Exposure Problems (Page 3): Why is this forum used as a substitute for learning about how to operate one's camera properly? There is no substitute for learning about exposure! Yes, it...

mgoldfield

Why is this forum used as a substitute for learning about how to operate one's camera properly?

There is no substitute for learning about exposure! Yes, it takes discipline; but for those who refuse to take the time and make the effort, perhaps they should take up a different hobby.

Today's dSLR cameras are a technology miracle; they are far more complicated than the film SLRs of the past. Unfortunately, to reap the benefits, one must invest time and effort to learn about exposure and depth of field and try to keep the lens obsession under control.

A skilled photographer can produce a winner with a smartphone, yet all I see is an obsession with the RIGHT body, full frame and the perfect lens.

For those who are unwilling to make the investment in learning, perhaps they should stick to full AUTO mode which will get you a great shot 90% of the time.

I see the same nonsense on photography related groups on Facebook.

End of tirade!

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

mgoldfield wrote:

Why is this forum used as a substitute for learnin... (show quote)

Not a substitute. Simply one method. In fact one could argue that learning on all levels is the reason this site exists at all. If you think the question is beneath you, you can simply move on to a topic that is up to your elevated stature.

allend

I think I've finally figured this out.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

allend wrote:

I think I've finally figured this out.

Good. While thinking about my response on your thread I realised a possibility that hadn't occurred to me before. I like using Auto ISO in manual mode because once you've decided on an appropriate aperture you can just play off ISO against shutter speed. However, with a D5200 you can't adjust exposure compensation in that mode because the +/- button is used for changing the role of the adjustment wheel from shutter speed to aperture. If you want to adjust EC you have to get out of M mode.

The possibility that hadn't occurred to me was to set aperture in A mode then change over to S mode. That allows you to play off shutter speed against ISO (as before) but you still have direct access to EC. I'll be trying that procedure next time I'm out with my D5200. Not having quick access to aperture adjustments isn't a problem for me most of the time - I just make my best choice at the outset. Having quick access to EC adjustments is potentially far more useful.

BebuLamar

mgoldfield wrote:

Why is this forum used as a substitute for learnin... (show quote)

I am fine with the OP question besause it’s not which camera should I buy.

canon Lee

allend wrote:

I'm new to photography. I took my Nikon D3400 out to snap some pictures today. I tried Shutter Priority and Aperture Priority. All photos were either underexposed or overexposed.........badly. I could not get the light meter to center on any photos. If I went up or down and f-stop or shutter speed it threw the light meter either too high or too low. I know this is probably something elementary I'm doing wrong. Any help would be appreciated.

HI allend.... Some good points made here by my fellow photographers.. In addition to their comments, I would like to suggest that you try Manual mode... It maybe a good time for you to try setting exposure manually... Shooting outdoors there would be lots of light, so to start, set the Aperture to F8, Shutter to 1/60, ISO 200. Then see the difference when you open your Aperture all the way... ( BTW what is your lens widest aperture )? You didn't indicate if you were shooting indoors, low light!
In Manual mode you have complete control of the exposure.. Learn to use your "Histogram", to check the playback of your shot, and tweak the exposure with the aperture..

mgoldfield

Relying on others to explain the most basic tenets of photography is not the most responsible approach to learning.

Considering the complexity of many photographic issues, it is inevitable for the most seasoned of us to run into a snag.

Many of the issues brought up here can be easily resolved by referring to a user manual or a book on basic digital photography.

Should any of of have to do the other person's homework?

BebuLamar

mgoldfield wrote:

Relying on others to explain the most basic tenets of photography is not the most responsible approach to learning.

Considering the complexity of many photographic issues, it is inevitable for the most seasoned of us to run into a snag.

Many of the issues brought up here can be easily resolved by referring to a user manual or a book on basic digital photography.

Should any of of have to do the other person's homework?

The OP question is valid in my opinion. Asking others something one doesn't know is OK by me. Just don't ask which camera should one buy because it's like who should I marry.

srt101fan

R.G. wrote:

Good. While thinking about my response on your th... (show quote)

R.G. - I have my D5300 set up for M plus Auto ISO. As you said, I can't use the +/- button for Exposure Compensation because in M plus Auto ISO that button is used for aperture change.

But I can use Exposure Compensation by setting it in the Information Display. Is that option not available in the D5200?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

srt101fan wrote:

.....I can use Exposure Compensation by setting it in the Information Display. Is that option not available in the D5200?

Hi srt101fan. Yes, that's one of the things that can be adjusted via the display. Maybe I'm a bit finicky, but that seems like a cumbersome way to do it. Sometimes when you're shooting you need to be able to do things with the minimum of distractions. Using the Info display is a step up from having to navigate menus, but it's not as distraction-free as having direct button and wheel control. I'm comfortable with having to choose an aperture setting at the start and then staying with it, because most of the time quick aperture changes aren't a necessity. Having separate adjustment wheels for aperture and shutter speed would be the ideal answer, but being able to play shutter speed off against ISO while having EC as a quick option is about as distraction-free as it's possible to get with our style of camera. Some people enjoy gaining mastery over equipment complexities but my preference is to have as few distractions as possible. Concentrating on composition, timing etc are more important to me, so the less distractions the better.

srt101fan

R.G. wrote:

Hi srt101fan. Yes, that's one of the things that ... (show quote)

I hear you R.G. I agree that setting EC in the display is a bit cumbersome but I have sort of gotten used to it. But maybe I should try your approach!?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

srt101fan wrote:

I hear you R.G. I agree that setting EC in the display is a bit cumbersome but I have sort of gotten used to it. But maybe I should try your approach!?

I haven't got round to patenting the idea, so it's royalty-free

. Distraction-free is the way to go (and it's cheaper than upgrading to a two-wheel camera).

R.G. Loc: Scotland

srt101fan wrote:

I hear you R.G. I agree that setting EC in the display is a bit cumbersome but I have sort of gotten used to it. But maybe I should try your approach!?

I must have got my wires crossed when I was skipping back and forth between M and S mode. ISO doesn't change automatically in S mode, only in M mode (with Auto ISO). So there's no magic combination to give us what we really want. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a deliberate choice by the manufacturers to get us to upgrade. But having to choose EC in A mode first - or perhaps adjust it in the Info screen - isn't that big a deal. So it looks like it's me that'll be trying out your idea

.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

mgoldfield wrote:

Relying on others to explain the most basic tenets of photography is not the most responsible approach to learning.

Considering the complexity of many photographic issues, it is inevitable for the most seasoned of us to run into a snag.

Many of the issues brought up here can be easily resolved by referring to a user manual or a book on basic digital photography.

Should any of of have to do the other person's homework?

When you feel this way about a particular post, just don't engage in the discussion. It is really simple and you should not need to be instructed on such a basic point.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

http://www.dummies.com/photography/cameras/nikon-camera/choosing-exposure-mode-nikon-d3400/