First Digital Birthday Party

[mjp20067]

I recently picked up a new XSi with the 18-55 kit lens then bought a 50MM 1.4 and a 55-250 IS plus a 430EX Speedlite. Though I had long past experience shooting 35MM and medium format, digital seems daunting.

I need to shoot my daughter's seventh tomorrow and have been practicing like a crazy with flash and lenses for an indoor party with a ballon guy etc.

So........choice for general don't miss an opportunity lens of the ones mentioned? So far I am leaning towards the 50 as it is faster and seems sharper. Planning on using the Speedlite and both in P mode until I get confidence. Suggestions will be most welcome.

Sorry if this is posted elsewhere and thanks in advance.

[zelseman]

If it is a tightly spaced indoor party, use the 18-55 IS and the 430 ex in Av mode using as wide open of an aperture as you can. Point your flash directly toward the ceiling. Use a rubber band to attach an index card to the top of the flash head(where it says 430ex).

This should yield some good results.

[SuzyView]

Moved this to TALK as there is no image to share.

Depending on the ceiling height and the lighting, use a flash, with a bounce of some kind. The 50 1.4 is great, but it's very long on the XSi. You won't get more than one or two subjects in a shot. So, take the 18-55 and start with ISO 400 with flash or go ISO 1600 and no flash.

[jgrussell]

I must hesitantly and regretfully disagree with SuzyView. ISO 1600 won't look very good with an XSi. Stay at 800 or below (you'll still need noise reduction software at 800); use and bounce a flash.

[mjp20067]

First, thanks for the timely replies I will ensure future posts are in the proper category.

I am going to shoot some test shots using the suggested bounce method but the room for the "show" has a vaulted ceiling so I will see how it all looks first.

I did notice that I need the wider lens for more inclusion so I will go with that zoom as it seems the concensus choice.

Again, thanks much for the replies and hope for the best. What I need to remind myself is it is not costing anything to shoot frame after frame compared to my film days past.

This is a terrific forum by the way.

[SuzyView]

I must hesitantly and regretfully disagree with SuzyView. ISO 1600 won't look very good with an XSi. Stay at 800 or below (you'll still need noise reduction software at 800); use and bounce a flash.

Not insulted at all. The XSi is not as good with high ISO, it's true, so practice is the key. I know most people don't mind putting a flash indoors, but I avoid it like the plague. I don't like shine or shadows. I don't hate noise, so I work with it. The XSi can't be worse than my 10D was. So, I always try to get away with no flash. If the situation requires flash, I always bounce and sometimes even use my Press-T.

[mjp20067]

Thanks Suzy, you advice is much appreciated. I will do some pre party testing but I am not confident yet with going into settings to up the ISO speed. I am also scratching my head over the focus zones and I just tried limiting to one.

For posterity, I stil drag out my C330 Mamiya every now and then and shoot a roll of 120 when I can. Simple, and stunning negatives when metered right. Sigh.

But I am committed to this as fulfilling and creatiive as painting with light was years ago on film.

Also, I am getting the impression that much of the work is post shoot production on the computer.

Thanks to all again and have a great day!