Help me fix this picture

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT and I'm not very familiar with the settings, yet. I was kicking myself this trip that I didn't pack the user manual and tutorial. I also forgot to pack the cable that would let me view the pictures on the TV at night to see how I was doing.

These shots looked pretty good in the LCD, but not exactly what I wanted when I see them on the computer.

I took them on the normal setting (green box on the dial). What settings should I have used to give the water a little bit of movement? Please step me through how to do the settings.

Thanks!

http://members.cox.net/birdsofpreydave/IMG_0905.jpg
http://members.cox.net/birdsofpreydave/IMG_0911.jpg
These pictures look too stiff. I think I should have used a slightly slower shutter speed, but don't know the easiest way to set it.

[Kelly Grannell]

green box is the point-and-shoot mode. Nothing wrong with that, but you haven't unleashed the power of your dSLR.

For that particular shot, lower your ISO to 100, use slower shutter speed by going to Tv mode.

For more detail, visit the second link in my signature.

[mhutchinson]

Landscape mode might have slowed the motion down a little bit as well. It sets the focus to infinity and also the aperature to a higher f-stop which will result in a slower shutter speed. Under the bright conditions might only be slight, but it would still be more than freeze frame.

Increasing either the time (Tv) for a longer shutter speed (which increases f-stop value) or increasing the aperature (Av) to a higher f-stop value (which increases shutter time) would have done the same. With Tv you specify how long, with Av you specify depth of field (dof) with the higher f value (eg f/11,f22)

Canon always makes manuals available online and anytime.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=SupportDetailAct&fcategoryid=215&modelid=11154

Mike

[Kelly Grannell]

PS: I personally like the first picture. I would like it less if the water is more 'fluid' like.

[ThinkTink510]

ooops dd did NOT log out again ... :sad2:

[disneyfreakjackie]

Increasing either the time (Tv) for a longer shutter speed (which increases f-stop value) or increasing the aperature (Av) to a higher f-stop value (which increases shutter time) would have done the same. With Tv you specify how long, with Av you specify depth of field (dof) with the higher f value (eg f/11,f22)
Mike

:sad2: ... I'll NEVER learn all this ... :crazy: ... my mind is FREAKIN' out!

[geetey]

LOL! You will, Jackie, but it does take time. Since you are so close to going on your trip, may I offer a suggestion?

I only have my Rebel XT a short time (less than 2 months) before our big WDW trip. I made a small 'cheat sheet' on the computer, printed it in a very small font, pasted it on a 4x6 notecard and put it with my camera. I primarily shot in P mode, but if I wasn't getting the results I wanted, I double-checked my notecard so I could make adjustments. When it was time for fireworks, I pulled out the notecard and took a look at it too. I wish I had taken even better notes but every little bit helped. I got very good at changing the ISO quickly for those inside rides with No Flash allowed. ;)