a 85 usage need help

[woodtogo]

I have received a canon a 85 digital for the holidays. Thought this is the camera I would like because it has an option for a manual mode. Upon reading the manual I can't believe you have to measure light in this manner.
ex: in aperature priority mode,
hold the shutter release button half way down to see the settings on the screen, then if not correct release the button and use the toggle button to change the shutter speed, then again hold the shutter release button half way down to see if the settings are right, Then repeat the whole process again and again to obtain the correct settings to finally take the pic.
Is this really the way to do this??????? Please tell me that I am doing something wrong, there must be something i am missing. It could take you 5 or 10 minutes to get a pic in manual mode using this procedure..
I have been used to a SLR and as you view the settings in the viewfinder you just click through the f stops or shutter speeds till the right settings appear in the right color, or light comes on to let you know you are there. I hope I have made myself clear, if not please let me know what You need to help me. Thank-You in advance..

Ray :o

[Moppie]

Welcome to the world of the compact digital camera :)

IF you are going to base on your manual settings on those suggested by the camera then you should just stick to useing "P" and only use apatrue priority, or shutter priority when you want spefic DOF, or shutter speed. Then you need only select the one you need to suit the photo, and let the camera pick the other. (just like an SLR.).

If your used to setting the exp. manauly on an SLR, then its not that differnt with an A series.
You should already have a pretty good idea of what apature and shutter is needed for differnt lighting levels. Set these as a base, then use the meter, it will tell you by how much it thinks you are out in whole and 1/3s of a stop, upto I think 3 stops either way. You can then either correct accordingly, or to suit your own taste.

I don't rely on the cameras meter at all, as a general rule I tend to ignore it, instead I take a photo and check the histogram, and use that to adjust exposure to get the desired result.

I can set up a shot in about 10-15seconds and nail the exposure perfectly, its not fast, infact thats pretty slow, but then welcome to the world of the compact digital camera, there is a reason they cost only a faction as much as a Digital SLR.

[woodtogo]

Thank-You
Now in P when I try to shoot my screen reads 1" 2.8, and they are both in red, so I can't take the pic, so what is one to do????
If I try to use the toggle button to change any settings it will not respond, so I need to go to TV.
Now I take a reading it shows 1"3 (2.8 in red) no good, so I release the shutter button go to the toggle button and go one click, then press the shutter button down half way again and I read 1"6 and 2.8 still in red. So release the shutter button and again go one click then press the shutter button half way again and read 1"6 and 2.8 still in red. Do you get the picture I am trying to draw?
I keep doiing this till I get a reading of 2"8 and 3.2 all in white, hurray, I can finally shoot the pic.
If I can toggle through the the toggle button while seeing the readings in the lcd till I reach all white readings, life would be so much more simplier.
Am I using the wrong approch???? Please help. Thank-You.

Ray :(:(:(

[joroma]

Not sure what you are trying to do. In P mode shutter and aperture are automatically set for correct exposure. If they show in red you have insufficient light. To check if this mode is working simply try a brighter environment. If they still show red are the other user variables ok? Flash,ISA,EV etc? I've only had my A85 a couple of days so do not claim to be an expert but it works in all modes exactly as I would expect it to (I used to do a lot of 35mm work with a manual exposure camera and seperate light meter....oops just given my age away!).

[Moppie]

In P and AUTO the camera limits its maximum shutter time to 1sec, at F2.8.
Thats pretty poor lighting, and the fact its showing in red means its still not enough exposure, and you need to use shutter priority or full manual, or use the flash.

I can see what you saying about having to check the exposure, then adjust it, then check it again, then adjust it, then check it again, then adjust it etc etc untill you get it right.
But as I said before that is the nature of a compact digital. The Canon A series actualy has one of the best adjustment methods Iv ever used, most other brands require you to go into a menu for each adjustment, meaning a lot more button pushs and far more time required.

All I can suggest is you use the camera as much as you possibly can, get used to what settings it needs in what light conditions and you will soon be able to set exposure to with in 1 stop of where it should be on your first setting. Meaning only one test and readjust will be needed.
As I said its not nearly as fast as an SLR, but it also didn't cost nearly as much.

Can I ask what your trying to photograph that needs such fast exposure adjustments, and is in such poor light?

[woodtogo]

Hey Moppie,
Thanks a lot. Not what I wanted to hear, but at least I know what I am dealing with. I am used to a slr Minolta. Old but very reliable, now I am moving into the new melenium.
I would think Canon would make the toggle button which adjusts the speed or stops able to be viewed while you are pressing them. But very glad to hear what you had to say. I can stop searching through the manual.
I am so glad you took the time to help me here. thanks

I am trying to take pics of Christmas Lights on several homes here in my neighborhood. Outside at 8pm. Very dark here that time of day. But it needs to be dark to catch the beauty of the decorations.
Also mood lighting im my home for the holidays. Flash does not do the lighting justice.
I got the pics with my film camera, but that is not the point, since they are not instant gratifying, or easily sent via e-mail.

Ray :p:p

[Moppie]

Your quite welcome mate.

You've actualy taken a step forward, and backwards at the same time.
Foward in terms of the format, but backwards in terms of equipment :)
You will find that if you move upto a digital SLR you will get all your old control and speed back, plus a whole lot more features and gadgets to play with :)

In the mean time enjoy your intoduction to the digital world as much as you can :)
Just one tip, shoot at ISO50 if you can (I know my A80 goes that slow) and close the apature down to around F7.1 or F8. Then use longer exposures, even 10seconds if you have to.
You will find you get much better results, with much less lens flare and glare from the lights.
Also, use the self timer to take the photo, that way you don't have to worry about bumping the camera when you press the shutter.

The A series cameras really are great little tools, Iv never had any complains about the two Iv owned. They just require a little more effort that a more advanced SLR, personaly I quite enjoy the added personal touch they give to my work.

[woodtogo]

Great tips, I never thought the film speed would make that much difference, I have been shooting at 200 in these low light conditions. I will try 50 tonight. (provided I can get the shot). Thanks again.....