New to DSLr - 7th day for me

AJH748 · #1 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 12:39 AM

My first attempts were not too good but you have to start somewhere.
It's now 7 days and now I am here:-

I think they are much better than my earlier 'Robin' shots

AJH748 · #2 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 03:26 AM

One more :=

DavyG · #3 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 09:42 AM

These look pretty good Alan, particularly number 4.

Looking at the exif on the first pic, it shows you the speed was 1/320 at a focal length of 300mm, did you take these handheld or on a tripod?

Dave.

nightshade · #4 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 09:54 AM

Don't listen to me I am a technophobe,the camera allows shots to be taken
with exposure compensation + - shot no.4 is best against the light the others may have needed a little more (not much) exposure

dunlin · #5 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 10:01 AM

nice shots of dunnock. my favourite is the one where its singing. you did well to capture it out in the open as these birds are a bit secretive.
nice sharp pictures well done
regards mark........

AJH748 · #6 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 10:16 AM

Thanks for the comments.

These were all taken hand held.

Ollie · #7 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 10:57 AM

These aren't bad at all. The sharpness is there.

Like Nightshade said I would have used some exposure compensation on these.

With the bird being against a fairly bright background I would have used some + exposure compensation. It looks like the camera has metered for the whole scene not just the bird. I would also have used spot or partial metering whichever you camera has
Roger

DavyG · #8 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 11:02 AM

Considering that these were hand held, you did very well.

As I understand it, in order to minimise camera shake when shooting hand held, you should try to ensure that the minimum shutter speed is at least twice the focal length.

At 300mm, you ideally should be aiming for a shutter speed of at least 1/600, or thereabouts, to help avoid blurring.

You might find a monopod, or tripod, would help reduce shake at slower speeds.

I hope this helps.

Dave

AJH748 · #9 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 11:23 AM

I haven't got to the exposure compensation page in my manual yet, but I think that will be next!

Is it worth using exposure bracketing at all times or just when you feel it may be necessary.

I also guess that this is where a RAW shot would have proved helpful?

A tripod/monopod is on my list but I am concerned that by the time I set it up the bird would have flown .

Thanks

DavyG · #10 (**permalink**) 23-03-2008, 12:43 PM

Exposure bracketing might useful but shooting in RAW would allow you to adjust your exposure in pp.

I tend to carry my camera/lens attached to my monopod when using long lenses, I find it easy to simply drop the leg and take the pic, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can do it and at the benefits it can bring.

Dave