Trying to put my camera to the test

[weez1959]

I have a pretty good camera that I've ben using on auto, mostly and I'd like to try and learn a bit more with your help
It's a Canon EOS Rebel XT
How could I improve the pic below?

[zhenya]

Hi Louise,

I have the same camera body and think it is very good one. What lens did you use for this shot?
Also, I think using tripod would help alot to steady the camera and alow it to produce sharper images with longer exposures.
And lastly, which software you use for post processing?

[weez1959]

Hi Gene,
I used the lens that came with the body and I did use a tripod
Am I supposed to use some specific software? I do have 2 discs that came with the camera, I'll have to check.

[weez1959]

I just did a bit of reading in the manual and discovered that I can take the pics in RAW and edit in Photoshop, is this a good idea?

[zhenya]

I just did a bit of reading in the manual and discovered that I can take the pics in RAW and edit in Photoshop, is this a good idea?

Louise,
I know of lots of people who shoots in RAW exclusively, simply because they can have more control on post processing. It does take some time and good knowledge of Photoshop to have good results. By the way, I think only PS CS and CS2 versions support RAW files but Zoom Browser that came with your camera does support it and you can do your adjustments there, convert and save them as TIFF, for example, and then do the rest of the processing in Photoshop. Why TIFF? Because there will be the least loss of quality...Every time you adjust and save a JPEG file you loose alot of quality(valuable information from the file) in the file. Like color and edge sharpness.
I am sure Mike can give you more details on using RAW files. I don't use it as often anymore simply because I don't have time to post process. When I take shots/ portraits I try to discipline myself and shoot in RAW and don't be lazy...

You said you used lens that came with the camera but you didn't say which lens exactly. If it is EF-S 18-55mm kit lens than you may want to try shooting in Av mode(shutter priority) and set your aperture to like 5.6 or higher(smaller opening) since you are using tripod. Also, make sure you are squarely pointing at the tank to eliminate any difractions and other artifacts caused by the glass properties. In Av mode the shutter speeds will be selected by the camera so you just need to stop down that lens and see if it will perform better for you. My hunch is that this lens does it;s best somewhere between f5.6-8, depending on the copy's quality of course.

[charlie]

Weez, did you just get the camera, or have you been holding out on us???

I have never tried to shoot the Raw files, mainly because I don't have the time to sit down and do the processing. I should have looked into it a little when I was off because of my back, I guess.

If Mike does chime in here, you are gonna get the best help, (agreeing with Gene here).
On the other hand, Gene has helped me out tons too. That is why this is the best "Photo" forum I have seen on a reef site!!!!!

All I can really add is, just sit down and start taking pics, that is the best practice that there is. Good luck, and we will always be around to take a look at your pics.

[weez1959]

Hey Charlie,
Yup I've had it for a while, about 8 months. I need to sit down and read but can't find the time
So I've been taking mostly auto everything pics
I wonder if there's an online course???

[Reefland]

Mike and Gene's online course is the best.
Photo Training

[zhenya]

Hey Charlie,
Yup I've had it for a while, about 8 months. I need to sit down and read but can't find the time
So I've been taking mostly auto everything pics
I wonder if there's an online course???

Louise,

Quality of the images will improve with practice, practice, practice...thankfully the film is free...

Jokes aside, though, you may wish to look at the lessons in photography by clicking here
Gregory is a wonderful photographer and his lessons are free... ;)

[weez1959]

Thanks for the link you guys.
I've been fooling around with my camera a bit more and will post a few pic tomorrow, in the meantime I took an actinic shot that turned out pretty good, If you click on my avatar you'll see it. The fish are blurred but that's due to the shutter being open for a while

Also I was trying it out in manual and I can't seem to get the Aperture down below 5.6, anyone know why???

[zhenya]

Hi Louise,

Actinic shot isn't bad at all.

Now, what it is you saying about the aperture? If you are talking about the EFS 18-55mm lens then the aperture will be changing if you are zooming. More expensive lenses have constant maximum aperture, like f2.8 for example, that won't change if you are zooming in or out.You can stop it down all the way to f22 if you need to but it won't do it on it's own if you are zooming in.
However, that kit lens will be affected if you are zoomed in. ;)

My advice would be if you want to have larger aperture( lower f#) that you zoom in with your feet... ;)

HTH.

[weez1959]

Thanks Gene!
I'll practice a bunch
I tried it out with the moonlights tonight, pretty freaky!

[FireEater]

That moonlight shot is great.

What aperture setting did you shoot it at?

[charlie]

Thanks Gene!
I'll practice a bunch
I tried it out with the moonlights tonight, pretty freaky!

Boy, I tell ya, this having to go to work everyday sure cuts into my online time........................................
Did ya do any more practicing today?

[weez1959]

That moonlight shot is great.

What aperture setting did you shoot it at?

aperture 5.6, shutterspeed 0.4 ISO 200
and in photoshop I used auto colour.
looks a little freaky but I like it

Boy, I tell ya, this having to go to work everyday sure cuts into my online time........................................

I guess you'll have to shoot yourself in the foot with a nail gun

[charlie]

They don't let phone guys near sharp objects!!!

[weez1959]

I guess you'll have to figure out some way to get out of that "work" thing!
Everyone needs you here answering our silly questions

[charlie]

I guess you'll have to figure out some way to get out of that "work" thing!
Everyone needs you here answering our silly questions

You know, in a funny way, I appreciate that.

Thanx

[weez1959]

Can anyone recommend a zoom lens that would fit on a Canon eos rebel XT 350D. I have an ef-s 18-55mm lens on it right now and I can't get very close with it. Or a macro lens maybe? What would be best?

[zhenya]

Can anyone recommend a zoom lens that would fit on a Canon eos rebel XT 350D. I have an ef-s 18-55mm lens on it right now and I can't get very close with it. Or a macro lens maybe? What would be best?

Louise,

There are many, many choices when it comes to zoom lenses and it would be easier to recommend some if I knew what focal range you are looking to cover... wide angle or maybe longer reach?

To replace that 18-55mm lens I would highly recommend EF 17-40mm f4 L lens from Canon. I have one and can't say enough good things about it's quality, from build to glass quality. ;) If you want the longer reach i would recommend getting 70-200mm f4 L, it is a superb lens that won't break the bank to get at roughly $580.00.

To get closer you would definately need a dedicated macro lens like the Canon;s 100m f2.8 lens or you can get a cheaper EF-S 60mm f2.f lens. If anything, the quality of the glass is almost the same and it is f2.8 aperture, I have it on the camera most of the time either shooting tank pictures or the family shots.
You may also look into a Sigma 105mm or Tamron's 90mm macro lenses, both are quite nice and optically Tamron probably as good if not better than Canon's macro lens.

Research all your potential buys at fredmiranda.com: Specialized in digital cameras, photoshop actions, and digital darkroom, I love that site.

PS. I forgot to add that you may wish to try a relatively cheap prime lens from Canon with a huge aperture of f1.8, and it is very sharp and fast. Cheaply built but what do you expect for $70.00?