new G1 user

[rcho5]

Hello all,

I just received my new G1 Wednesday. I am very excited to enter the world of digital photography! I am just writing to see if anyone has any tips they would like to pass along. For example, I want to buy some sort of filter to protect the lens, but don't know if there is one available besides the three I saw from Canon. Also, I got Photoshop 6.0 and feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to use it. I got the "Photoshop for Dummies" book, but even that seems quite detailed. My philosophy is to just play around with the aperture and shutter settings and see what works.

Richard

[calaco]

Congrats on your new camera.
To use any form of filter on the G1, you will need a lens adapter. It is a tube that screws onto the camera's body over the lens that allows filters to be attached.
I was not happy with the Canon LA-58 so I returned it and bought another brand. The LA-58 allow for 58mm lenses or filters to be attached, but the flash causes a shadow on on the pictures due to the larger 58mm size. I bought a 52mm adapter from www.photofilter.net.
You will need the 46.5mm to 52mm adapter.
A regular skylight filter will protect your lens.

With regards to Photoshop... I have the entire manual including tutorials for Photoshop5 in Adobe Acrobat format. It should be quite similiar to PS6 in operation, but if not, it will give you a feel for the workings of Photoshop as a whole.

If you want to read it, please provide a contact email address or ICQ number, and I will send it to you. It is approx. 5MB. It will be up to you to purchase the original from Adobe if you like it.

[mt1977]

Hey I just got a G1 on Wednesday too! Looking forward to figuring this thing out. Very complicated piece of work. If you find anything please let me know. Also, mine did not come with the two CDs it was spose to. What I am looking forward to most is the Hoya R72 filter. Visit this guy's page, he used a G1 in most of these shots and puts a description by each snapshot: www.kleptography.com

[rcho5]

Thank you for the information!

Richard

[nataatma]

Hi fellow G1 rookie, I just mine about a month ago, and cannot be separated with it. I got this great targus case for $12.99 shipped from eBay since I always bring it everywhere, just to keep praciticing, and it's roomy and nice looking too.

The first thing I would get is more storage, I saw this 128MB cf card at fry's for $37.99, very cheap. Then, maybe get an extra battery, THEN I will try to get some decent lenses. I have a big Nikon flash that fires at full force and is as big as the G1, it's usually attached to my nikon 35mm slr, but I use it anyway when I need extra light. I figure, I might as well get better at using the stock lens before venturing out $200 or so in lenses when the results won't be any much better.

As a rookie, I wouldn't even bother with doing any pics in RAW format yet, since I know the pics won't be worth printing, yet, so I keep it at M resolution and at

As for photoshop, I've been using it since version 4, like 4 years ago, and have been using it almost daily in my professional work and in my personal projects and find it indispensible. If you have a month or two to spare, I really really suggest you learning it.

That's my 2 cents. Good luck with your G1, as I know I need it.

PJRN

[mt1977]

Ah yes. Spring has sprung! Insects are everywhere, bees and flowers... hopefully next week I will have my macro lenses.

As for Photoshop, I have used it too, mostly Version 5 I think. didnt they just come out with version 6? I think the older versions werent good at JPG compression. And as for RAW manipulation, I havent tried "messing" with them on my computer yet. After I reformat and reinstall everything on my computer I will have to start messing around with them. Lots of programs cannot read RAW. Also, I need programs like breeze to use with my camera. I cannot use the digital panorama effect without the software that came with the cameras. I dont have that software.

As for memory, I got two 144mb Compact Flash type II's for $82 total, after shipping. Anyone needs to email me can at MT@Humplik.com. Bye!

[gvanhoutte]

Tip:
1. in my opinion, RAW is not really better then the highest JPG resolution.
2. Get a canon S900 to print your pictures (up to A4 on the cheap high resolution paper by canon gives superb results). I used an HP 840C before, and I am very impressed by this S900 printer
3. use lenses. I received the tiffen 2x and 0.75x lenses, and the 43mm converter for the G1, and I noticed thusfar no real loss in brightness. Living near Brugge (Belgium) (see www.brugge2002.be for the current festivities) I am really using my lenses a lot, especially in the narrow streets. (I ordered the lenses from www.dcprodirect.com, and obtained them within a week)
4. Keep the G1 on auto for the first weeks, and then play around with the other settings
5. Use it also at night, e.g. you can take great shots of the moon using f 5 or higher - 1/360 sec. or smaller.
6. Get yourself the IBM microdrive. The 1GB is really fast, and holds almost 600 pictures at the highest JPG resolution.
7. If you want to travel, take your notebook with you. Or, better still, take a look at the Nixvue Digital Album (which is a portable harddisk where you can store your pictures; the 10 GB is relatively cheap for what it can do).

And last but not least: never leave home without it.

[IainB]

I am about to embark on infrared photography, but need some advice on which filter size to buy. I understand that a 49mm filter +adapter sing to mount it is what I need. However I now read that some users prefer 52mm filters. I was thinking of Hoya R72 @49mm. Any advice? I do have 55mm filters (polarising + various colours for B and W film. Could I use these with an appropriate stepping ring with BW mode on the G1?
I read that this size causes a flash shadow.
Iain

[dn7elson]

Much of the filter size relates to the size of the tube to be mounted to the camera. Some go from the 42.5mm of the G1/2 to 58mm (Canon extension tube). Some go to 52mm and others 49mm. Ideally you would like to match the threading of the end of the tube, but adapter rings are also available to change from one size to another.

Also, you will want to consider whether you will be putting the infrared filter on the extension tube, or on a wide/telephoto lens that will be mounted on the tube. If the latter, you will want to match the threading size of the lens and not the tube.

The larger the flare on the extension tube, the greater the chance it has of creating a shadow in the internal flash. A smaller diameter tube will not project as much into the flash. You can always use an external flash to avoid this.

[IainB]

I would appreciate a copy of the manual to have a look at with a view to purchasing Photoshop.
bremner.i@xtra.co.nz
Iain Bremner

[IainB]

You wrote:
I bought a 52mm adapter from www.photofilter.net.
You will need the 46.5mm to 52mm adapter.
A regular skylight filter will protect your lens.

Can you clarify what filter size you actually use? I am a little confused. I understood the lensemate adapter to be 49mm. Presumably with a step ring of appropriate size filters of 52,55,58 could be used.
With the Canon 58mm adapter what filter size were you using? 52mm?

I am ready to buy an infrared filter but need to also buy the adapter. As I already own a number of 55mm (including polarising) filters, do I buy a 55mm infrared + a step ring 49-55. I suppose there are many options. Any advice?
Iain

[slejhamer]

Iain,

If you already own a number of 55mm filters, then the easiest thing to do is buy a 55mm adapter tube. Try www.2filter.com or the previously-mentioned www.photofilter.net.

Just make sure it is designed to fit the G1, which according to 2filter.com has a 46.5mm base.

Yes, the lensmate tube is 49mm, so if you buy it you will need a step-up ring (or two) to attach your 55mm filters. A minor inconvenience and modestly higher cost.

Also, you can get the Hoya R72 in sizes other than 49mm, so you won't need to worry about step-down rings if you end up with a bigger adapter.

My filters (including the R72) are all 52mm, so I bought a 52mm adapter from www.2filter.com. It is anodized aluminum like the lensmate but costs less. And it has a brushed chrome finish which ALMOST matches the G1 body, while the lensmate is black. The Canon tube is black plastic and costs even more. Go figure.




IainB wrote:

Can you clarify what filter size you actually use? I am a little confused. I understood the lensemate adapter to be 49mm. Presumably with a step ring of appropriate size filters of 52,55,58 could be used.
With the Canon 58mm adapter what filter size were you using? 52mm?

I am ready to buy an infrared filter but need to also buy the adapter. As I already own a number of 55mm (including polarising) filters, do I buy a 55mm infrared + a step ring 49-55. I suppose there are many options. Any advice?
Iain

[Kristen]

Greetings,

I bought a G1 a few months ago and absolutely adore it!

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for accessories that might be useful. I don't know much about cameras, and have just begun to experiment with the different settings.

Something I think looks really useful is this grip (http://www.lensmateonline.com/G1start.html) - I find the camera starts to slip if I'm taking alot of photos or getting sweaty etc. Does anyone use something similar or have any other thoughts on this?

How about cases? I bought a cheap kodak case which will "do", but it sometimes flicks the camera on when I'm taking it out, and I'd really like a proper case, such as - this onehttp://www.d-store.com/Merchant/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=ds&Product_Code=CANPSC-1000

And then there's the tripod. I'm after one of those little tripods that can be easily carried about.

Are there any other manuals out there that might help me learn more about the G1?

Many thanks for any thoughts! :)

[slejhamer]

Hi Kristen.

Two accessories I'd absolutely recommend are:

1st: A UV filter (you'll need an adapter tube, too.) The filter will protect your lens from dust and scratches. Far better to have to replace an inexpensive filter than the camera.

2nd: An external flash such as the Canon 420ex Speedlite. The built-in flash on the G1 is terrible (except when used as fill-flash), and the 420ex can be "bounced" which gives a soft, natural lighting effect. No other piece of hardware will have a bigger impact on the quality of your snapshots, and you'll wonder how you lived without it. Read these for more info:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1927
http://twalker.d2g.com/pro90/flashtest/index.htm

Regarding cases, I picked up Lowepro Nova 3 based on a recommendation on these boards. At first I thought it was too big, but when filled with the G1, lens adapater, 420ex flash, numerous filters, and the battery charger, it's perfect.

These free sites might be of interest to you as you experiment with the camera's settings:
http://www.photocourse.com/
http://www.shortcourses.com/using/index.htm
http://www.shortcourses.com/how/contents.htm
as well as this modestly-priced book, specific to the G1:
http://www.shortcourses.com/bookstore/canon/book_canong1.htm

Those should keep you busy! Enjoy,


Kristen wrote:
I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for accessories that might be useful. I don't know much about cameras, and have just begun to experiment with the different settings.

[Kristen]

Thanks so much for answering! Those links were very helpful.

slejhamer wrote:
1st: A UV filter (you'll need an adapter tube, too.) The filter will protect your lens from dust and scratches. Far better to have to replace an inexpensive filter than the camera.



What exactly do filters do? Which should I go for? I have heard alot about the LensMate Adapters - I gather you get one of those, and then attatch filters to that? Does the adapter stay on the camera permanently?
(yes I'm full of questions!)

thanks again :)

[IainB]

Kirsten, have a look at this link
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4136
I was after info on infrared photography. I have bought several items mentioned there.
Iain

[IainB]

Kirsten, the filter tube from the filter
connection www.2filter.com is almost identical in colour/finish to the G1. It's US$14-$15 - very favourable price. I believe the Lensmate tube is black.
Filters, as I'm sure others will tell you in expert detail, alter the light as captured by the camera, and enhance or alter colour, definition, clarity etc. depending on the filter. I have just bought an infrared filter - see link mentioned my previous post - I also use a skylight filter, polarising, and UV filters.

[slejhamer]

Iain summed up filters nicely - they alter light. But the basic UV filter is used primarily to protect the lens, and that's why I say it's the only one that's essential. The rest are really just toys, and though I've got a few to play with, I could certainly get by without them.

Yes, you should leave the adapter and UV filter on all the time. (The adapter screws into the front of the camera, and the filter screws into the adapter.)

I'm not partial to any one brand of filters over another, but Hoya seems to offer a decent product at a reasonable price. The Hoya "Super HMC" UV filter is multi-coated, which means it has an anti-reflection coating as well as a protective coating that makes it easier to clean. It costs a little more than a non-coated filter, but you've spent $hundreds on your camera, so why compromise the lens with a cheap filter?

Apparently I shop at the same place as Iain - www.2filter.com. I think Lensmate is popular because it was one of the first alternatives to Canon's overpriced plastic adapter, but others are now available.

Regarding adapter and filter size, the Lensmate is 49mm, the Canon is 58mm. Other common sizes for the G1/G2 are 52mm and 55mm. Generally, bigger is better to avoid the risk of vignetting, but you'll be safe in the 49-58mm range. It's easiest to buy your filters in the same size as your adapter, but if not you can always buy a step-ring to get it to fit.


(HEY IAINB: By the way, the RAW conversion technique that Don Ellis suggested in your infrared post works just as well in Zoombrowser. Shoot RAW, and when you convert you select the eye-dropper tool to pick your gray spot. Magenta goes away, icy blue comes in. Cool.)



Kristen wrote:
What exactly do filters do? Which should I go for?

[GenDEM]

Here is what I have aquired in my 17 months with my G1:

1. Lensmate adapter, black of course, always on the camera.
2. 49mm UV, always attached to the lensmate.
3. 49mm Hoya HMC CIR-POL. Critical for outdoor and water shots. If you get nothing else, get a polarizor.
4. 49mm Linear polarizor. You can simulate the effect of Neutral Density with the interferance generated between and linear and a circular polarizor.
5. Olympus A-28 Wide Angle lens. If you can find it, it is also a 49mm lens, and is a great quality lens.
6. +1, +2 and +4 dioptre set for macro shots.
7. Lensmate grip. Absolutely worth every penny for my very big hands.
8. Canon 420EX flash. Gold for indoor shots. Two sets of spare battereis too.
9. Lumiquest 80-20 flash bounce hood. In retrospect, I wouldn not havebought this, but gone for the Omnibounce instead.
10. Mini tripod
11. 160MB and a 96MB CF cards
12. A PCMCIA adaptor for the cards to work in my laptop.
13. Lens brush, fluid, paper and silk cloth.

All this fits quite nicely in a LowePro Orion AW, a hell of a bag bought partly for use now, and partly for use for my eventual upgrade to what I hope is the next Pro 90 ;). I like a hip bag, and this one has room inside for the charger and all cables and stuff.

I also have a tripod with a nice Slik head, which I carry over my shoulder on a customized strap.

And if you think that's bad, you should see my workflow!

[Kristen]

Thanks for your help!

http://www.2filter.com/prices/products/Hoya98.html#Hoya%20Super%20HMC
What's Sky 1.B and UV Haze(0)? Where can I get an adaptor that for that size (do I go with the 52mm?).

Is the Hoya HMC (Coated) lens list under the UV section of http://www.lensmateonline.com/G1buy.html different to the Super HMC?

thank you so much for all your help here - I really appreciate it.

[IainB]

Kristen wrote:
Thanks for your help!
No problem.

http://www.2filter.com/prices/products/Hoya98.html#Hoya%20Super%20HMC
What's Sky 1.B and UV Haze(0)? Where can I get an adaptor that for that size (do I go with the 52mm?).
Sky (or Skylight) filters (1A or 1B) are 'all purpose' filters, often used constantly. They absorb UV light and some blue light, as well as giving a more precise rendering of colour especially on overcast days.
UV can be used at all times and absorbs ultraviolet light (fogginess). I don't really think its much between them. I favour UV myself, although I do have a 1A skylight too!

Regarding size of lenstube, I chose the 46.5 to 52mm, as several of my filters from my film camera are 52mm. I also use some 55mm filters in my collection by using a 'step-up ring' 52 to 55 on the lenstube. They're cheap. If you have no filters already, the 46.5mm would be fine.

Is the Hoya HMC (Coated) lens list under the UV section of http://www.lensmateonline.com/G1buy.html different to the Super HMC?

I can't answer that question. It is probably to do with surface caotong. My Hoya filters are older and simply 'coated'. I'll leave others to answer that one! You could ask lensmate or www.2filter.com Barbara is very helpful! filter4@mindspring.com

In summary:
Probably a UV OR Skylight; Later on you could add a polarising filter - really enhance colours, and as I have done, an infrared filter. Look up the links on the topic heading Hoya R72 or infrared. There are links to some great examples.

Feel free to keep asking!

thank you so much for all your help here - I really appreciate it.

[IainB]

Kirsten, I hope you can read my comments between your questions!

[IainB]

Slejhamer
Regarding RAW, thanks for your suggestion. I can see I am going to be busy!! Appreciate your ideas. Didn't I see you at www.2filter.com???
Kirsten, there is a great Canon website run by Danny 'Wheelie' Goossens. Check it out www.canonians.com
You'll enjoy it I'm sure.

[slejhamer]

Kristen, the following site gives photo examples using some of the basic filters: http://www.megapixel.net/html/articles/article-filters.html

Regarding the Hoya "coated" vs. "Super HMC" (which is multicoated) - Iain is right, it's the protective surface coating. The coated has anti-reflective coatings, but these require care when cleaning them. The Super HMC has a final coating which protects the coatings underneath.

About cleaning: You can use the lens cleaning fluid sold by the dealers, or try these tips which I posted a while ago:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3722#16400

Cheers,

[Kristen]

thanks for that information :)

What do you think of this package on 2filter -
49 mm 2 Filter Set
Hoya Multi coated Uv
Sunpak 49mm
Circular Polarizer
plus with
Forumla MC
cleaner
our reg. $34.11
$28.34

I figure I'd then get a lensmate adaptor (as well as the grip!). But then that's not the "super hmc" is it.

Arg! Feel free to just tell me exactly what to buy and from where! :)

[IainB]

Hi Kirsten
Looks to me like a great choice. It's true that the UV is the 1st essential filter, with the polarising next, as an essential means of improving photo colour etc.
As I said before, the lensmate filter tube is black as far as I know. I chose the 2filter.com tube as it almost perfectly matches the 'silver' of my G1. Unless your G1 is black, the silver tube looks more like it belongs there. What's with the 'grip'? Could you enlighten me....
The super HMC filter is not essential. I have had my standard UV Hoya 'coated' filter for .....ahem....25 years... on various cameras. It still looks great with normal cleaning and care!
Anyway filter connection is as good as any it would seem.
Cheers

[Kristen]

the grip - http://www.lensmateonline.com/G1start.html
I don't know if it's just me with unsteady hands or the camera style, but I have trouble holding on to it sometimes, so I thought the grip sounded like a good thing.

I think I might get that pack I mentioned, it does come with the lens cleaner.

Although, keeping the adaptor on all the time means I'll have to buy a new (proper!) camera case! Mine's a tight fit as it is, but with the lens out like that, it'll never get in.

What a shame ;)

[Kristen]

Regarding the 2filter tubes (the page for which I've only just found!):

CANON DIGITAL G1 - G2 price
46.5mm-37mm brushed chrome finish 15.34
46.5mm-46mm brushed chrome finish 14.34
46.5mm-52mm brushed chrome finish 14.34
46.5mm-58mm brushed chrome finish
this tube is identical to the Canon tube 14.34

What do those ranges mean? Which size?

when you get an adaptor, you can then hold it via that as well can't you? Maybe I'll wait and see how that goes before I get a grip.

[IainB]

Kirsten
You're getting there!

CANON DIGITAL G1 - G2 price
46.5mm-37mm brushed chrome finish 15.34
46.5mm-46mm brushed chrome finish 14.34
46.5mm-52mm brushed chrome finish 14.34
46.5mm-58mm brushed chrome finish
this tube is identical to the Canon tube 14.34

The 46.5mm is the size that screws onto the camera (there is a silver ring to unscrew from the G1 first). You have to go with that!
The 37mm, 46mm etc. is the size of filter or whatever that can be screwed on the front of the tube.
For example, as I already had 52mm filters, I chose the 46.5 - 52mm size.
These are common filter sizes, and each person has their own preference or reason for choosing a particular size. 52mm is a common size, but the filters may be slightly dearer than say, 46mm filters. I wouldn't go for 58mm as it is too large and may obstruct your view through the viewfnder (but not on the LCD screen of course!). You can also pick up 2nd hand filters at most camera stores dealing in 2nd hand gear.

I'm a bit puzzled by the need to hold the camera by the lenstube, or to use a 'grip'. It's not exactly a large bulky camera. I suppose you could hold it that way - I don't. Remember, you may be using a tripod for a number of shots. Best put your money into that. I have a neat mini tripod that fits in my bag, as well as a full size version.

Well, see how you go! The 52mm lenstube from 2filter.com arrived 10 days ago. It looks and works perfectly! I'd take a picture of it to show you but that's a bit tricky...
Let's hear how you go.

[IainB]

Hi Kirsten
Have you settled on which tube? (Lensmate or Filter Connection) Which size?
I too may have to upgrade the nifty nylon multipocket/zip bag I bought with the camera. It has a removable shoulder strap, a carry handle on top plus a waistbelt which is concealed when not in use! Great when your wife asks you to hold the shopping! I too cannot store the camera with the tube on in this bag. Now that I try to fit in my 420EX flash, 2 filters, minitripod, two batteries, cleaning stuff and 2 flash cards, it's a tight fit. I'm old fashioned in that I like to use a notebook for details about shots taken so a larger bag may be the only option.
Whew!

[slejhamer]

Kristen wrote:
I don't know if it's just me with unsteady hands or the camera style, but I have trouble holding on to it sometimes, so I thought the grip sounded like a good thing.


Are you talking about lighly shaking the camera in your unsteady hands, or are you so unsteady that you are close to dropping it???

If it's the former, and you are just concerned with blurry photos, then:
1. Use a tripod or monopod, or
2. Shoot in Tv mode at a higher shutter speed (125 minimum), and
3. Ease off the caffeine.

If it's the latter, and you are about to drop the camera, then:

1. Use a tripod or monopod, or
2. Place the carrying strap around your neck or tie it around your wrist. In a battle between digicam and solid ground, the digicam will lose, and
3. Completely eliminate the caffeine. :)

Is it a problem with the camera's weight? The grip may make it easier to grab but will not make it any lighter. The G1 is a brick compared to a cardboard disposable camera, but is fluff compared to a digital SLR.

[ken-w]

Kristen wrote:
the grip - http://www.lensmateonline.com/G1start.html
I don't know if it's just me with unsteady hands or the camera style, but I have trouble holding on to it sometimes, so I thought the grip sounded like a good thing.

I bought the grip from Lensmate and it is a nice well made product. The rubberized front part of the grip is very nice, it makes the camera easier to hold. I particularly like the fact that I can now hook a regular camera strap on the G1 and carry it around my neck, ready to use. I've only found two downsides to the grip - as noted on the lensmate website, you have to remove the grip to change batteries (everything else on the camera is accessible without removing the grip). The second probably has more to do with the camera stap I chose (an old Olympus one I had) - when attached, the metal loop that attaches it to the grip can actually press against the manual focus button and make it active. It's an odd problem that is likely just related to the strap and connector that I used.

Ken

[Kristen]

Maybe I just hold the camera wrong! I think it's just when I'm taking alot of photos at once my grip becomes uncomfortable. Oh and I don't drink coffee - so it's not that! ;)

Thanks for the explanation of the adaptors, I think I'll go for the 52mm, as it does seem the more popular size.

The 52mm lenstube from 2filter.com arrived 10 days ago. It looks and works perfectly! I'd take a picture of it to show you but that's a bit tricky...
Let's hear how you go.
How about using a mirror? :)

Regarding TV mode - I find the more I increase the shutter speed, the darker my photos turn out - why is that?

And I'm definately planning on getting one of those tiny tripods (any recommendations?) - if only so I can take perfect indoor shots of my cat! He's mostly black with not much colour contrast, so it's very hard to take a non-fuzzy shot of him indoors.

Oh, and I'm paranoid about dropping my beloved camera - so I keep the wrist or neck strap on tight constantly, don't worry!

thanks again

[slejhamer]

Kristen wrote:
Regarding TV mode - I find the more I increase the shutter speed, the darker my photos turn out - why is that?


I'm no expert on exposure, but the way I understand it is this: In the Av, Tv, P and all of the "Auto" settings, the camera will meter your subject and make adjustments so that the subject is properly exposed.

So, in Tv mode, you set the shutter speed (the duration of light hitting the lens) and the camera adjusts the aperture (the amount of light hitting the lens.) With a faster shutter speed, the camera requires more light and chooses a wider aperture which corresponds to a smaller f number.

The camera has limits - aperture 2.0 is the biggest setting (smallest f/stop.) So if you set your shutter speed too fast, the camera may not get enough light to properly expose the subject. You need to turn on more lights, or turn on the flash. And if you use flash, I'll refer you back to my earlier recommendation of buying an external flash like the 420ex! :)

[Note that a fast shutter/wide aperture can achieve the same subject exposure as a slow shutter/narrow aperture, but will result in different "depth of field." I don't know why this happens, I just know that it does.]

[IainB]

I'm seriously impressed by my 420ex. It was on the advice of this forum that I bought it. There are a number of posts and links on this forum where evidence of its capabilities can be found.

[ken-w]

Kristen wrote:
Regarding TV mode - I find the more I increase the shutter speed, the darker my photos turn out - why is that?



Hi Kristen - there is a direct relationship between shutter speed, f-stop (the diameter of the aperture that lets light through the lens) and ISO (the "film speed" of your digital camera).

Doubling or halving your shutter speed is exactly the same as doubling or halving your ISO or by increasing or decreasing your f-stop by 1 standard stop. All of these changes either double or halve the amount of light hitting the image sensor (your camera's CCD).

Standard f-stops by the by are: f.2, f.2.8, f.4, f.5.6, f.8, f.11 (the G1 for some reason doesn't follow the standard increments - it has finer tuning).

So ... if a proper exposure is say:

ISO 100, at f.4 with a shutter speed of 1/125 sec

then some exact equivalent exposures will be:

ISO 50, at f.4 with a shutter speed of 1/60 sec

ISO 200, at f.4 with a shutter speed of 1/250 sec

ISO 100, at f.5.6 with a shutter speed of 1/60 sec

ISO 50, at f.5.6 with a shutter speed of 1/30 sec


So ... if you are shooting fast action and increase the shutter speed to capture it (to say 1/500 sec) then the camera in order to let in enough light has to open up the aperture (decrease the f-stop - a smaller f-stop number is a larger aperture opening). However, the Canon can only let in a maximum of f.2 of light - if that isn't enough you'll see the f-stop display in the LCD turn red and if you take the photo - it will be too dark.

In such a situation you can try boosting the ISO, going from 50 to 100 will gain you 1 f-stop, from 100 to 200 another and from 200 to 400 yet one more. The downside of increasing the ISO is that you add noise (graininess) to the photo. It is generally best to always try to shoot at ISO 50 if possible.

Another thing to consider is "depth of field" the amount of the image that is in focus - a higher f-stop gives you greater depth of field. If you shoot at a higher shutter speed, the camera will lower the f-stop to compensate (i.e. try to let in more light) and this will reduce your depth of field. This is more critical for photos with objects in both the foreground and background that you want in sharp focus.

Ken

[ken-w]

slejhamer wrote:

[Note that a fast shutter/wide aperture can achieve the same subject exposure as a slow shutter/narrow aperture, but will result in different "depth of field." I don't know why this happens, I just know that it does.]



Hi Mitch - the explanation of depth of field has to do with "circles of confusion". A camera lens only has one point of focus. Images on either side of this point are resolved as circles, very tiny ones close to the point of focus increasing in size away. At some point the eye recognizes these circles and this part of the photo then appears blurry (out of focus).

When a photo is taken, only one plane is in perfect focus with small circles in front and back of this plane, increasing in size away from the plane.

The really simple explanation for why aperture affects the amount of focus (depth of field) is that a higher f-stop produces smaller circles (f-8 has a tiny circular opening in the lens producing smaller circles, f.2 has a large circular opening producing large circles).

The f-stop numbers are related to the diameter of the aperture and the focal length of the lens. An aperture of f-8 means that 8 diameters of the aperture can fit side by side along the full focal length of the lens. This is the reason that wide angle lenses have a greater depth of field than telephoto lenses. A short focal length 28 mm lens has much smaller circles (aperture diameters) than does say a 100 mm lens (i.e. at f.8, if the 28mm has a focal length of say 1.6 inch, the aperture opening is 0.2 inch (0.2 x 8 = 1.6) whereas in the 100 mm lens which say has a 5.6 inch focal length, the diameter of the aperture at f.8 will be 0.7 inch - bigger circles.) Smaller circles produce better focus - so a wide angle lens with its smaller circles has a greater depth of field at a given aperture than does a telephoto lens.

I'm sure that optical mathematicians are shuddering at my explanation - but there you go.

Ken

[slejhamer]

Thanks again, Ken! They are called circles of confusion for good reason, but you have shed some light on the subject for me (pardon the pun.) :)

[Kristen]

Wow - great explanation :)

[Kristen]

Well I bought a tiny tripod and have a lens adaptor on order, when that arrives I'll get some lenses.

Fortuitously, it's much cheaper to buy them all at Ted's Camera Store in the CBD than on the internet, plus I don't have to wait for shipping, mess with exchange rates or worry about it!

The adaptor I'm getting is the official canon one for the G1 - I think it's called "Canon LA DC58" - it's a 58mm one, which wasn't really what I was going for, but it's worked out for the best.

Ooh and that store as a great selection of camera bags I just can't wait to get my hands on once I get all the goodies.

Will take and post a picture of it all (yay for mirrors!) when it arrives.

thanks again :)

[IainB]

Great, Kirsten! You are underway. It's great to have all those neat accessories. Don't forget to buy a 420ex flash gun! Looking forward to seeing your mirror photos!

[Kristen]

yes - I completely forgot to ask about the 420ex flash while I was there, only remembered on my way home! Will see what they sell it for when I pick up the adaptor.

My tripod is so cute and does the job perfectly.

Why doesn't the G1 have the tripod hole in the centre of the camera? Is it just a quirk of the design or something to do with weight distribution? Regardless, it makes me nervous about it all toppling over, even when it's perfectly stable and balanced.

[Kristen]

I finally have everything! Or at least, all that I can afford for the moment.

I got the lensmate grip and neckstrap only yesterday which I absolutely adore! It makes the camera VERY comfortable to hold, plus the neck strap is great for easy carrying. I worried before when putting the supplied strap around my neck because it only attached to one side and therefore spun the camera around when I walked.

I have a Hoya UV lens and the Canon lens adaptor, the tiny tripod mentined above and a LowePro Nova 1 bag.

I feel like such a professional! ;)

Thanks again for everyone's help.

[IainB]

Well done, Kirsten. The Lowepro bags are excellent - I just bought one myself after reading about Slejammer's Nova 3 bag. Have you got room for an infrared filter? Also keep some room for that 420ex flash. What an asset! The only problem in hearing about your purchases, is that I'm now tempted to buy a grip! I'd be interested to know if you got it in Australia.
Best wishes!

[Kristen]

I bought the grip online from lensmateonline.com - it took about 5 days to arrive.

It's VERY expensive when converted into $AUD, but worth it I think.

And yes - there is room for a flash in the bag, the salesman tried it out for me!

[IainB]

Mmm... I think the meek NZ dollar would make the price prohibitive.... I might just stick to wrapping the strap around my wrist meantime!