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Anonymous
So I went out to Greenwich park with my shiny new 450D and kit lens to practice. After some initial problems learning the controls and what works and what doesn't I get back and check out the photos in Lightroom 2.1 (Buggy as hell BTW and crashes on occasion. v1 as rock solid).

Given that it was a very overcast and damp day today I guess maybe I was expecting too much from it? Or is it user error (Check the EXIF's)? I found a lot of the photos I took were somewhat soft or out of focus or had ringing around the edges of things. I have the sharpness in user style set to around 5 since I read that defaults is too soft (Shooting JPG obviously). After saving at a smaller resolution and outside Lightroom's colorspace conversion on everything to match the monitor profile things look a lot better. Still not 100% happy though.

So is it just low light (Used the flash and still have a lot of slow fuzzy images though I realised I needed to switch to shutter priority later on or just leave on programmable)? Lens not that great? Or more than likely user error? Tell me what I am doing wrong or right. Critique on actual shots also welcome.
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:12:27Exposure Time1/60 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias2 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length53.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:43:46Exposure Time1/500 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating200Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:47:06Exposure Time1/100 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating200Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:47:54Exposure Time1/60 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 18:03:21Exposure Time1/60 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:49:38Exposure Time1/100 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length51.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.4Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:50:01Exposure Time1/100 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length47.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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I like this one quite a bit for some reason.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/4.4Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:56:15Exposure Time1/80 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length33.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 18:14:47Exposure Time1/200 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramShutter PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias2 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
>>290531

Blown sky is fucking BLOWN.

Graduated ND filter, maybe?
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 18:13:53Exposure Time1/200 secF-Numberf/3.5Exposure ProgramShutter PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/3.5Exposure Bias2 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length18.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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>>290533
Yeah dull days can do that. ND filter? Hmm yeah I heard about those. I will look into getting one. Any brand or just some cheap filter off Ebay will do?

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:17:12Exposure Time1/25 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramLandscape ModeISO Speed Rating100Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length18.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:53:59Exposure Time1/80 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating200Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/4.4Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 18:12:30Exposure Time1/500 secF-Numberf/4.5Exposure ProgramShutter PriorityISO Speed Rating800Lens Aperturef/4.5Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length33.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:54:31Exposure Time1/10 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:21:04Exposure Time1/25 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramLandscape ModeISO Speed Rating800Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo FlashFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.0Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:26:45Exposure Time1/50 secF-Numberf/5.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.0Exposure Bias-2 EVMetering ModePatternFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length42.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:14:14Exposure Time1/100 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias2 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
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Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:24:41Exposure Time1/60 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
All at f/5.6? I think you need to learn how to take control of your camera first.
Pictures themselves don't look too wrong if you ask me, just what you'd expect from a 450D.
>> Anonymous
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Love squirrels.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 450DMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.7Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2008:11:09 17:13:43Exposure Time1/60 secF-Numberf/5.6Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating400Lens Aperturef/5.6Exposure Bias2 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length55.00 mmRenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandard
>> Anonymous
>>290545
Yeah I guess. I was trying to fathom the other settings somewhat. Leaving at F5.6 for most of them allowed the light in. I know I could up the exposure or ISO settings to compensate for a sharper photo after thinking about it somewhat. I guess there's the problem with the softness I mentioned. I will have to practice some shots with light vs sharpness and which settings work well. I know there is a whole buncha books on exposure. Tricky for a dSLR noob like me.
>> Anonymous
>>290547
Well go for higher ISO's, yes, a dSLR can handle that. :) Introducing variety in the apertures makes your collection of shots more interesting, read up on depth of field. Try manual focussing in situations that let you, 450D's tend to have a few problems with focussing that cause the softness. Just fuck around with the options.
>> Anonymous
Just been playing in manual mode and noticed the exposure goes up and down when the shutter is half pressed. Never know about that. Shows how much attention I pay to the display lol. Good way to find out what you can get away with in terms of F stop vs shutter speed vs ISO. Makes mental note. USE THE DISPLAY INFO!
>> Anonymous
>>290549
Yeah I need to learn to take control more. When in Av mode for instance the shutter speed varies depending on F stop and ISO. Plus you can manually adjust the exposure compensation. Slower exposure = tougher shots without tripod. Shit why am I telling you this? Just so you know I do know a little. I just haven't been putting it into practice out in the field yet (Only just got the camera!). Time and practice. I'll get there. I don't think I did too badly considering for my first day out. It's no point and shoot for sure!

BTW I don't like the 9 point AF system much so have set it to center point. Good idea?
>> Anonymous
Oh just noticed something. I sit at 55mm a lot because I like to get in close. When I used my old S2 IS I used the telephoto end quite a lot. So that would also account for the F5.6 as that is the maximum it will go down to at that focal length.
>> Anonymous
protip: don't use the flash unless you really need to, never use the flash when exploring outside.

Also, most of these pictures seem well composed except for that they all have to much breathing room somewhere.

examples-
the top of the squirrel lady's head should not be cut off.
>>290521should probably be panned a little to the right.
there is WAY too much space below the dog.
>>290530should probably be closer in.


the way I would have done>>290521would be to have the lower left portion of the tree take up about 60% of the frame and have it be in the lower right. Then have the aperture wide open and boost the shutter speed. The trees in the background would be blurred and that would interact nicely with the close tree.
>> Dick so you dont have to be !inREnXSYes
mm, snapshooots...
>> Anonymous
>>290581
Everybody has to start somewhere. It takes time, practice and a bit of reading up on technique.
>> Anonymous
OP here. Question: When dealing with light. When in manual mode is the general rule of thumb to try and keep the exposure meter reading in the middle when changing the aperture, shutter and ISO etc? I know there is leeway for over and under exposure. But generally is that what I am aiming for? Sorry if that is a dumbshit question I've probably just answered myself. Just checking if I am right that's all.
>> Anonymous !nzFagDPRLs
>>290592

If all your doing in manual is trying to keep the meter in the middle then you should just be using Av as this does it for you, automatically :P Manual is most useful for macro and flash shots with external flash because its really balls at auto-ing that.
>> Anonymous
>>290532
Fuck yeah General Wolfe.
>> Anonymous
>>290594
Oh OK. I need to go do some reading obviously.
>> Anonymous
>>290592
Usually. That's what the camera thinks is the proper, even exposure. It's usually right. But:

- You might want it darker or lighter than it really is, in which case one stop over is twice as bright, etc.
- Meters work by assuming something is 18% grey, middle grey. Wikipedia it. Evaluative works on the presumption that when you throw the scene through some weird algorithim it comes out 18% grey.
- Accordingly, they can get thrown off, though this actually does work most of the time.. Take your camera off evaluative, and set it (depending on circumstances) to Center-weighted average or spot metering. They're exactly what it says- center-weighted counts the center more, so if there's something bright or dark in the middle that it'll be thinking is more stuff that should be middle grey, you'll be able to think and set it properly; the meter can be fooled, but you can't with practice and the right information. Spot will make the exact spot you're shooting on 18% grey; it's the most exact meter option, but it's slower.
>> Anonymous
>>290600
- The absolute ideal is to take a test shot and look at the histogram, and change your settings overexpose until it's just shy of something going completely white. (This is assuming you're shooting raw.) In Lightroom/whatever, take it back down to whatever looks right. It'll give you less noise and better tonality.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-histograms.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/expose-right.shtml

This is, of course, the slowest way and isn't practical for some situations. Raising your ISO to do this is a bad idea; just messing with shutter speed if you can is the way to do this.

(All this advice is also assuming you're shooting manual, which you should be. Forget program and shutter priority; aperture priority isn't the thing to do IMO but some people like it. If you're shooting aperture priority, leave it on evaluative; let the camera get the information it wants, and compensate accordingly.. I don't shoot aperture priority, so someone who does would know for sure, but I doubt it's consistent enough to be pushing the sensor to its limits with overexposing.)

And over time, if you pay attention to what settings you're using when, you'll learn to be able to pretty much tell the right settings to do by looking at a scene. Exposure is remarkably constant.
>> Anonymous
>>290592
99% of the time you want it in the center but sometimes you want to get a certain object brighter of darker than it would be with the camera's suggestion. Also, don't shoot in the auto mode (>>290594), it will sometimes make the ISO really high when you want the picture to have little noise. Sometimes it will set the shutter speed wrong so that the subject is blurry (if it's moving), or set the aperture wrong so that the DoF is bigger or smaller than you wanted.