Action Shots in Low Light - DPChallenge Forums

02/16/2006 11:39:32 PM · #1

I'm trying to capture a theatre production so the stage lighting is ok, but in most scenes, they aren't particularly bright and with the kids moving back and forth alot - I'm getting mostly blurred shots. Any suggestions for settings? I have a sports mode. I can also set stuff manually. AUGHHHHH HELP!!!

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

02/16/2006 11:41:51 PM · #2

Are you allowed to use flash?

02/16/2006 11:44:22 PM · #3

Nope - that's my problem. No flash.

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

02/16/2006 11:45:18 PM · #4

Jack your ISO up as high as it will go. Get as close as you are allowed. Use the largest aperture that your camera will give you...

Panasonic DMW-LTZ10 1.5x Teleconverter

02/16/2006 11:47:59 PM · #5

I had the ISO at 400. I can use the zoom, but not get THAT close. I played with settings and it was either blanched out white, or blurred and dim. I'm still trying to work with settings, so what actual numbers do you recommend?

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

02/16/2006 11:54:47 PM · #6

Do you have AV mode or Aperture mode on that camera? If so, set it to that and set the aperture number to as low as it will go. That doesn't seem right, but it is. Low number, big opening for light to get in.

Are you shooting for the production or for yourself (family)? If for the production, see if they can give you a heads up to walk up in front of the stage. The shorter the zoom on many cameras (lenses) the larger the aperture...

KiwiShotz

Panasonic DMC-FZ20

02/16/2006 11:54:55 PM · #7

This is a tough assignment, it's when you really appreciate a fast lens of f2.8 of more. You have to
- set the camera to its highest ISO, sounds like 400 is it.
- Set the A Aperture Priority
- Select the lowest aperture f-number you can

That's all you can do. The shutter will probably be 1/30th or down to 1/10th and you WILL have motion blur at anything below 1/60th. Maybe try panning with the actor and using burst mode to try and catch them when they are still

Brett

eschelar

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

02/16/2006 11:55:26 PM · #8

Remember that it might also be better to shoot wider and crop in later.

If you can get close, you should be able to get some decent angles by shooting near wide open. This should make a difference of shooting at 1/10 to shooting 1/60. You should be able to get 1/60 or 1/50 at ISO 100 indoors.

It will be better for you if you can shoot at ISO 100, and get a faster shutter speed than shooting at ISO 200. If you do end up using ISO 200, you will likely need to hit the pictures with Noise Ninja or Neat Image afterwards (be very careful because children's skin is particularly susceptible to looking very plasticky after this treatment).

You can also try to put the camera to full manual to force the shutter speed higher. Generally, you will be looking for 1/50 or something at F2.8 if possible. Otherwise, you can try to make sure that your camera is set to using spot metering. Stage productions are often fairly dark overall, but do tend to keep faces somewhat better lit. If you expose for the scene, the camera will slow the shutter. If you expose for the face, it will be better. Once you get the exposure right for the face, you can then set that in manual and shoot away. Keep an eye on the results to make sure you are getting something worthwhile.

I've found that I can sometimes milk 1/3 to 1/2 a stop out of making sure the white balance is correct too. Set white balance to Tungsten for sure!

Message edited by author 2006-02-16 23:59:53.

02/17/2006 12:04:02 AM · #9

OK - got it. It's actually for me, but they will use it on the website if any of them turn out well. This is high school kids, so they are not little bitty guys. I'll try both suggestions 400 and 100. It is in the small theatre, so I can get about 25 ft. from them. I really appreciate the help, guys! I do have an AV setting and when I used it I didn't know where to put the other setting, so I'll try what you said. Any more suggestions anyone??

pidge

Canon EOS-7D Mark II

02/17/2006 12:08:23 AM · #10

I'd recommend full manual. open up your aperture as much as possible - 2.8 if you can. highest ISO possible. The two shots here were shot on P mode, but the lights were bright. For low light, I'd recommend the full manual and adjust shutter as necessary. Even if it's low light, you can still save a bit in the PP
Shot with my A70, 6.3,1/100. This needs a run through neat image.

Also shot with A70, 4.3 1/180. also needs neat image

Edit: So, I recommend highest ISO, full manual (M), widest aperture (2.8), and then shutter for theater probably any where from 1/10 and up. I've seen good dance shots at 1/10... no high speed stuff, but still nice, clear captures.

Message edited by author 2006-02-17 00:10:52.