Compact camera is teaching me to appreciate using Manual mode.

The other day. I tried shooting a sunset with my SX40HS. I normally use Av for most of my shots as I understand how I want to use big and small aperture opening. Unfortunately f8 is the smallest opening. When I tried to shoot at this settings. The colours of the sunset were lost. The low light feature of the camera keeps taking over. So I switched to Manual mode and stepped down the shutter until the image on my Liveview was as close to what I was seeing with my eyes. I have no idea what the numbers mean but here's the example.

Av mode:

You should really learn the exposure fundamentals. :P

Seriously though, you will enjoy it so much more if can make the camera behave the way you want it to. Spend some time reading and practising...it really doesn't take long to pick up.

And while your 40D doesn't have LiveView to preview, it's got a perfectly good 'afterview' feature....namely the LCD where you can review an shot immediately after you take it!!!

Canajun wrote in post #15017456
The point I want to make, is that I own a 40D for a number of years now. I've always avoided using Manual due to my lack of knowledge of the "triangle" (ISO, Aperture, Speed). Therefore I was thinking it would be nice if there is a way I can preview my shot before pressing down the shutter button. I would guess that the only way I can preview a shot is by using the histogram.

Anyways I thought I could really get into using Manual mode on my DSLR if I'm able to preview beforehand.

Before someone says it. I'll say it myself. Yeah I should really learn the exposure fundamentals.:o But as my sig says, I'm just a snap shooter.

Check the link in my signature. It's got a tutorial on how to use all the different modes on your camera, including manual mode.

And the 40D does have a live view function.

SOK wrote in post #15017513
You should really learn the exposure fundamentals. :P

Seriously though, you will enjoy it so much more if can make the camera behave the way you want it to. Spend some time reading and practising...it really doesn't take long to pick up.

And while your 40D doesn't have LiveView to preview, it's got a perfectly good 'afterview' feature....namely the LCD where you can review an shot immediately after you take it!!!

I know, that's what I am finding. I've been hiding behind the Av mode for too long. It's time to suck it up and learn how to use my gear properly.

What's so disheartening using Av is that. After a great day of being outdoor shooting. In my mind I had lots great shots. Only to find that the keepers are not as many as I have pictured in my mind

thanks for you comments.

Tiberius47 wrote in post #15017527
Check the link in my signature. It's got a tutorial on how to use all the different modes on your camera, including manual mode.

And the 40D does have a live view function.

will do , thanks

If you shoot with Live View on your 40D, your camera will simulate the result on the screen, much like your compact does.

Shooting in manual is really just a matter of confidence, once you understand the exposure fundamentals, that is. I shoot almost everything in manual as I like to be able to control everything as much as possible. Because ultimately that's what manual is about - control. Since you're obviously used to Av mode, perhaps it would be worth spending a little time in Tv mode to get used to shutter speeds, before diving head first into manual.

Canajun wrote in post #15017456
The other day. I tried shooting a sunset with my SX40HS......

A big factor in obtaining the color you were seeking in the 2nd shot was switching from Auto White Balance to Manual WB.

onona wrote in post #15018013
If you shoot with Live View on your 40D, your camera will simulate the result on the screen, much like your compact does.

Shooting in manual is really just a matter of confidence, once you understand the exposure fundamentals, that is. I shoot almost everything in manual as I like to be able to control everything as much as possible. Because ultimately that's what manual is about - control. Since you're obviously used to Av mode, perhaps it would be worth spending a little time in Tv mode to get used to shutter speeds, before diving head first into manual.

Confidence = Bingo!! I think it's the numbers that intimidates me. But finding out simple rules like sunny 16 etc. makes it easier for me to dive into it. Btw I read I've read Bryan Petersons exposure book but it really did not sink in.

As pointed by Steve. It's more like Afterview. It's after the fact. I was thinking the compact is more real time. I can see how it's affecting my shot even before I shoot. In my brain I can relate to these changes. Just like my example, I know I wanted to have small aperture to capture the details. But the camera was giving me completely different results than what I had in mind. Therefore when I change the speed. I can see I was getting closer to what I was trying to achieve. In this particular case I did not even realize that the ISO was set at 100.

I guess I made this thread to illustrate that using a compact cameras can be a useful learning tool.

Seapup wrote in post #15018072
A big factor in obtaining the color you were seeking in the 2nd shot was switching from Auto White Balance to Manual WB.

I've always viewed WB as a secondary after exposure. I mean once you have the correct exposure, but you are not happy with the tones/colours. Then you adjust the WB. Then again this is just my perceptions.

I'm not the only one! This is exactly how I learned about f stop and exposure on my S2IS. Basically what you see on the screen of the cam is what the pic is and any changes you make appear almost instantly. I don't want to tell you how many images on my T2i I've screwed up because what appears in the view finder isn't what is captured! My time spent with my first camera was invaluable for me as a photographer.

Canajun wrote in post #15018284
Confidence = Bingo!! I think it's the numbers that intimidates me. But finding out simple rules like sunny 16 etc. makes it easier for me to dive into it.

Live view might be better for sunsets, but this is what I usually use: Need an exposure crutch?
Why?: Post #47

I usually find with sunsets, assuming you can't be bothered messing about trying to get the right manual setting, is to exclude the foreground and just meter the sky. Recompose as necessary and take the shot.

Sorarse wrote in post #15022842
I usually find with sunsets, assuming you can't be bothered messing about trying to get the right manual setting, is to exclude the foreground and just meter the sky. Recompose as necessary and take the shot.

Metering is another subject that I haven't explored much

That's why I love this hobby. Now that I had fun shooting semi-auto. It's time to really get down and dirty