topic Re: Proper Settings in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Proper Settings

katwoman85 — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 09:18:04 GMT

Hi All. I am just a beginner still reading my camera manual online and everything. For some reason, I still struggle with getting the settings correct for taking photos at night. I have an EOS Rebel T100. What are the proper settings for getting pictures to come out clear at night? I tried numerous things and still cannot get it right. Hope someone with this camera that takes photos at night can give me some feedback as to the proper settings. Thanks!!!

Re: Proper Settings

rs-eos — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:33:03 GMT

There won't be any single set of settings to cover taking images; even images at night.

Thus, we'll first need to know what it is that you are taking images of.

As an example, is your subject stationary? If so, it would probably make the most sense to have a tripod and use a slow shutter speed. A slow shutter would allow you to reduce the ISO to a lowest-possible value so as to reduce noice.

But no matter what your subject/conditions are, do study up on the exposure triangle. i.e. how aperture, shutter speed and ISO are all connected. As you adjust one of those values, you'll have to also adjust at least one of the other two to compensate.

Re: Proper Settings

ebiggs1 — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:13:57 GMT

"Hope someone with this camera that takes photos at night ..."

All camera equipment has limitations. You may have exceeded what can be done with yours. Without seeing exactly what you are shooting no one can give you exact settings.

As to learning the exposure triangle, which is a good idea, it can become useless in extreme conditions like nighttime shots. This is where trial and error or bracketing becomes useful. This is where you shoot the same scene with multiple settings to determine which one will satisfy the "exposure triangle" so to speak. Using a tripod will be helpful here.

Here is a sample a good friend of mine shot using a tripod and a long exposure. Is the what you are after?

Re: Proper Settings

katwoman85 — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:10:36 GMT

Hi. Thanks for the reply. I am looking to photograph things that don't move like tunnels, abandoned ruins, buildings, etc. some at night and while in haunted tunnels this past weekend I was having difficulty trying to get the shot just right like the one below. Again, I have a Canon EOS Rebel T100.

Re: Proper Settings

kvbarkley — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:58:56 GMT

It is unclear, is the posted shot a "good" one or a "bad" one.

In any case, have you tried to adjust the exposure compensation?

Re: Proper Settings

ebiggs1 — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:22:12 GMT

"It is unclear, is the posted shot a "good" one or a "bad" one."

I am assuming it is not what is wanted. It appears like it is a very dark situation. My guess is you need a tripod and a long exposure. Perhaps several seconds. I would not use exposure comp and rather set the exposure myself.

Here is what you should do. Bracket, bracket and bracket. Set it up on a tripod and try several different shutter speeds. You can do either Tv mode or full manual. Keep in mind a doubling of the SS is one stop. So, if you set a 2 second exposure as a beginning and it is still too dark, try 4 seconds and than 8 seconds, 16, etc. Each time is one stop more light.

Again remember all photography gear has its limitation. You may have exceeded what is possible with the gear you currently have.

Re: Proper Settings

Waddizzle — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:22:59 GMT

" You can do either Tv mode or full manual. "

I would be more inclined to use Av mode. Dial in ISO 100, and half press the Shutter Button to check the calculated Shutter Speed is doable, and you do not need to raise the ISO.

Re: Proper Settings

ebiggs1 — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 17:18:34 GMT

I want her to bracket and Tv makes that very simple. Or manual whichever.
As with all photography there’s many ways to do the same thing. In this case Tv is best.

Re: Proper Settings

Tintype_18 — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 22:07:07 GMT

Interesting question and replies. I like experimenting with the "triangle" as described. Live and learn.

Re: Proper Settings

stevet1 — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:14:41 GMT

I shot this the other night using the technique of shooting in Tv mode and doubling my focal length with Auto ISO.

Since I was shooting at a focal length of 124,. I picked a shutter speed of 1/250th.

The camera set an aprerture of f/11 and an ISO of 3200.

Steve Thomas

Re: Proper Settings

kvbarkley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 13:41:33 GMT

Except that the moon is *bright*, you have almost the opposite problem of the OP.

Re: Proper Settings

stevet1 — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:51:00 GMT

@kvbarkley wrote:
Except that the moon is *bright*, you have almost the opposite problem of the OP.

kvbarkley,

It was twilight, and the sky actually was that azure blue.

Steve Thomas

Re: Proper Settings

kvbarkley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 16:03:29 GMT

Exactly, comparatively, you had a lot of light to work with.

Your shutter speed was 1/250th of a second.

You are at about 10 EV, katwoman is probably at about -5 to -3 EV.

Re: Proper Settings

ebiggs1 — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:24:01 GMT

It was twilight, and the sky actually was that azure blue.

But it is daylight on the Moon.

Re: Proper Settings

Waddizzle — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:26:12 GMT

@stevet1 wrote:
I shot this the other night using the technique of shooting in Tv mode and doubling my focal length with Auto ISO.
Since I was shooting at a focal length of 124,.

I picked a shutter speed of 1/250th. The camera set an aprerture of f/11 and an ISO of 3200.

Steve Thomas

Interesting shot / exposure. According to the "Looney 11 Rule" the Moon should be WAY overexposed.

1/100, f11, ISO 100

Are you sure the ISO might not have been ISO 320, instead of ISO 3200?

Re: Proper Settings

ebiggs1 — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 19:35:46 GMT

"Are you sure the ISO might not have been ISO 320, instead of ISO 3200?"

His exif confirms his settings. The Looney 11 Rule is just a suggestion. It isn't an absolute. Too may variables involved.

Re: Proper Settings

Waddizzle — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:01:16 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"Are you sure the ISO might not have been ISO 320, instead of ISO 3200?"

His exif confirms his settings. The Looney 11 Rule is just a suggestion. It isn't an absolute. Too may variables involved.

Who said anything about "absolute"? If the EXIF confirms the exposure, fine. It seemed off by 4 stops.

Re: Proper Settings

kvbarkley — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 20:03:24 GMT

My 10 EV seems about right for the sky. The moon could be low in the sky or there might be a light cloud cover.

Re: Proper Settings

ebiggs1 — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 22:12:01 GMT

"Who said anything about "absolute"? "

You did or at least it seemed like you were surprised the Lonney 11 Rule didn't work. That's all.

Re: Proper Settings

katwoman85 — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 11:21:06 GMT

That is a great shot. Love it.