Please help with African Safari Camera settings (Page 2): The suggestions of "Auto" are well intentioned, but wrong. That is not the setting you want to use. It might be OK for...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

Check out True Macro-Photography Forum section of our forum.

Main Photography Discussion

Please help with African Safari Camera settings.

Page <prev 2 of 3 next>

Jan 9, 2020 17:52:50 #

Joexx

jeep_daddy wrote:

ISO 400 and aperture priority should work just fine unless it's dark outside. Use Exposure compensation for subjects in shadows. You can also use manual mode, wide open on your lens, 1/2000th shutter speed, and Auto ISO. Shoot RAW so you can get the most out of processing those that might be over or under exposed.

The suggestions of "Auto" are well intentioned, but wrong. That is not the setting you want to use. It might be OK for scenery, but will work poorly especially for birds in flight. As Jeep_daddy suggested, Given your minimal experience, use aperture priority. It should give you better results and have a small learning curve. Vary the aperture and pay attention to what the shutter speed is. For BIF, you usually want to have a speed over 1/1000. If the lighting conditions are poor, increase the ISO . You may end up with an ISO over 1000.
Full manual is not necessary and usually NOT the best option for any pictures where lighting conditions are changing.
Practice at home before you travel.
Hope this helps.

Jan 10, 2020 06:18:57 #

alphonso49uk

I have the rx10m4....... Ive set the ael button to 2000 ,continuous focus, continuous shooting and auto iso to 100-1600...you can do that by assigning a button in the reg custom shoot feature. I wouldnt use the multi metering mode....try spot,centre or entire screen average otherwise birds will probably be underexposed.
For other animals particularly stationery I just use aperture set to f4 which will give you a fast shutter speed in decent light.....or just use shutter priority
Dont overthink it....its difficult to take a really bad shot with that camera

Jan 10, 2020 07:10:02 #

traderjohn Loc: New York City

bsprague wrote:

Philip,

With minimal experience, a great camera and a fantastic trip opportunity, don't be reluctant using Sony's automatic modes. It is the green "Auto" setting on the dial.

Bill

Did you really think your last sentence was necessary??
Really???

Check out Travel Photography - Tips and More section of our forum.

Jan 10, 2020 08:15:26 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Photography -
https://www.safaribookings.com/blog/15-african-safari-photography-tips
https://digital-photography-school.com/10-tips-to-photograph-an-african-photographic-safari/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/activities/photography-tips-africa-safari/
https://www.porini.com/blog/essential-photography-tips-african-safari/
https://www.gadventures.com/blog/tips-photos-african-safari/
https://www.tripsavvy.com/taking-great-photos-on-safari-1454103

Gear -
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-473761-1.html
https://fstoppers.com/animal/essential-camera-features-and-settings-safari-photography-176678
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/8065882473/gearing-up-for-an-african-safari
http://www.bythom.com/photographic-travel/africa/how-to-think-about-equipmen.html
http://www.elliottneep.com/#!/p/gear-guide-safari
https://luminous-landscape.com/digital-safari-equipment-tips/

Jan 10, 2020 08:31:12 #

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

jerryc41 wrote:

Photography - br https://www.safaribookings.com/b... (show quote)

Jerry, Thank you. You are very kind with your replies.
Phil

Jan 10, 2020 08:32:14 #

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

alphonso49uk wrote:

I have the rx10m4....... Ive set the ael button to... (show quote)

Thank you for your reply.
Phil

Jan 10, 2020 08:32:44 #

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

Joexx wrote:

The suggestions of "Auto" are well inten... (show quote)

Thank you for your reply>
Phil

Jan 10, 2020 09:11:23 #

timbuktutraveler

philklim wrote:

I will be on an African Safari and would like some help with
Camera settings.
Specifically interested in Birds in flight, animals somewhat stationary and actively moving.
I have minimal experience in manual mode. I will be using a Sony Rx10 M4.
Thank you.
Philip Klim

Jan 10, 2020 09:20:14 #

timbuktutraveler

I was on 3 Safaris in Aug/Sept of 2019. Rented a SONY RX10 IV with its 24-600 lens built in.
This camera is a "Rolls Royce" of Bridge Cameras. I did most of my shooting on (green) AUTO, and
some with Aperture and Shutters priority. Got fantastic shots auto shots several of which I blew up to
16 X 20. Rented the camera from Lens Rentals and about a month before I left, bought and read Alexander White's excellent Photographer's Guide to the SONY DSC RX10 IV.

Jan 10, 2020 09:49:09 #

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

philklim wrote:

If you are not already familiar with your camera's settings.....shoot full auto rather than risk loosing the shots. The RX10 IV is a very capable camera with huge zoom capability and will deliver very very nice images even to a novice.....Good Luck on your Safari.

Jan 10, 2020 09:51:03 #

Dossile

For animals on the ground, auto setting should work great. However, monkeys in trees, leopards in trees, birds flying within a tree canopy have too great a dynamic range (bright background, subject in shadows) for auto. I have found that manual settings are a necessity in these situations. Birds flying with a bright sky, for those I like an aperture “A” setting with ISO of 400 or less and a speed over 1000. Even then, the bird can be a black blob requiring some decent post processing. The birds in Africa are exceptionally colorful. I love the many hues of blue, black, red and gold and the extremely interesting shapes and appendages. Have a wonderful time.

Check out Software and Computer Support for Photographers section of our forum.

Jan 10, 2020 10:07:44 #

jgm

philklim wrote:

You might want to check out this free, short e-book "Point & Shoot Nature Photography
with the Sony RX10iv".

https://psnp.info/psnp_/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PS-Sony-RX10iv-1.pdf

Also, his full book "Point and Shoot Nature Photography", available from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Point-Nature-Photography-Stephen-Ingraham/dp/1549762281

The Sony Cyber-shot Talk forum on DP Review also a good source expertise on the camera:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/1009

Jan 10, 2020 10:54:17 #

Nicholas DeSciose

Practice practice practice practice

Jan 10, 2020 12:09:21 #

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

Nicholas DeSciose wrote:

Practice practice practice practice

Thank you for your advice.
Phil

Jan 10, 2020 12:09:41 #

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

jgm wrote:

You might want to check out this free, short e-boo... (show quote)

Thank you for your advice.
Phil

Page <prev 2 of 3 next>

If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.

Check out Black and White Photography section of our forum.

Main Photography Discussion

Home | Latest Digest | Back to Top | All Sections

UglyHedgehog.com - Forum