Wildlife images underexposed

[MonkMonk]

I have a Rebel XSI and have been trying to get pictures of a new litter of baby raccoons that play in our back yard. The pictures always turn out underexposed (black). Because the raccoons are jumping around and playing I am trying with a fast shutter speed (1000 - 1250) on AV mode. I am shooting from inside the house through the window and using a tripod.

Here is a shot that did not turn out

http://loosemonkey.net/webimages/IMG_6231.JPG

Here is one that did turn out with a slower shutter speed but as you can see is to blurry

http://loosemonkey.net/webimages/IMG_6209.JPG

What settings are suggested to try to get these shots?

Thanks

Monk

[Tom Reichner]

ISO 400, then when in AV mode, set the aperture to the largest opening (the smallest number). I recommend repeatedly taking pictures of the area before the raccoons arrive, just to make sure that you are getting the exposure correct. If the exposures are not right then you can adjust by using the exposure compensation adjustment. I really don't think you need very fast shutter speeds. Even with the raccoons moving around quickly, 1/250th of a second should be plenty fast enough. I know several Pro West Rodeo circuit photographers, and they often use 1/250th when shooting bull rides. Those dang bulls move extremely quickly, and if 1/250th is fast enough to freeze the movement of an enraged bull, it will certainly freeze a playful juvenile raccoon.

All this being said, if you're trying to take these photos when it's already getting pretty dark outside, it will be a real challenge, and might just simply not work - unless you utilize artificial lighting.

[Kuma]

3 bandits. Watch out! :D

If your finding you can get a decent shutter speed (250+) you may want to open your aperture up a little. Not sure what lens your shooting with but if its a 2.8 or faster (bigger aperture, smaller number i.e. 1.8 or 1.4) the DOF might be a little thin to capture all those bandits sharply. And don't be afraid to go up to 800 iso if you need to. You can pp out the noise depending on what software you use.

[CyberDyneSystems]

In this situation (unchanging background and light) you might want to try manual.

[hollis_f]

The second shot is at ISO 800, f6.3, 1/6 s. If that's what's needed to get a proper exposure then I don't think that getting the shutter speed down to 1/100s is going to be that easy. That's 4 stops. You can gain around 2.5 stops by shooting at f/2.8 (if the lens is that fast). So the ISO will have to get bumped up to around 2000 - not sure if the Xsi even goes that high. Even then 1/100 s will not freeze fast critters like these.

So the only answer is extra light.