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How to set a Canon 70D camera for (mostly) good images not using auto.
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Feb 11, 2019 20:06:43   #
buddah17 Loc: The Bahamas
 
Hello;
About a year (or more?) ago, I was asking questions on this site seeking help in making a setting on my Canon 70D camera where I could leave the camera at, and get reliable consistant and (sometimes) good images. The major problems I was having seemed to be with my ISO settings, and the auto focus.. (I am not of the "computer age" and not too computer or digital savvy...
One of the other UHH members was kind enough to show me a system where I could set the ISO to "Auto" and the other settings to various places. The system setup has worked GREAT for me, however last weekend I lent my camera to a family memeber at an event and she CHANGED every setting on the samera and now I don't remember the settings that I had it to. Her image results were mixed with some being amost totally black (it was an indoor event,) and a lot were out of focus although she did have it on "auto focus." Worse still, I'm on medications with a side effect of short term memory loss, and try as I may, I cannot remember the name of the gentleman kind enough to help me set up the system that I have been using the last few years; so that I can put the settings back to where they were. Can anyone help? Thanks.

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Feb 11, 2019 20:19:08   #
Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan
 
buddah17 wrote:
Hello;
About a year (or more?) ago, I was asking questions on this site seeking help in making a setting on my Canon 70D camera where I could leave the camera at, and get reliable consistant and (sometimes) good images. The major problems I was having seemed to be with my ISO settings, and the auto focus.. (I am not of the "computer age" and not too computer or digital savvy...
One of the other UHH members was kind enough to show me a system where I could set the ISO to "Auto" and the other settings to various places. The system setup has worked GREAT for me, however last weekend I lent my camera to a family memeber at an event and she CHANGED every setting on the samera and now I don't remember the settings that I had it to. Her image results were mixed with some being amost totally black (it was an indoor event,) and a lot were out of focus although she did have it on "auto focus." Worse still, I'm on medications with a side effect of short term memory loss, and try as I may, I cannot remember the name of the gentleman kind enough to help me set up the system that I have been using the last few years; so that I can put the settings back to where they were. Can anyone help? Thanks.
Hello; br About a year (or more?) ago, I was askin... (show quote)


Here is how to clear all of the settings your family member may have fooled with:

https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/index?page=content&id=ART143033


Mike

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Feb 11, 2019 20:42:39   #
BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten
 
If you have any previous pics of yours from prior to lending the camera the settings will be in the exif data for each pic.
This should be available on the sad cards or the computer.

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Feb 11, 2019 20:54:16   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
To start try the "P" setting, it is more advanced than "A", and it allows you to change shutter speed, f-stop (aperture) or ISO to learn what the changes will do to your pictures and changes the other settings so they stay appropriate for the one you changed. The camera's processor will have settings for different types of photography developed by Canon pros - for that reason some call the "P" setting "Professional".

Here are a few useful sites to go beyond that:

https://www.cameratips.com/canon/70d

https://www.dummies.com/photography/cameras/canon-camera/canon-eos-70d-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/

http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eos70dshootingguide/sample/index.html


1. Set the ISO to "Auto" this will usually get you the best exposure based on your other settings.

2. Set the shutter speed for the type of subject , moving, still etc a fast shutter speed will stop motion and cut down on blur from movement of subject or camera But in general use a shutter speed that is the same as the length of the lens or faster Exp a 100 mm lens use at least 1/100 unless you are very steady or using a tripod or other support.

3. The f-stop controls amount of light and depth of field The larger the # the less light, but the greater the depth of field. So small f-stop numbers for dim light and large ones for bright light. In bright light you can also go to faster shutter speeds in combination with the f-stop changes.

Get a good book on basic photography and learn more about how to use a camera. I recommend Tony Northrup's "How to Create Stunning Digital Photography". In e-book ($10 for either Nook or Kindle) it has links to over 14 hours of tutorials based on the chapter subject. In paperback it is $20.
In either Nook or Kindle you can get a free reading app for PC, Mac or Android from the Amazon Kindle or Barnes and Noble Nook site if you do not have one of their e-readers or tablets.
Beyond that are many great books like Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" In fact he has a pile of books, including field guide versions of many that fit in a coat pocket or camera bag.

There are aslo books about just the 70D. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Canon+70D?_requestid=4809212

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Feb 11, 2019 21:14:28   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
EXIF from one of your images

ImageWidth - 971
ImageLength - 1300
BitsPerSample - 8 8 8
Compression - 1 (None)
PhotometricInterpretation - 2
Make - Canon
Model - Canon EOS 70D
Orientation - Top left
SamplesPerPixel - 3
XResolution - 300.00
YResolution - 300.00
PlanarConfiguration - 1
ResolutionUnit - Inch
Software - Adobe Photoshop CC 2018 (Macintosh)
DateTime - 2018:10:13 09:06:35
Artist - WILLIAM LEE
ExifOffset - 328
ExposureTime - 1/500 seconds
FNumber - 8
ExposureProgram - Aperture priority
ISOSpeedRatings - 1000
Recommended Exposure Index - 1000
ExifVersion - 0230
DateTimeOriginal - 2016:04:14 17:16:09
DateTimeDigitized - 2016:04:14 17:16:09
ShutterSpeedValue - 1/500 seconds
ApertureValue - F 8.00
ExposureBiasValue - 0
MaxApertureValue - F 5.42
MeteringMode - Spot
Flash - Flash not fired, compulsory flash mode
FocalLength - 76 mm
SubsecTime - 00
SubsecTimeOriginal - 00
SubsecTimeDigitized - 00
ColorSpace - Uncalibrated/Unknown (-1)
ExifImageWidth - 739
ExifImageHeight - 770
FocalPlaneXResolution - 2452.12
FocalPlaneYResolution - 2452.12
FocalPlaneResolutionUnit - Centimeter
CustomRendered - Normal process
ExposureMode - Auto
White Balance - Auto
SceneCaptureType - Standard
Serial Number - 032021008056
Lens Info - 18 135 0.00/0.00 0.00/0.00
Lens Model - EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM
Lens Serial Number - 000005a688

Thumbnail: -
Compression - 6 (JPG)
XResolution - 72
YResolution - 72
ResolutionUnit - Inch
JpegIFOffset - 1026
JpegIFByteCount - 8151

Attached file:
(Download)

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Feb 12, 2019 07:45:12   #
Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire
 
I wouldn’t recommend Spot Metering as a method for someone who isn’t photo savvy. “P” is the setting for “reliable, consistent and (sometimes) [I would say “usually “] good images”.

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Feb 12, 2019 08:20:28   #
buddah17 Loc: The Bahamas
 
No the formula is not in P or any auto setting. I can't thank the members enough for all of the answers and advice given, (and so quickly.) I'm in school right now (training to do TATTOOS believe it or not...) So I won't be able to go thru all of this until next weekend. I will check out some suggestions and if everything works out well, will let you all know...
And the idea of looking back at image info. is a REALLY good one, something I will now ALWAYS remember as I HAVE checked it in the past...

Jrhoffman75 wrote:
I wouldn’t recommend Spot Metering as a method for someone who isn’t photo savvy. “P” is the setting for “reliable, consistent and (sometimes) [I would say “usually “] good images”.

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Feb 12, 2019 08:32:07   #
Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire
 
You could try Av set at f/8 and Auto ISO. But I would still recommend Evaluative Metering.

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Feb 12, 2019 08:53:11   #
lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama
 
P mode seems to make things simpler for me.

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Feb 12, 2019 08:53:16   #
lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama
 
P mode seems to make things simpler for me.

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Feb 12, 2019 09:43:24   #
Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa
 
Go to your profile page on UHH, find your list of postings, go thru them looking for the previous posting that provided you with the information you’re looking for. If the correct information came to you in a PM, those are also archived, just go back searching for what you’re looking for.

Walt

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Feb 12, 2019 10:13:04   #
Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
 
By having everything set to auto... you might be missing a lot of fun besides taking some extraordinary photographs.

Dik

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Feb 12, 2019 10:33:19   #
buddah17 Loc: The Bahamas
 
Yes and mentioned, the formula that I had was NOT for an auto setting. I was switching between speed and aperture settings... (The important ONE constant was the ISO being set on auto...)


Dikdik wrote:
By having everything set to auto... you might be missing a lot of fun besides taking some extraordinary photographs.

Dik

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Feb 12, 2019 10:38:56   #
Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
 
buddah17 wrote:
Yes and mentioned, the formula that I had was NOT for an auto setting.


Thanks... really like gadgets, a camera being one of them, and digital 'film' is so cheap.

Dik

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Feb 12, 2019 13:48:47   #
newtoyou Loc: Eastport
 
buddah17 wrote:
Hello;
About a year (or more?) ago, I was asking questions on this site seeking help in making a setting on my Canon 70D camera where I could leave the camera at, and get reliable consistant and (sometimes) good images. The major problems I was having seemed to be with my ISO settings, and the auto focus.. (I am not of the "computer age" and not too computer or digital savvy...
One of the other UHH members was kind enough to show me a system where I could set the ISO to "Auto" and the other settings to various places. The system setup has worked GREAT for me, however last weekend I lent my camera to a family memeber at an event and she CHANGED every setting on the samera and now I don't remember the settings that I had it to. Her image results were mixed with some being amost totally black (it was an indoor event,) and a lot were out of focus although she did have it on "auto focus." Worse still, I'm on medications with a side effect of short term memory loss, and try as I may, I cannot remember the name of the gentleman kind enough to help me set up the system that I have been using the last few years; so that I can put the settings back to where they were. Can anyone help? Thanks.
Hello; br About a year (or more?) ago, I was askin... (show quote)


If someone asked to borrow one of me cameras, I would ask if they needed to borrow my toothbrush. Same thing. I have given away many cameras, inexpensive digitals from yard sales. Do that. NOBODY should lend something like this. Good intentions, bad idea. Lose a friend that way.
Bill

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