Re: What the F-stop is wrong with my Canon?

martin_loebbing@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> How curious...One of the google ads on this page was actually relevant
> and may provide the answer....
>
> http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/fixing-dynamic-range.htm
>
> It talks about how digital cameras tend to over-expose white because
> of their lack of dynamic range; and he even recommends under-exposing
> by 2 stops! So maybe the dealer was just wise... I'll try taking a
> shot of something white tomorrow and post it here. Getting too dark
> to do it now though.

You can't just "take a picture of something white" and expect that to show
anything.
Actually, if you shoot something that is all white, any properly working
camera SHOULD under-expose and render the white subject too dark.
You need to shoot something that is neutral.
--If you have green grass outside, shoot that.
Since green grass is very close to a neutral tone, this will give a good
indication of whether it's exposing correctly.

Another item fairly close to neutral is blue jeans (assuming they aren't too
faded or super dark).

If you have been making judgements based on small white elements within
otherwise neutral or darker scenes as the basis for this over-exposure,
and/or blown highlights...there may be nothing wrong with your camera that a
little learning won't help.

-But if green grass comes out way off under normal conditions on auto or P,
there's a problem.


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Flash for Canon 40D
    ... rooms I was taking pictures of was very dark even tho it had a window. ... apeture the camera would have been able to work in the dark room hmmm. ... Were you trying to shoot at moonlight or something? ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: help with manual focus on Rebel XT
    ... just set the focus to infinity and shoot. ... to play with the camera, ... If you switch to manual, ... it looks sharp. ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: Astrophotography discussion forums?
    ... - how to stack, how to subtract a dark frame, etc. ... Bias frames are simply dark frames taken at the shortest exposure time your camera can take an image. ... Next you need to take flats. ... For these you cover the scope's objective opening with enough layers of white material that when the camera is pointed to a part of the sky such that no sun hits the cloth, the exposure time is 3 or 4 seconds. ...
    (rec.photo.digital)
  • Re: I just ordered the D700
    ... If I had to shoot the pictures you shoot, ... quality of the lenses or the cameras. ... Making 400mm lens become a 600mm ... $2367 for the camera body and an ...
    (rec.photo.digital.slr-systems)
  • Re: practical tips for dv home video production
    ... dissatisfied with low light performance of my camera. ... realistically is a mode i have to shoot in frequently. ... travel videos I shoot, but are more of an extra "lagniape." ... I took the TR600 on a trip and shot a lot ...
    (rec.video)