Canon S3

[bob100]

experimenting at the air show - (using "AEB" bracketing)

 

[grandall]

We got back from our trip last week and wanted to share a few pics!

This one was taken in the dark without a flash and I ran it through noiseware:

 

[PhotobearSam]

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

LPZ Stitch - I am back again. I have been playing around with everything you have said. How do I do spot metering? That is the one thing I have not had luck with!

The trick to using spot metering is to also be in AV mode with the aperture set as wide as possible (the smallest number; 2.7 - 3.5 depending on the zoom). This way you've already got the camera set up to take in as much light as possible, and you're letting it calculate the shutter-speed.

It works best at a concert or a show like Voyage of the Little Mermaid where the main performers are brightly lit and the background is dark.

You switch into Spot metering and aim at the brightest spot on the subject that you can find. When you half-press the shutter, the camera will calcuate the "correct" shutter speed to expose *only* the brightest part. Background details will be *much* darker, but the subject will look good.

You'll see the shutter speed being displayed at the bottom ... you want to see the fastest speed possible.

To get a clear shot of someone who isn't really moving much, you *might* be able to get away with 1/30 (if you have steady hands) but 1/60 or faster is better.

The next time you need to use Spot metering, try aiming at different places and take note of what shutter speeds you get. They will differ greatly depending on how bright whatever you've aimed at actually is.

Don't forget, if you aren't getting decent speeds even with Spot metering, it's time to start upping the ISO. Go as high as you have to go, even to 1600, to get the shutter speed you want and just clear it up with Noiseware, later.

 

[daisy2]

This was taken at Disneyland in Toon town where they had lots of marigold. So I took advantage and got a up close shot.

 

[MrsPMC00]

The concert was Saturday night and I got some FANTASTIC pictures wuth your help!!! I really appreciate it!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

The trick to using spot metering is to also be in AV mode with the aperture set as wide as possible (the smallest number; 2.7 - 3.5 depending on the zoom). This way you've already got the camera set up to take in as much light as possible, and you're letting it calculate the shutter-speed.

It works best at a concert or a show like Voyage of the Little Mermaid where the main performers are brightly lit and the background is dark.

You switch into Spot metering and aim at the brightest spot on the subject that you can find. When you half-press the shutter, the camera will calcuate the "correct" shutter speed to expose *only* the brightest part. Background details will be *much* darker, but the subject will look good.

You'll see the shutter speed being displayed at the bottom ... you want to see the fastest speed possible.

To get a clear shot of someone who isn't really moving much, you *might* be able to get away with 1/30 (if you have steady hands) but 1/60 or faster is better.

The next time you need to use Spot metering, try aiming at different places and take note of what shutter speeds you get. They will differ greatly depending on how bright whatever you've aimed at actually is.

Don't forget, if you aren't getting decent speeds even with Spot metering, it's time to start upping the ISO. Go as high as you have to go, even to 1600, to get the shutter speed you want and just clear it up with Noiseware, later.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

The concert was Saturday night and I got some FANTASTIC pictures wuth your help!!! I really appreciate it!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

Glad to hear it ... now, let's see some posted here!

 

[MrsPMC00]

Would love to! How do I post them?

Glad to hear it ... now, let's see some posted here!

 

[dad2t&e]

OK, I've tried everything I know to do, but I still can't get a decent indoor shot with my Canon S3. I can take great shots outdoors, but can't seem to a setting for inside. Anyone have a suggestion? Or do I just give up and buy the Canon Rebel XTI or better.

 

[ukcatfan]

Unfortunately, that is a problem with any p&s. If you decide to look at a DSLR, be sure to research all the brands and actually handle them to make sure you get the one you will be the happiest with. The Rebels are a little small and do not seem solid enough IMO, but many people are happy with them. I have not seen the XSi in person yet.

 

[madge]

OK, I've tried everything I know to do, but I still can't get a decent indoor shot with my Canon S3. I can take great shots outdoors, but can't seem to a setting for inside. Anyone have a suggestion? Or do I just give up and buy the Canon Rebel XTI or better.

depending on how much light there is in the room, I use the P setting, adjust the white balance, and bump up the ISO. I've gotten some decent shots that way. Occasionally I need to run it through noiseware, but that doesn't bother me.

 

[bob100]

depending on how much light there is in the room, I use the P setting, adjust the white balance, and bump up the ISO. I've gotten some decent shots that way. Occasionally I need to run it through noiseware, but that doesn't bother me.

good tips, I have an "indoors" scene mode on the Canon S5 that works fine and there is a flash adjustment where you can bump up the flash output. I've also had good shots working in manual lowering the shutter speed

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Show us some examples of the problem.

 

[Frantasmic]

Since you have the S3, you don't have the hot shoe flash capability. You could try a slave flash such as this one. That seems to be your best option. I've had fits trying to get decent indoor basketball shots with my kids and the S5. I finally got an external flash and hope that it brings me better luck.

http://dcresource.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=7301104/

 

[S. C.]

Would love to! How do I post them?

Put your pics on photobucket.

 

[bob100]

using the "color accent" in the scenes mode on the Canon S5

 

[Karenj2]

I LOVE this thread! Where was it when I was trying to decide on my camera? Luckily, I just bought the Canon s5. (DH is picking it up for me this afternoon...)


I can't wait to try it out!!!

 

[Karenj2]

I've been playing with it all night and since I woke up! So far i love it! My family is already sick of me.


Question for you, though - do you HAVE to install the Digital Camera Solution disk to move your pictures onto your PC?

I already have Photoshop (the full-blown version), and I hate to add programs that I might never use... With the Elph that I have, I have an adapter that fits into the card slot on my computer (sorry if I'm not technical - I haven't had my many cups of tea yet). Then I just slide them over in Windows Exlplorer.

 

[bob100]

I've been playing with it all night and since I woke up! So far i love it! My family is already sick of me.
Question for you, though - do you HAVE to install the Digital Camera Solution disk to move your pictures onto your PC?
I already have Photoshop (the full-blown version), and I hate to add programs that I might never use... With the Elph that I have, I have an adapter that fits into the card slot on my computer (sorry if I'm not technical - I haven't had my many cups of tea yet). Then I just slide them over in Windows Exlplorer.

I didn't install the "solutions" disk that came with my Canon S5. Photoshop will import pictures directly (file/ import) and windows computers have the software to download pics and videos directly right from the camera.

 

[mickeymyfavorite]

Does anyone know of a good setting for fireworks display. Thanks for your help.