Help with camera settings

[deana]

Hi,

I am photographing a running event July 9. I was going to use the automatic setting which I did the last time and noticed the pics were a bit dark. This event was during the day a very cloudy day. I would love to hear any suggestions on another setting to use. We are expecting some rain also due to the storm in the gulf. Also need advice on photographing in the rain and protecting the camera.

Thanks,

Deana

[PhotosGuy]

You might help us out with the cam & lens you'll be using & your general experience level? ';-)

[deana]

I will be using a 20d with a 70-200 lensand a rebel with an 85mm 1.8 lens. As you see I am not very experienced. Thanks

[Sathi]

I thaught I saw a thread around here just recently that showed how to make a protective cover for your camera out of a plastic bag. I think basically if you have a lense hood put the plastic bag over the camera and then screw the hood onto your lens over the plastic bag, this will hold it in place. You can then carefully cut out the plastic that is covering the opening to the lens.

Maybe if you posted a pic we could evaluate why the pics you took before were dark. I don't think you should have any problem capturing well exposed pics on an overcast day using the 20d.

[robertwgross]

If the sky is gray, it might not hurt to pop the built-in flash up and let it flash. If your lens gets in the way of the light of the flash, then you'll have to go to an external flash unit.

You are not looking for enought flash to light up a coal mine, but you are just looking for a little fill flash to brighten up a subject within 15 feet or so.

---Bob Gross---

[PhotosGuy]

The 70-200 should work well. I'd suggest you chose where you shoot from carefully so that the light works in your favor. Better to have a dozen very good pics than 1,000 crappy ones!
If you're going to try using the flash, Use Tv at 1/200 or under & shoot some tests with a friend before to get an idea of what it's doing.