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Canon Rebel XSI

emsplawn
Contributor

Hello

    I was wondering what is a good setting for taking pictures of a livestock show? My images are coming out really blurry.

Thank you in advance

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION


@emsplawn wrote:
That’s what I don’t know how to do

Sorry for the long winded post, but I cut my digital teeth, so to speek, with this camera and I almost feel obligated to share my experience 🙂

 

I know you are in the process of getting the manual, at least I hope so, but I'll tell you how to do this, just in case.

As mentioned, I own this camera and shot with it for a year or so, but it's been a while and it's in my camera collection now.

First, right behind the shutter is a dial/wheel. When in any of the "creative" modes (Tv,Av,M, and sometimes P), that wheel will adjust the settings for whatever mode you are in, for example, if you are in Tv mode, it will raise or lower your shutter speed, when in Av it will adjust your aperture, and so on. Behind that wheel is a button labeled "ISO". Push that and you will get a screen with your ISO options, Auto - 100 through 1600. Just in case you don't understand ISO, it adjusts the sensitivity of your sensor to light. You will have to toggle (press) the DISP. (Display) button to see this and it's in the upper left just beside the MENU button. Once the ISO screen displays, use the aforementioned wheel to scroll through your options, then press the "SET" button when on the ISO setting you want. ISO can be set in "P", but not in AUTO (the green square. You can also see this info in the viewfinder, it will be displayed in green just under your image. This will allow you to change settings "on the fly" without having to look at the back of the camera while using the wheel.

As Ernie mentioned, your shutter speed is way too low for that particular lens and venue. It appears to be the original kit lens, which although pretty good at the time, has fallen way behind in both image quality and image stabalization (IS), the latter being the most important in your situation. The newer model has an "STM" focus system (and better IS), and I don't see that [STM] on the lens.

 

FOR THIS CAMERA AND LENS:

 

As for which mode, I would use Tv and experiment with ISO. Maybe Tv 200 and ISO 800. I do use Av on some of my other cameras, which allows you to adjust your Depth of Field (DOF), for macro and any other shot I take when using a tripod and don't particularly care how fast my shutter speed is. Av, adjusted properly, will give you better DOF but will also decrease the amount of light that hits your sensor, i.e., greater DOF - less light, and in your case low shutter speeds. Some photographers use Av for action, but they have high end cameras that will handle high ISO, but even they usually have to remove noise in post processing for shots with high shutter speeds. When I was using this camera with a 70-300mm lens, I usually stayed on ISO 400 and 800, but I was shooting birds and usually in a dark forest environment. ISO noise was acceptable, for me anyway, but as mentioned, noise would increase with shutter speeds, say Tv 1/800th / ISO 800, and 1600 was not acceptable for me, ever.

 

Now, something you should consider is shooting Raw+Jpeg (RAW+L in your menu - very 1st setting under "Quality") and downloading Canon's free Digital Photo Pro 4 (DPP 4). With this program you can use lens correction, noise reduction, along with other settings to improve your images. You may even find that just shooting Raw, which I ended up doing, will give you the best images and control. From looking at your photos, besides them having motion blur, the "White Balance" setting in DPP (or your camera for that mater) will help. Yes, it's just something else to learn, but it's pretty simple to use and has a manual, plus a pile of youtube tutotials. If you plan to continue using this camera/lens combo in this type of environment, you need some post processing even if you get your shutter speed up. Use the camera to get the best shots you can, then edit the Raw files in DPP 4.

View solution in original post

35 REPLIES 35

"...OP would be better served by first investing in a newer camera body."

 

Absolutely, 90% of the time a better lens is the answer. But certain cameras are just way too far behind what is available today. A better camera, in this case, will make a lot of difference. Rebel T8i for example and all lenses will still work as the currently do.

EB
EOS 1DX and 1D Mk IV and less lenses then before!

"You cannot go wrong with a 70-200mm f/2.8."

 

Totally love that lens. Bit I don't see a person owning and XSi popping for a $2000 dollar lens. In this case I believe a better camera is a better first buy.

EB
EOS 1DX and 1D Mk IV and less lenses then before!


@emsplawn wrote:
Can y’all recommend a good lens for sports shootings.

I agree with everyone else that you would be better served upgrading your camera. But, I would first get to know the XSi, lens(es) that you have, and just get confortable using the various settings and modes on the XSi. Take the time to figure out what you really want from your photography and don't succumb to "lens lust", trust me, I've been there.

 

The XSi is capable of some really good shots, but as you grow as a photographer, you will want more I'm sure.

 

I just stepped out on the porch and caught this juvenile Northern Cardinal from around 30 feet away. XSi, 100-400mm L II lens (400mm), Tv 1/750th, ISO 1600, f/7, 50% cropped. The noise at ISO 1600 isn't as bad as I remember. Lighting is overcast and under trees. Shot Raw and processed in DPP 4.

Northern Cardinal FEM-JUV-XSi-1a.JPG

 

"Does it matter as long as the goal is achieved by getting a sharp well exposed image?"

 

It does if the advice you give has limited or no expectation of success.

 

"The noise at ISO 1600 isn't as bad as I remember."

 

Referencing your shot of the cardinal. High ISO numbers don't tend to show objectionable grain under good lighting situations. It is not usually the case as they are typically shot where they are asked to do miracles. Its the underexposing that  causes the grain to appear worse.

EB
EOS 1DX and 1D Mk IV and less lenses then before!

Thanks for the discusion, Ernie! I hope everyone reading learned something.

 

Newton

Thank you too! I love to have photography discussion like this with a rational person.  Some here are not so but thanx again and do keep it up. Keep shooting!

EB
EOS 1DX and 1D Mk IV and less lenses then before!
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