Exposure question for 300D or other users

[Allen]

I guess this question could have gone out to anyone, but I have a 300D. I often have exposure problems when taking pics of my kids. I'm not much of a photoshop expert, but I "fix" them by using auto levels and going from there. Very seldom do I get the exposure right it seems. I usually have my setting on MANUAL and adjust the shutter speed to bring the exposure up or down. I'm sure this is a back ass way of doing it.

Any suggestions in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[bullsparade]

Could you post a shot or two of what you are talking about, that would help tremendously as far as giving advice. Also give the fstop and ISO along with shutter speed. If you need to retrieve that info it is in the pictures exif.

[Allen]

Thanks. I don't have time right now, but I'll post something later.

[cfcRebel]

Were your images mostly overexposed or underexposed? I find it hard to use "M" mode to shoot moving subjects. Try "Av" mode if you haven't already. Select the aperture you want, and let the camera decides the shutter speed for you. Make sure you set the Exposure Compensation appropriately. I normally set it -1/3 on sunny day, outdoor shooting. And 0 if overcast. It's digital, no harm to experiment. :)

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by cfcRebel

Were your images mostly overexposed or underexposed? I find it hard to use "M" mode to shoot moving subjects. Try "Av" mode if you haven't already. Select the aperture you want, and let the camera decides the shutter speed for you. Make sure you set the Exposure Compensation appropriately. I normally set it -1/3 on sunny day, outdoor shooting. And 0 if overcast. It's digital, no harm to experiment. :)

Also be sure the camera is set to meter a broad area of the scene and not a spot that might give improper information about the overall exposure.

[Allen]

Here's one example. Granted, it's in front of a light wall so that probably threw things off somewhat.

Here's the EXIF data:

F-stop: 3.5
Exposure: 1/125 sec
ISO: 200
Shutter speed: 1/125 sec
Aperture value: 3.6
Metering mode: average
Focal length: 18.0mm




This is AFTER using auto levels.

[Nevyn]

You need to actually post the images on the site or link them from an open site - right now I'm just getting a request to log into idisk.mac.com.

[Hogleg 44]

Originally Posted by Nevyn

You need to actually post the images on the site or link them from an open site - right now I'm just getting a request to log into idisk.mac.com.

Yeah! Me Too!

[anfernee576]

Are you shooting RAW?

[Allen]

Originally Posted by Nevyn

You need to actually post the images on the site or link them from an open site - right now I'm just getting a request to log into idisk.mac.com.

Hmmm. I'll have to work on that. Can you say "newb"?

[Allen]

Originally Posted by anfernee576

Are you shooting RAW?

Sometimes, but usually not.

[cmalana]

It looks like you are just starting so you may want to read up on some basic photography books to get a start on understanding the basics of exposure.

Next, I'd advise shooting on "P" mode or "Av". I'd start w/ "P" and take note of the aperture and shutter speed values and the resulting image. You can shoot Av but make sure your resulting shutter speed is what you want.

Shooting straight manual without understanding exposure better would cause you to lose too many good shots due to errors. I wouldn't rely on photoshop or postprocessing to save pictures...

[Allen]

Originally Posted by cmalana

It looks like you are just starting so you may want to read up on some basic photography books to get a start on understanding the basics of exposure.

No, I'm not a beginner. Sadly, I've had my Digital Rebel for over 2 years. I've just always gotten by doing things the way I've been doing them. I'm just now wanting to do things the RIGHT way. :)

You can see a bunch of my pics here: www.pbase.com/areid

[cmalana]

if those are the pictures you take NOT knowing what you're doing...then don't learn anything more. Those are great shots!

[Allen]

Originally Posted by cmalana

if those are the pictures you take NOT knowing what you're doing...then don't learn anything more. Those are great shots!

Thanks a lot. Like I said, I have AUTO LEVELS to thank on a lot of them.