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View Full Version : Best settings for the inner ornithologist

Desidarius
19th of October 2007 (Fri), 03:56
I was thinking the next chance I get I'd like to go out snapping shots of birds and identifying them later. Are there any tips/suggestions for camera settings? (I have an S3 IS)
poloman
19th of October 2007 (Fri), 18:50
Make sure you keep a pretty high shutter speed (at least 1/400). Even birds at rest make small quick movements that can ruin your shot. Birds are often backlit. Using +EC is often helpful.
Desidarius
19th of October 2007 (Fri), 20:32
ok I'm not an expert at my camera yet. When I'm in manual mode and set my shutter to 1/500 the pictures are mostly blacked out. Even if I change the aperture it is still dark. What setting am I not changing in order to get a clear photo with 1/500 shutter speed. Do I use flash?
poloman
19th of October 2007 (Fri), 22:06
You would need to open the aperture (smaller f stop number) and or a higher ISO. I am not familiar with your camera as I use a 30D DSLR but it should have a scale on the body or in the viewfinder showing you what the camera's meter is seeing. Normally, 0 on the scale is a "correct" exposure. Values to the right will be overexposed and values to the left will be underexposed. Perhaps someone here that knows your camera more intimately can help you more.
PhotosGuy
19th of October 2007 (Fri), 23:49
When I'm in manual mode and set my shutter to 1/500 the pictures are mostly blacked out. IMO, M is the only way to shoot, but I've been doing that for a while. First set the f-stop & shutter speed you need. Then adjust the ISO. Try using this to get the exposure & see if it helps: Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)