Looking for perfection
Dec 25, 2018 17:26:05 #
I am disappointed with my shots. Wondering what I am doing wrong. I am using Nikon D90 in manual mode and most of my shots are overexposed. The meter is always on 0 (in the middle) which in my mind should be the perfect exposure. Wondering if it is an issue with the camera or the operator. Any help would be appreciated.
Dec 25, 2018 17:31:42 #
orchid1 wrote:
I am disappointed with my shots. Wondering what I am doing wrong. I am using Nikon D90 in manual mode and most of my shots are overexposed. The meter is always on 0 (in the middle) which in my mind should be the perfect exposure. Wondering if it is an issue with the camera or the operator. Any help would be appreciated.
Most likely operator error.
If the meter is reading the "wrong" part of the scene, very dark, the remainder will be overexposed.
This is simplistic in response but a likely scenario.
I don't know the metering system and others can give hints on how to correct for this with your model.
Good luck.
Dec 25, 2018 17:32:57 #
Just a few thoughts. Are you using any +exposure compensation, or perhaps spot metering? Either of which might cause some overexposure? Posting a shot or two and checking store original might also help
Dec 25, 2018 17:51:56 #
UncleBuck wrote:
Just a few thoughts. Are you using any
+exposure compensation, or perhaps
spot metering? Either of which might
cause some overexposure? Posting a
shot or two and checking store original
might also help
Just a few thoughts. Are you using any
+exposure compensation, or perhaps
spot metering? Either of which might
cause some overexposure? Posting a
shot or two and checking store original
might also help
Can't speak specifically for the D90,
but for all my various camera models,
the +/- compensation ONLY affects
Auto modes. IOW, it does NOT bias
the "zero" point on the scale used for
manual metering.
Does a D90 have AUTO ISO ? If so, I
wonder if the user is truly fully using
a real manual exposure control ?
.
Dec 25, 2018 18:13:48 #
I have ISO one manual as well and the shots I have been taking are all daytime shots with the ISO set at 200
Dec 25, 2018 18:16:13 #
orchid1 wrote:
I am disappointed with my shots. Wondering what I am doing wrong. I am using Nikon D90 in manual mode and most of my shots are overexposed. The meter is always on 0 (in the middle) which in my mind should be the perfect exposure. Wondering if it is an issue with the camera or the operator. Any help would be appreciated.
Perhaps you are using the wrong white balance settings on manual? That will greatly affect the end results.
Dec 25, 2018 18:16:37 #
Check your camera modes settings, especially exposure compensation. Next metering the scene. If you are using spot, or center weighted metering make sure you are metering on some part of the scene that is of average brightness. Spot, or center weighted, metering will meter where you are pointing the camera. If that part of the scene is dark, the scene will be a bit to a lot overexposed. Conversely, if you are metering a brighter than average part of the scene the result will be darker than you expect.
Perfect exposure is a fallacy. Perfect exposure is that exposure which renders the captured subject in a manner that you wish it to be. 0 on the meter may not give you that at all.
--Bob
Perfect exposure is a fallacy. Perfect exposure is that exposure which renders the captured subject in a manner that you wish it to be. 0 on the meter may not give you that at all.
--Bob
orchid1 wrote:
I am disappointed with my shots. Wondering what I am doing wrong. I am using Nikon D90 in manual mode and most of my shots are overexposed. The meter is always on 0 (in the middle) which in my mind should be the perfect exposure. Wondering if it is an issue with the camera or the operator. Any help would be appreciated.
Dec 25, 2018 18:18:24 #
Dec 25, 2018 18:21:34 #
I will check both of those settings. I know I was having some understanding moments with the spot metering. I was not sure how to set it.
Dec 25, 2018 18:23:45 #
Dec 25, 2018 18:32:01 #
Okay, I may have my metering set wrong. I do not have and understanding of center weighted etc. In your opinion where should it be set for a novice like me.
Dec 25, 2018 18:59:52 #
Dec 25, 2018 19:10:53 #
orchid1 wrote:
I am disappointed with my shots. Wondering what I am doing wrong. I am using Nikon D90 in manual mode and most of my shots are overexposed. The meter is always on 0 (in the middle) which in my mind should be the perfect exposure. Wondering if it is an issue with the camera or the operator. Any help would be appreciated.
Use the exposure compensation selector to lower it -2 and see what happens.
Dec 25, 2018 19:15:20 #
orchid1 wrote:
I am disappointed with my shots. Wondering what I am doing wrong. I am using Nikon D90 in manual mode and most of my shots are overexposed. The meter is always on 0 (in the middle) which in my mind should be the perfect exposure. Wondering if it is an issue with the camera or the operator. Any help would be appreciated.
Welcome to UHH.
Simple solution: close the lens down a stop, then check your results (for example, f/8 when f/5.6 is being called for by the built-in meter.) Take a lot of images of any old things around the house at different settings, and then compare results. Then, once you have good grasp of how different settings (by "settings" I mean f/stop and shutter speed, not programs) you can read in your camera's manual about the different metering systems the camera uses. Don't get lost in the tech-y "weeds."
Mike
Dec 26, 2018 04:27:18 #
pmorin wrote:
Perhaps you are using the wrong white balance settings on manual? That will greatly affect the end results.
No, WB should not affect the exposure, but it will affect the color balance!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.