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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Last night I finally got my 300D EOS Rebel...
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 03/20/2004 11:39:43 PM · #1
I've read the manual thoroughly, and whenever I switch it over to full manual, my pictures come out VERY dark, if not black. And I've been trying Everything. Maybe I am doing something wrong? Anyone ever have this problem before? Anyone know how to fix it?
 03/20/2004 11:43:49 PM · #2
You may want to increase the time the shutter stays open or increase the ISO speed.

Did this help?
 03/20/2004 11:52:48 PM · #3
it definitly isn't your point and shoot camera. I have had so much fun working with it and figuring out the settings. It will keep me busy for awhile.
03/20/2004 11:59:47 PM · #4
Read up on the meter, and when you are in manual mode, check what exposure the camera is recommending vs what you've set yourself.

Sounds like you are underexposing a lot.
 03/21/2004 12:10:40 AM · #5
examples?
 03/21/2004 12:18:12 AM · #6
I ran into the exact same thing when I got my Rebel. I was so discouraged with it that I returned the camera to the store. Two weeks later I bought another one after reading through LOTS of online discussions and deciding to give it another shot.

Without looking up the specifics, my understanding of the situation is this: on Auto, the camera calculates the flash strength needed to light the subject only, with no regard to ambient light. In AV or TV mode, the camera takes into consideration the ambient light on the subject and adds flash to that to get an exposure- the shot comes out better, but white balance is often not as good as Auto (even with a custom WB). In Manual mode, the camera uses yet another method to calculate the exposure, but I haven't played with that too much yet.

The lack of flash exposure compensation on the DR makes it more difficult to get good low light shots. So far I've sidestepped the problem by bouncing an external flash off a wall or ceiling, so the camera ONLY has "ambient" light to work with. As I get more comfortable with the settings, I'll eventually tackle the problem again. Sorry I don't have an easy fix, but this info might give you some insight. Good luck!
 03/21/2004 12:20:46 AM · #7
hehe yeah I definitely know its not my point and shoot.

I know that its something I am doing wrong, because if I switch to Auto mode, everything comes out nice and clear and crisp. I've been trying to use the meter and adjust the Exposure, but they still come out dark. I just dont understand.
 03/21/2004 12:29:48 AM · #8
Did you try increasing the ISO speed?
 03/21/2004 12:44:12 AM · #9
Try this: Go to Auto ("P") mode, point at something you want to photograph, push the shutter halfway, and note the shutter speed and aperture values the camera chooses. Then go to Manual mode and set the same shutter speed and aperture values yourself. (To set the aperture, hold the Av button while you turn the adjustment dial.) When you point to the same thing as before, the indicator on the exposure meter (to the right of the shutter speed and aperture values) should be right in the middle, showing the exposure is "correct".

I personally find I rarely need to use Manual mode. In Auto mode, you can turn the adjustment dial to choose different settings that give the same exposure but with a different shutter speed and aperture to get the effect you want (e.g., high depth of field or motion blur). And you can hold the Av button while turning the adjustment dial to correct for light or dark backgrounds (up to two stops). I mostly use Manual mode to ensure the exposure is consistent when taking multi-frame panoramas (or stereograms, etc.).
 03/21/2004 12:52:20 AM · #10
I am using full out manual because I want to do the work, not the camera. PLUS I am trying to learn, and I figure the best way is if I use it in full manual.

I think I managed to get it to work. But I had to lower the shutter speed, which I didnt want to do because I cant hold that still long enough to make it not blur. I am trying to practice for tomorrows concert, and I wanted to use a high shutter speed. Any suggestions?
 03/21/2004 01:03:36 AM · #11
The Digital Rebel is a nice camera, but it isn't magic! It can't take a dark scene with a fast shutter speed and give a great picture. But to keep the shutter speed as high as possible and still get a reasonable exposure, set the ISO to 1600 (hold the up button while turning the adjustment dial). And save up for an image stabilizer lens! (They compensate for camera shake with exposures as long as about 1/3 second.)

Edit: The tradeoff with ISO 1600 is increased noise, especially in dark scenes.

Message edited by author 2004-03-21 01:05:01.
 03/21/2004 01:08:09 AM · #12
Originally posted by outofreachx:
I am using full out manual because I want to do the work, not the camera. PLUS I am trying to learn, and I figure the best way is if I use it in full manual.

I think I managed to get it to work. But I had to lower the shutter speed, which I didnt want to do because I cant hold that still long enough to make it not blur. I am trying to practice for tomorrows concert, and I wanted to use a high shutter speed. Any suggestions?


The only way to keep your shutter speed up will be to get more light to the sensor or increase the ISO (which will also increase grain/noise).
You can get more light to the sensor by a)actually adding light; flash, spotlights etc, and/or b) opening up the aperture as wide as possible. Most zoom lenses have wider apertures when zoomed out, meaning that using your zoom will let in less light, therefore darker pix.
*also note that zooming also magnifies any camera shake, so blur is more likely when zoomed in.

A tip if the concert is important: shoot in RAW mode, which will give you a little more flexibility after the fact to fix mistakes :)

If you can use a tripod, you should. This will allow sharper focus at lower shutter speeds.

Pedro
 03/21/2004 01:34:46 AM · #13
adding light isnt really an option, no flashes :(
The space in which we walk back and forth infront of the stage is very narrow, getting a tripod in there will be very difficult. I shall try the High ISO and see how it comes out. Thanks for all the advice.

I hope my photos turn out as one of the bands is expecting some good stuff! *eek*
 03/21/2004 01:38:51 AM · #14
Originally posted by outofreachx:
I've read the manual thoroughly, and whenever I switch it over to full manual, my pictures come out VERY dark, if not black. And I've been trying Everything. Maybe I am doing something wrong? Anyone ever have this problem before? Anyone know how to fix it?


Did you take the lens cap off?

;)
 03/21/2004 01:49:07 AM · #15
Originally posted by goinskiing:
Originally posted by outofreachx:
I've read the manual thoroughly, and whenever I switch it over to full manual, my pictures come out VERY dark, if not black. And I've been trying Everything. Maybe I am doing something wrong? Anyone ever have this problem before? Anyone know how to fix it?


Did you take the lens cap off?

;)


I wish it was something so simple!
 03/21/2004 01:57:53 AM · #16
Originally posted by outofreachx:
adding light isnt really an option, no flashes :(
The space in which we walk back and forth infront of the stage is very narrow, getting a tripod in there will be very difficult. I shall try the High ISO and see how it comes out. Thanks for all the advice.

I hope my photos turn out as one of the bands is expecting some good stuff! *eek*


you also might consider getting a lens with a really wide aperture for the event (even rent it if you need to). people have been talking about the Canon 50mm 1.8 here in the last few days...i haven't used it, but it would certainly help.
 03/21/2004 05:56:42 AM · #17
You first have to get used to the camera. Jumping to "full Manual" mode is a bit early if you haven't used a SLR or and advanced digital POS before. You need to undestand the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and ISO. I'd recommend starting in P mode, then trying aperture priority (Av) and shutter priority (Tv).

I don't used semi automtatic (M) too often unless I do flash photography and I want to controle both aperture and shutter. It's semi automatic because the camera still does a lot of work, since it'll give out the right flash power I need, plus autofocus still works.

Message edited by author 2004-03-21 05:58:10.
 03/21/2004 06:03:21 AM · #18
Originally posted by outofreachx:
adding light isnt really an option, no flashes :(
The space in which we walk back and forth infront of the stage is very narrow, getting a tripod in there will be very difficult.


Monopod is an option.
 03/21/2004 07:27:09 AM · #19
Pitsaman has some really good concert pics taken with the 300D. //www.dpchallenge.com/portfolio.php?USER_ID=6405&collection_id=2479
He should be able to offer some great advice, I expect. He must be away, cause I'm sure he would have weighed in already.
 03/21/2004 08:08:22 AM · #20
Try shooting in aperature priority mode with the
aperature wide open, let the camera select the appropriate
shutter speed. If the shutter speed falls below 1/60th
move to a higher ISO setting. If you are still getting dark
pictures then you will need a faster lens or use a flash.
I find that I very rarely use full manual. And usually
when I do, I use an external light meter.
 03/21/2004 08:14:57 AM · #21
I used my 300D and 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens to do some concert photos. You can see them here: //dna.eblogger.net/dnagallery/ny2k4

To get the exposure right, I was on Manual mode and ISO 1600. I put the f number as low as it would go so it would let in as much light as possible. I then experimented with the shutter speed to get a middle ground between exposure and stopping motion blur. Most of the pics came out just fine :)
 03/21/2004 09:01:47 AM · #22
I agree with superdave - play around with AV priority and push the iso up to 800 or 1600, even that high there is only a small amount of noise and try and borrow a monopod as you have no room for a tripod. Kosta's shots are excellent but then he is using some pricey glass!!
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