400d under exposure ?

Hi chaps I have done a lot of searching on this subject but need some further advice please. I am pretty sure my 400d is under exposing (the histogram on this shot confirms it) OK I know I can cure this problem by not using full auto but figured I'd like the camera to be able to expose reasonably well on auto especially on a bright sunny day as this is. I think it's a tad soft as well but maybe at the end of the zoom on this sigma lens that's as good as I'll get. I've also a shot taken at the same time with my little point and shoot which really puts it to shame. Your comments please - Best regards Roger

http://www.rogerburton​.co.uk/cow/lamp.jpg

http://www.rogerburton​.co.uk/cow/ixus.jpg

Did you try evaluative mode?

Thanks Jo - I didn't think the metering mode was changeable in fully auto ?

Roger

I think if you search for "400D underexposes" on this forum you'll find about 300 other 400D users complaining about the same thing. You have to get it out of the Green Box mode and expose it the way you want it.

Heres one of those threads.
https://photography-on-the.net …ighlight=XTI+un​derexposes

As far as the lens goes, every lens has its "sweet spot" and experimenting will tell you what that is for yours. In my experience, most zoom lenses are soft out at thend.

Thanks for that WaltA - I totally agree and appreciate your comments and hardly ever use the Green Box now I'm learning more about how to use the camera but am a bit loathe to start pushing up the ISO etc. if the camera is basically under exposing from the start - are you saying that, in fact, this is an acceptable exposure for this auto setting on a nice sunny day ? and I'll try and find that 'sweet spot' Thanks again - Roger

As Walt says, the 400 is a consistent under-exposer in the green box. The XT was an over-exposer so I guess Canon over compensated. It will be interesting to see what the XSi does. I’m not sure if exposure compensation works in full auto, but you might give that a try.

Our motto is 'Expose To The Right", especially on the 400D.

I've found that switching to DSLR from a P&S requires you to think differently or you'll be disappointed. For example, here are some things my P&S cameras do well that my DLSRs don't do well at all (or even at all):

1) focus in low light - my nifty has trouble focusing whereas my A630 has no problems at all, even in candlelight
2) focus close up - my 6500fd could focus 1cm away from the subject, I can't get much within a foot with any of my lenses
3) live view - you can tell if your camera's going to expose more for the sky or the ground before you take the shot
4) P&S images are often sharper and more colourful straight off the camera.

Despite all that, guess which I use more, even though it's bigger, heavier and more expensive?

I leave my XTi +1/3 to the right.

I've had exposure compensation on my XTi set to +1/3 stop for months.