers then)

Thank you , you all rock!!!

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/03/2005 06:57:28 PM · #22

Originally posted by lentil:

could there be something wrong with the camera?

(i need to go out now for a couple of hours so i will check back on any answers then)

Thank you , you all rock!!!

Lisa,
Could you send me the original file of one of your test shots so I can check your EXIF data? Make a JPG file LOL. scottwhiddon [at] knology.net

roadrunner

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

08/03/2005 08:34:25 PM · #23

Originally posted by lentil:

could there be something wrong with the camera?

(i need to go out now for a couple of hours so i will check back on any answers then)

Thank you , you all rock!!!

you sound like your going through exactly what i went through lisa.... i honestly thought there was something wrong with my camera too.... i even went for a week without touching it, i was scared, i knew i had gone in over my head.....and seriously thought about selling it......
it's al about trial and error, i find i use my AV the most.. i NEVER use auto.. it sux..... and am only now starting to play with the M setting, and of late am playing with the bulb setting.. ( FUN ) .. once you get to know it you'll love it, although i do find with a DSLR you do really need to know about apeature and speed way before buying one... and what they do and mean.. otherwise it's literally a crash course and very frusterating...