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03/09/2006 10:12:53 AM · #1 |
What settings should I use to get a clear sharp picture of this bird ?
I see him every morning. He will be back in the morning and I want to be waiting for him with my camera set on the right settings.
It is a cloudy overcast day, and I can't get any closer that about 100 + yards before he takes off. (Out of camer , Sized only)
Make -----------Canon
Model----------- Canon EOS 10D
Lens ------------- Canon EF 100mm---400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM
Orientation --- Normal
X Resolution--- 180.0
Y Resolution-----180.0
Software ----------Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0
Date Time-------- 2006:03:09 08:20:01
yCbCr Positioning-- Centered
Exposure Time ------1/750 sec
F-Stop ------------------ 5.6
ISO Speed Ratings-- 400
ExifVersion ------------0221
Pixel X Dimension ----3072
Pixel Y Dimension -----2048
Focal Plane X Resolution-- 3443.946
Focal Plane Y Resolution---3442017
Components Configuration -- Unsown
Compressed Bits Per Pixel--- 3.0
Shutter Speed ------1/750 sec
Aperture Value --------5.0
Metering Mode------- Pattern
Flash-------------------- Undefined value
Focal Length-----------400.0
FlashPix Version -----0100
EXIF Color Space----sRGB
Sensing Method------- One-Chip Color Area Sensor
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03/09/2006 10:15:12 AM · #2 |
I don't see much wrong with your camera settings, but you appear to need to be closer to the bird or have more zoom. Your just too far away to get any detail.
just my thoughts. |
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03/09/2006 10:21:05 AM · #3 |
One thing you might try is to close the aperature a bit, f8 or f11. This will give more DOF and won't slow the shutter speed too much. Also, turn IS on. If panning use IS mode 2.
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03/09/2006 10:31:45 AM · #4 |
It appears the focus is on the background rather than the bird.
A deeper DoF would have helped some and more zoom would have helped you notice that the bird wasn't in focus.
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03/09/2006 10:43:09 AM · #5 |
I don't think its the settings of your camera, except maybe that RAW would allow you a bit more manipulation room in post processing.
My best suggestion would be to go back and try again when the sun is out, it looks like a pretty dull overcast day. The 100-400 isn't particularly fast at f5.6 so light is your friend.
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03/09/2006 11:21:51 AM · #6 |
| If that's an uncropped shot at 400mm with your 100-400, then you're just not close enough. Maybe get there really early and camp out very quietly in a place where you're relatively hidden and unobtrusive, and he'll come to you. Looks like you got him flying away after he was spooked. 100 yards is pretty far away - you just need to get closer, but you've got the right lens for the job. |
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03/09/2006 11:28:51 AM · #7 |
| Getting closer would definitely help more than camera settings, although that's easier said than done. If you have the time and feel up to it, try getting there very early before he shows up and sit and wait closer to the water, using anything you can to camouflage yourself. Wear neutral colors, nothing too bright or too dark. Maybe sit low next to those reeds or any other natural cover with camera in hand, using a monopod or tripod to have it ready in position. |
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03/09/2006 11:31:17 AM · #8 |
Investing in a duck blind might be a good idea, if these shots are something you really want to do.
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03/09/2006 11:33:57 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Investing in a duck blind might be a good idea, if these shots are something you really want to do. |
Hahaha Read that dyslexically and totally wondered why she would want a blind duck!! I must need more tea!
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03/09/2006 11:35:20 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by idnic:
Hahaha Read that dyslexically and totally wondered why she would want a blind duck!! I must need more tea! |
Well, blind ducks would be easier to shoot :-)
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03/09/2006 11:57:08 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by cpanaioti:
One thing you might try is to close the aperature a bit, f8 or f11. This will give more DOF and won't slow the shutter speed too much. Also, turn IS on. If panning use IS mode 2. |
I wouldn't.
Herons soar at 1/640. To freeze real action, like the wing beat or a strike, 1/1200 would be better. Since the ISO setting is already quite high (ISO 200 would be my choice here/200 appears to (punch colour and contrast with the 10D), f/4 would likely be it.
Another thing with herons is that they get used to people over time. If you approach him extremely slowly (one slow step every minute or so) you might be able to work your way up to him over a period of two or three days, until you're so close you can't fit him into the frame anymore (not with that lens). ;-)
Message edited by author 2006-03-09 11:58:38. |
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03/09/2006 12:45:16 PM · #12 |
Thank you all for the good advice
I will adjust the aperature ,ISO , and turn on IS mode 2. & Raw
Wish me luck ! I have a date with the heron in the morning
Maybe I will be peting him before summer is over.
This is what it looked like after I cropped and hit auto levels and auto contrest.
I was so disappointed !
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