Camera Settings advice, please :)

Gaina · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007, 10:18 PM

I'm going to Longleat on Wednesday and I would like some advice on the best 'set and forget' settings for my cameras (yes plural - I have my new 350D!

). I'll have my Sigma 70-300 lense on one and my Sigma 105 on the other (I'm probably going to put my polarising filter on the 105 macro lense). I'll be photographing everything from butterflies to elephants

.

EDIT - I'll be shooting in RAW.

All advice greatfully received.

David Hyde · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 04:06 AM

Hi Gaina
This week looks fine with a good chance of sunshine, so, if I were using a tripod/beanbag then I would set ISO200 on AP and check for DOF each time.
If you are hand-holding I would still use AP but would set my ISO to 400 or higher and check the aperture was giving sufficient shutter speed to minimise shake. If you are hand-holding your macro lens then personally I would not use the polarizing filter as you will loose light which will effect your shutter speeds.
I prefer AF to the various Programme modes because I feel I have more control over the final look of the photograph.
Set your shutter to continuous and your AF to continuous also, particularly if you are tracking movement.
I hope this helps, take plenty of memory and have an enjoyable day.
David

Oscar2006 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 07:14 AM

SET & FORGET?

Fully automatic then - set it on the green box.
I used this setting most of the time in the "old days" of EOS 35mm cameras

Interpreter · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 07:56 AM

For general photography, my camera is cleverer than I am and sorts everything out for itself. Sometimes this will give a short depth of field. If the camera is set for 'landscape' the images should be sharper than if set to 'portrait' due to the amount of sharpening applied by the camera.
In general, set the ISO for the lowest that you can get away with and use a shutter speed of at least 1/125 sec. Isn't the rule of thumb to use the reciprical of the focal length as a minimum shutter speed?
Good luck with your photographs.

Jon · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 11:33 AM

I don't think the green box would let you shoot RAW - check to be sure??

I agree with much of what hs been offered -i.e. use Av mode and decide if it is an ISO 200 or 400 day, generally ensure that your shutter speed is at least the reciprocal of the focal length of lens. Your macro lens for example use a minimum speed of 1/125 sec your zoom any where between 1/125 to 1/500. The faster the speed more likely it will be sharp but the depth of field will be less - hence the next paragraph:

There is no shame at all in going for Programme mode - again see what the light is like and the camera will decide the best combination for aperture and shutter speed for you. If you don't like the chosen settings just turn the finger wheel by the shutter - one way or the other to increase or decrease shutter speed or aperture and hey presto you have it cracked.
In general I use centre weighted exposure mode, I used to use AF focussing mode but more and more I use AF servo mode as I have recently learned how to lock focus in this mode.

There is no right and wrong way, really it is what suits you, the best thing is to rehearse before you go so you don't miss shots that have to be taken quickly. Good luck!

Jon

Oscar2006 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon

I don't think the green box would let you shoot RAW - check to be sure??
Jon

Quite right....I didn't have that worry with 35mm film!

ron1863 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 02:05 PM

Hi Giana, if you know what your doing then follow David's advice and if you don't then follow Oscar's. Good Luck

Gaina · #8 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the responses, I'll be sure to upload the results on my DA account!

JonSadler · #9 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 09:21 PM

I cannot get my 400D to shoot RAW on any programme setting. I am assuming the 350D is the same. But I haven't had the camera too long, and my best photos have used the green box, although I keep trying with Av mode

Good luck

Jon

Jon · #10 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonSadler

I cannot get my 400D to shoot RAW on any programme setting. I am assuming the 350D is the same. But I haven't had the camera too long, and my best photos have used the green box, although I keep trying with Av mode

Good luck

Jon

Jon
I have a 20D so I guess some commonality - look in menu is there a "Quality" setting? - you will find it alongside where you have selected your JPEG setting, just look for RAW it may be at the bottom as opposed to the top of the list.

Jon