Exposure Compensation Settings

[maxalmon]

I'm going to do a series of threads on various camera settings, I'll be using the same coral for all the threads. I will also post all the image details for each photo and try to explain how and why you want to use certain settings
I've reduced the size and quality of the images so that dialup members won't have problems.
This first series is one of the most basic of settings but one that most people never use or feel that they don't know how to use.
Most people will tell you to set the exposure compensation anywhere from -3 to -7 and leave it there, it's not such a good idea to use the EC control to lighten an image (+)
I had to use the f/29 setting in order to get the full rim in focus, this coral is about 3" around. The only change to this image were the EC settings.
This coral is sitting 10" directly below a 250MH fixture
I've highlighted in bold the only changes made in camera settings.
Lens: VR 105mm F/2.8 G
Focal Length: 105mm
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
2.50 sec - F/29
Exposure Comp.: +0.3 EV

Lens: VR 105mm F/2.8 G
Focal Length: 105mm
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1.60 sec - F/29
Exposure Comp.: -0.3 EV

Lens: VR 105mm F/2.8 G
Focal Length: 105mm
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1.30 sec - F/29
Exposure Comp.: -0.7 EV

 

[maxalmon]

Notice how the background becomes darker, it's very subtle. Also notice inside the cup how it becomes a little darker and you have more of a shadow.

 

[05xrunner]

just to let you know..in digital cameras anything above f16 and it actually starts to lose image quality and sharpness.
Instead of center weighted and exposing ont he coral which is much lighter and will give you a faster shutter speed and make the background darker. try a evaluative metering so it does the whole scene.
it has more of a shadow because the entire image is darker overall.

 

[maxalmon]

I should add that I'm in no way any type of camera expert and will be posting what I've learned over the last few months, I still have a lot to learn and the items I'll be posting are the topics that really helped me with my image quality, it's very basic stuff and only meant to offer basic advice......If I'm off on anything, chime in and correct me..

 

[maxalmon]

Originally Posted by 05xrunner
just to let you know..in digital cameras anything above f16 and it actually starts to lose image quality and sharpness.
Instead of center weighted and exposing ont he coral which is much lighter and will give you a faster shutter speed and make the background darker. try a evaluative metering so it does the whole scene.
it has more of a shadow because the entire image is darker overall.
I've tried the entire bracket series of f6 thru f29 and when I use the f16 or 18 the rim of coral is not in focus as there is not enough depth, the only way I can get an crisp image of the entire coral is to use the f29 setting and have noticed the color and detail problems, seemed to be a decent trade off. Most of the time I shoot in f10-18 range and have done an entire series of studies on various corals, like I said I've got a lot to learn
I'll reshoot this coral using the evaluative metering and see how it works, thanks for the information

 

[05xrunner]

since you are using a macro lens you are much closer. the closer you are the less of a DOF you will have.
you could try to use another zoom lens and get further back and zoom in and will give you a larger DOF with a smaller fstop

 

[steve24]

dang, you guys are talking greek to me

nice shots as always maxalmon, love seeing your pics

 

[t316]

Yea Maxalmon...I'm really interested in this but you got to keep it simple. I don't even know what the "f" setting is, let alone how to get to it.

 

[coral keeper]

Originally Posted by T316
Yea Maxalmon...I'm really interested in this but you got to keep it simple. I don't even know what the "f" setting is, let alone how to get to it.
Ditto. lol

 

[maxalmon]

Originally Posted by T316
Yea Maxalmon...I'm really interested in this but you got to keep it simple. I don't even know what the "f" setting is, let alone how to get to it.
This is going to be an exclusive club, you'll have to have a DSLR camera to play along

most point and shot cameras will have very limited settings
This is going to be a learning curve for me as well and I figured that other people could join in on each topic
This thread is getting a little off topic as it was about exposure compensation, they all go hand in hand, one affects the other and it's a complicated process, but once you get the idea of how fstop, shutter speed, ISO and everything else works, then it starts to make sense.

 

[bpophoto79]

You would be better off shooting in Manual mode and adjusting the f/stop and shutter speed to adjust how light or dark the image is. It will give you more control. Just a thought

 

[maxalmon]

Originally Posted by bpophoto79
You would be better off shooting in Manual mode and adjusting the f/stop and shutter speed to adjust how light or dark the image is. It will give you more control. Just a thought
I just made my way thru "a" override mode, manual is still a little way off for me, but will be my next adventure. I'm just now learning shutter speeds. This thread is more based for people like me, who want nice pics, can use a few of the controls and are just learning the basics and simply aren't ready for full on manual photos...LOL....Trying to keep it rather simple with using the basic controls for decent images

 

[t316]

This is going to be an exclusive club, you'll have to have a DSLR camera to play along

most point and shot cameras will have very limited settings
I have my wife's $400+ Sony, with more settings, buttons, & gadgets than I can count. The problem is operater error. And trying to read the manuals is like... (well, I was about to say something not politically correct towards non-Americans). Somebody needs to start a thread on Basic Camera 101 IMHO

 

[stdreb27]

yeah, I got a nikor 105 lense, and the depth of focus is really small. Quite annoying when you are trying to shoot a 7 inch fish.

 

[maxalmon]

Originally Posted by stdreb27
yeah, I got a nikor 105 lense, and the depth of focus is really small. Quite annoying when you are trying to shoot a 7 inch fish.
As a test I decided to use my 105mm lens and shoot some pics that were several feet away, works fine, I just never thought it would. Try backing up, I think the image quality is good up till 10'

 

[05xrunner]

Originally Posted by stdreb27
yeah, I got a nikor 105 lense, and the depth of focus is really small. Quite annoying when you are trying to shoot a 7 inch fish.
thats the nature of a macro lens..when you are close like they are supposed to be. your Dof is razor thin.
Your better off using a zoom lens and stepping back from the tank..give you a much larger DOF