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Putting D80 to good use Anonymous
AnimeUSA 2006
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D80Camera SoftwareVer.1.00Maximum Lens Aperturef/5.1Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern824Focal Length (35mm Equiv)63 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2006:11:19 00:39:24Exposure Time1/20 secF-Numberf/5.3Exposure ProgramNot DefinedExposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length42.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width2896Image Height1944RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypePortraitGain ControlHigh Gain UpContrastNormalSharpnessSoftSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used2500Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested2500Flash Bracket Compensation0.0 EVAE Bracket Compensation0.0 EVTone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusClosest Subject, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModePortrait sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations1027Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramPORTRAIT
>> Likely Nikon Owner
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If anything this picture should show you that you need better equipment for these sort of events.

Indoor events generally have crappy lighting, this one is no exception, ISO 2500 is quite high (and will get you quite grainy pictures and EVEN then your shutter speed was only 1/20th of a second)

Your apperature was probably the widest it could go since you are using the kit 18-55 f3.5-5.6 lens. Soo what you need is either a brighter lens (50mm f1.8 for example is a very cheap but good one or 2 person photographing lens) That would get your shutter speed at approx 1/80 instead of 1/20 that you had to use)
OR a flash, the sb-600 is roughly double the cost of the 50mm f1.8 but it is INFINITELY usefull, Especially since you have the d80 so you can use your built in flash to wirelessly fire the sb-600 (From off the camera). Its basically how all the pro's do it, and can get some more dynamic lighting. (Only problem is the crappy flourescant lights that are in the building might yellow out the background)

Also you can post process pictures like this, or purposefully underexpose and process them later in order to minimize peopls motion blur (at 1/20 or even 1/60th of a second people are very likely to move and ruin the shot!

heres my minor edit

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D80Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/5.1Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern822Focal Length (35mm Equiv)63 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2006:12:05 21:36:45Exposure Time1/20 secF-Numberf/5.3Exposure ProgramNot DefinedExposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length42.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width2896Image Height1944RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypePortraitGain ControlHigh Gain UpContrastNormalSaturationNormalSharpnessSoftSubject Distance RangeUnknown
>> Anonymous
Thanks, that is the type of comments I was hoping to get. Very helpful as I am trying my best to learn this as quickly as possible. I did have a lot of problems with blur that night, and it wasn't until later I saw that my ISO was soooo high. I am still learning how to use the D80 as it is my first "real" digital. All the ones before were crappy. I do like how you dodged the subjects in to make the stand out more, I will be taking digital classes next semester.
>> Anonymous
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Same group, better lighting.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D80Camera SoftwareVer.1.00Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.6Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern824Focal Length (35mm Equiv)33 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2006:11:18 21:01:24Exposure Time1/20 secF-Numberf/3.8Exposure ProgramNot DefinedExposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length22.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width2896Image Height1944RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypePortraitGain ControlHigh Gain UpContrastNormalSharpnessSoftSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used2500Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested2500Flash Bracket Compensation0.0 EVAE Bracket Compensation0.0 EVTone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusClosest Subject, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModePortrait sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations892Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramPORTRAIT
>> Likely Nikon Owner
     File :-(, x)
I think your second shot is quite a bit better, Its just a little busy with people in the background and that low hanging chandelier, Also since your shooting into bright lights it can be distracting, so try to get the light falling on your subjects from out of frame.
don't be scared to use your flash in situations like this, I know the on camera flash can wash colours out, but if you keep the power low (-1.0) you should illuminate your foreground subjects enough but let a bit of background ambience light to come in. P&S digicams are bad for washing out the background but at ISO 2500, even with the kit lens it shouldn't be too bad.

a while back I did a wedding as a backup photographer and basically had to rely on ISO 1600 (or 800) But I had the 50mm f1.8 and the sb-600, Which makes a huge difference!
I'll post a sample pic of why the flash can really bring out your subject (just remember to keep an eye on whats in the background to avoid clutter)
I have a D50 BTW (see exif data)

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D50Camera SoftwareAdobe Photoshop CS2 WindowsMaximum Lens Aperturef/1.7Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern822Focal Length (35mm Equiv)75 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2006:11:13 15:16:32Exposure Time1/60 secF-Numberf/2.5Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityExposure Bias-1/3 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashFlash, Auto, Return DetectedFocal Length50.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1504Image Height1000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlLow Gain UpContrastSoftSaturationNormalSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknown
>> Jeremo !iKGMr61IHM
>>32017

Hey i'm gonna be a backup photographer of sorts at my friend's wedding, got any tips?

i've got the D70s with 50mm 1.4D and a 18-200 VR , should i try and scab a wider lens? would i use both lenses or just stick with the 50mm?
>> Jeremo !iKGMr61IHM
>>32080

and wow, to get that great shot you must've been standing pretty far away :D
>> Anonymous
>>32081
About 10 feet away

Tips = Get a flash (Sb-600 or Sb-800)! One that you can bounce off the roof (if there is a roof) Or if you want to go nuts you can get a reflex screen that adds like 2 feet to your camera, but diffuses the flash (and gives a higher angle on the light (almost always a good thing))

Also your going to be using your 50mm f1.4 a lot if the wedding is indoors, Depending on the bride (aka if shes not soo hot, stay a little farther away, and get full body shots, because then the dress is flattering) If shes really good looking, do 3/4 - 1/4 shots, F1.4 will probably bee to shallow of a DOF for that so use f2.2 +.
Your VR might not be used at all, Since your shutter speeds will be in the 1/8 - 1/20th range (People will move and ruin the shot)

Don't be afraid to use ISO 1600 aswell, Motion blur can ruin a picture but noise just hurts it, Noise ninja 2 does a great job of removing noise

And at weddings people are generally more interested in prints than just digital high res copies, So noise won't ruin an 8x10 (a 10x15 it might, but photoshop might be a ble to save it)
>> Jeremo !iKGMr61IHM
>>32086

Oh oops i forgot to mention i do have a SB-600 :D and i recently got handed down a Gary Fong Lightsphere II, i think it's ridiculously expensive for what it is but it certainly does a great job diffusing...except of course it's fuckin huge.

I'll take your tips, as i usually shoot with Aperture Priority cause i still havent quite mastered shutter speeds yet so i fiddle too much when in Manual mode.

But yeah, i'll practice at house parties so i can get better for the wedding.

Thanks again :) /p/ should be flooded with advice on camera technique...not freaking what to buy.
>> Anonymous
Sorry it took so long to respond... I actually took a few other shots from the right side to get rid of the lights ... but I actually liked the lamps and whatnot but noticed how it drew your eyes to them instead of the subject. I can't put the other shots at this time because my PC took a dump and will not recover :P
But thanks for the advice, I am trying to get a good 50mm for xmas :) Maybe i'll get the sb600 with my bonus.
>> Anonymous
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Ah... forgot I had them on CD *phew*
Here is another at about the same spot as the second but away from the lights.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D80Camera SoftwareVer.1.00Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaFocal Length (35mm Equiv)52 mmMaximum Lens Aperturef/4.6Color Filter Array Pattern26212Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationRight-Hand, TopVertical Resolution300 dpiHorizontal Resolution300 dpiImage Created2006:11:18 21:01:52RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypePortraitGain ControlHigh Gain UpContrastNormalSharpnessSoftSubject Distance RangeUnknownExposure Time1/13 secF-Numberf/4.8Exposure ProgramNot DefinedExposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length35.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Height2896Image Width1944ISO Speed Used2500Color ModeCOLORImage QualityNORMALWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested2500Flash Bracket Compensation0.0 EVAE Bracket Compensation0.0 EVTone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusClosest Subject, Bottom Selected, Right FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModePortrait sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations896Saturation 2AUTODigital Vari-ProgramPORTRAIT
>> Lavarock
This is one of those cases where you need to surrender to the flash. 2500 ISO? Jeezus. Oh and if you're planning to take good photographs get a 1GB card and set it to the highest resolution.

What is this anyway? gb2/cgl/
>> Anonymous
I saw her at anime iowa~
>> Anonymous
she could be a celebrety at /b
>> Anonymous
Not really sure who she was, I wanted a shot of her by herself but she was always grouped. Hell I would love to do a whole series of her but I want to get better before I do.
>> Mustachioed Garma
I WAS AT ANIME IOWA TOOOOO
I was the guy in the Blood seal shirt and black pants

What was she at AI?