Experienced photographers - please help me with selecting camera settings!

[meghead]

I am new to the DSLR world and have a Canon Rebel T2i. I am going to the World in 2 weeks for our first family trip with my DH, DD-5 and DD-10 months. I recently took a Photography 101 class and am starting to understand the basics (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and am trying to not use Auto to shoot.

Because I am a beginner, I don't want to miss great shots of my darling girls because I am too busy messing with my camera, trying to figure it out! Can I please get suggestions for some general settings to use in the most common Disney situations?

For example, character greetings where you are inside. I'm assuming I will have to use my pop-up flash? What mode?

Also, I can take great pictures of my children when we are outside and I have a really shallow depth of field using the AV mode, but what if I don't want the background blurred because the castle is in the background, etc.?

I've done a lot of reading on these boards, trying to gather as much info as I can. I want to put my new camera to good use, but I also don't want to miss those perfect shots that with kids, are gone in the blink of an eye.

Thank you so much to anyone who is willing to help out a newbie!

 

[Porktitioner]

I would recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Peterson. It is a great resource explaining the concepts you mentioned for beginners and experts alike. It will definately help you get out of the AUTO mode.

 

[meghead]

I would recommend "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Peterson. It is a great resource explaining the concepts you mentioned for beginners and experts alike. I will definately help you get out of the AUTO mode.

I will definitely check out this book to get more help. Thank you for the recommendation. I was just wondering if anyone had any Disney-specific suggestions for me. Thanks.

 

[Cafeen]

I am new to the DSLR world and have a Canon Rebel T2i. I am going to the World in 2 weeks for our first family trip with my DH, DD-5 and DD-10 months. I recently took a Photography 101 class and am starting to understand the basics (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and am trying to not use Auto to shoot.

Because I am a beginner, I don't want to miss great shots of my darling girls because I am too busy messing with my camera, trying to figure it out! Can I please get suggestions for some general settings to use in the most common Disney situations?

For example, character greetings where you are inside. I'm assuming I will have to use my pop-up flash? What mode?

Also, I can take great pictures of my children when we are outside and I have a really shallow depth of field using the AV mode, but what if I don't want the background blurred because the castle is in the background, etc.?

If you're in AV mode, this means that you're controlling the aperture, simply dial this to larger numbers (and thus smaller aperture), and you'll have more DOF. The T2i should also have a DOF preview button located on the bottom left of the lens mount (this is when holding the camera as if to shoot). (At least, this is where it is on the T1i, so I'm assuming here). While the screen will darken, it gives a good check at just how much Depth of Field you're getting. (Note, you will need higher shutter speed and/or ISO to compensate, so it can be tricky at night)

I've done a lot of reading on these boards, trying to gather as much info as I can. I want to put my new camera to good use, but I also don't want to miss those perfect shots that with kids, are gone in the blink of an eye.

Thank you so much to anyone who is willing to help out a newbie!

I'm by far not an expert, I do have a good understanding of DOF though . The recommended book is also great and really helps to explain just how it all works together.

I have nothing Disney specific however, as my first dSLR trip is just over a week away. I would say to get out and experiment as much as possible for now. If that means taking a picture of the same thing over and over with different settings just to see how they affect the image, go for it. With no film it doesn't matter if you take 100 "different" pictures of the same thing just to see how stuff works and interacts.

 

[boBQuincy]

I am new to the DSLR world and have a Canon Rebel T2i. I am going to the World in 2 weeks for our first family trip with my DH, DD-5 and DD-10 months. I recently took a Photography 101 class and am starting to understand the basics (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and am trying to not use Auto to shoot.

Because I am a beginner, I don't want to miss great shots of my darling girls because I am too busy messing with my camera, trying to figure it out! Can I please get suggestions for some general settings to use in the most common Disney situations?

What is wrong with Auto mode? Better yet, Program mode (which does not automatically pop up the flash *and* allows us to use RAW). If you don't want to miss great photo opportunities there is nothing wrong with letting the camera figure out the settings. Many times these settings will be similar to what we would select anyway!

There seems to be a feeling that Auto and Program are evil, the mark of a true newbie who doesn't know any better. Hogwash, says I!

 

[mom2rtk]

What is wrong with Auto mode? Better yet, Program mode (which does not automatically pop up the flash *and* allows us to use RAW). If you don't want to miss great photo opportunities there is nothing wrong with letting the camera figure out the settings. Many times these settings will be similar to what we would select anyway!

There seems to be a feeling that Auto and Program are evil, the mark of a true newbie who doesn't know any better. Hogwash, says I!

I actually was just going to suggest the same thing. When you're at Disney you have a LOT to occupy your attention. Why not default to Program mode, then venture off when you have a special situation you want to play with. Want a cool shot with really shallow depth of field? Then go aperture priority and open it up fairly wide. Want a cool blurred shot of the Teacups spinning? Then go shutter priority and set a long shutter speed. But then dial back to P mode for whatever your next set of photos will be.

One word of warning. After shooting for YEARS on exclusively P and Auto mode, I took the initiative to learn to use my camera. I've been shooting in Tv and Av for about 2 years now........ but I STILL forget to change my setting sometimes when I go from one setting to another. You WILL lose some shots on your vacation this way if you play around too much. I was just too used to grabbing the camera and pushing the button, and retraining has taken........ shall we say.......... longer than expected.......

My plan of attack these days at Disney is to always move the dial back to P before putting the camera down after a series of shots. I can change it if I want when I pick it back up, but that way I save some errors.

BTW.... you will love the T2i. It's an awesome camera. I used it exclusively for the photos in my December trip report linked below.

 

[gruZ]

Agree completely - go with P mode for most of the time, pop the flash if the shot looks too dark, and save messing around in A or S or M for when you have the time to do so.

I've missed too many shots because the settings were wrong and something unexpected happened (or the kids were suddenly doing something I wanted to grab).

You're in Disney with family - you shouldn't feel bad about the settings or about relying on the camera - but you likely will feel bad about missing a shot that can't be reproduced because the settings were wrong.

When you get home, then take it off Auto or P and really dive into using the other modes.

 

[krb2g]

I agree that P will help you catch shots quickly (I tend to shoot aperture priority unless I'm doing something tricky with shutter speed [freezing motion, panning, etc], but if something's happening quickly, program adjusts the settings so I don't have to think about metering, etc). Also, you may find you want to use your flash outdoors when taking pictures of people in order to fill in the midday shadows and make the light even across their faces. Finally you should definitely check out "Understanding Exposure"--it made a huge difference for me. P will also keep your flash from popping up when you don't want it (e.g. dark rides!).

As far as adjusting ISO, keep it low in well-lit situations, and crank it as necessary for dark situations (although NOT fireworks--for those you'll want it as low as possible + tripod + remote shutter release).

Edited to add: also make sure to check your settings every time you put the camera away/take it out. I once spent I think several months with my p&s exposure adjusted to something like -2/3rds of a stop because I wasn't checking (and I couldn't figure out why all my pictures were coming out dark!). And I JUST was wondering why the pix I took yesterday in full daylight had so much noise--well I had my ISO up to 1600 and hadn't put it back down. I'm trying to remember to keep my aperture at f/8 and my ISO at 200 as a baseline starting and ending!

 

[meghead]

Thank you thank you thank you, everyone!

 

[boBQuincy]

Btw, just because the camera is in "P" doesn't mean we can't still take control. Want a larger (or smaller) aperture than the camera selected? Just twirl the dial on top to select a different aperture *and the camera adjusts the shutter speed to keep the same exposure*! Want a different shutter speed? Just twirl the dial!

We get it all this way, auto exposure *and* creative control, yet with almost no chance of messing up!

 

[Rianmadrid12]

I've seen you posting all over the place, so it's obvious you're a little lost.

There is no particular advantage to AA batteries over the lithium rechargeables. Unless you have a major investment in AA's, chargers, multiple equipment like flashes, remotes and other cameras to rotate them or have a reason to rely on disposable batteries for travel or lengthy hikes/camping/travel, I wouldn't consider them a major factor.

Of the three models you've chosen, the choice should be easy.

The SX210 is a "compact". (I think it is classified as a "travel zoom") If you need a camera that fits in a pocket or purse, that is with you whether you need it or not, and you can "forget" about it until you want to use it, then this or another compact is your choice.

If you want the more advanced capabilities of the bridge models, including the larger body, the protruding grip, and especially the EVF, the FZ35 and SX20 are at the top of that class.

The FZ tends to be the preference for the more outdoor types. It's more compact, and noticeably lighter. It accepts filters, teleconverters and works exceptionally well with them. It has a nearly unlimited number of features, modes and adjustments, including the EZ zoom feature that can extend the optical zoom to @35x (900mm) if desired.

The SX20 is larger and heavier. The articulating lcd is a positive, if you use it. The hot shoe is fine if you intend to add-on an auxiliary flash. The EVF is quite large by P&S standards. It uses the AA's you seem to like. The extra 2x (@55mm) doesn't really show up at this level. It takes about 100mm to really "see" a difference.

I'm Panasonic biased, so I won't push you either way. I think you should be able to choose the FZ vs:the SX just based on the "physical" differences.

I will say that the FZ35 probably has the best image stabilizer you're likely to find. I need a monopod with my FZ28 to do what others are doing handheld with an FZ35.

Simple choice. Compact or Bridge? Then just pick one, you can't go wrong either way. They all take good macro/close-ups. I've taken over 20,000 shots with an FZ28 and I haven't used all the features "yet".

 

[baseballmickey]

One word of warning. After shooting for YEARS on exclusively P and Auto mode, I took the initiative to learn to use my camera. I've been shooting in Tv and Av for about 2 years now........ but I STILL forget to change my setting sometimes when I go from one setting to another. You WILL lose some shots on your vacation this way if you play around too much. I was just too used to grabbing the camera and pushing the button, and retraining has taken........ shall we say.......... longer than expected.......

A photopass photog once offered to take a picture of me and my family with my camera, and I forgot to put it back in AF before I handed it to him. DOH!

And even if I don't change it myself, I find that just in the process of storing/taking my camera out of my bag, the dial will sometimes move on me.

 

[mom2rtk]

A photopass photog once offered to take a picture of me and my family with my camera, and I forgot to put it back in AF before I handed it to him. DOH!

And even if I don't change it myself, I find that just in the process of storing/taking my camera out of my bag, the dial will sometimes move on me.

My dial turns on me sometimes too. I've had several models of rebel through the years and never had the phantom dial moving. Wherever I left it would be where it was when I used it again the next time. For some reason this one doesn't stay put as well.. It drives me NUTS! Now I have to be on guard thinking for myself AND the camera.

 

[Bonniec]

If you are not insanely comfortable with your camera then I would suggest to use one of the auto modes as well. Things happen too fast at Disney and it's hard to spend time figuring out your shot.

One thing that might be worth learning or playing around with is low light photography. I think with the rebel the highest ISO is 1600 (correct me if Im wrong) so you may not be able to get much without a tripod. But you can test it out. It's nice to get the inside character shots without flash.

Just as a test, you can set your camera on the highest iso it has and set your mode to manual. Open up your aperture as wide as you can (lowest number) then adjust your shutter speed so that it's exposed (watch the exposure lines inside your viewfinder). If you're shutter speed isn't at least 80 or more (unless you are extremely steady handed), then give up and go back to flash and auto.

Note: That's a very basic quick check and Im not sure if a 1600 ISO would be enough, but if the lights arent too bad it might be okay and save you some flashy shots. Plus, you cant use flash on a lot of rides or shows (but Id still expect a lot of rides to be too dark). And you may need to use a noise reducing program after.


I used a 3200 iso here and 2.8 aperture. I had to run Noiseware after to get rid of the noise. I forget what my shutter was but I remember there actually being quite a bit of light so you could probably get away with a 1600.

 

[mom2rtk]

If you are not insanely comfortable with your camera then I would suggest to use one of the auto modes as well. Things happen too fast at Disney and it's hard to spend time figuring out your shot.

One thing that might be worth learning or playing around with is low light photography. I think with the rebel the highest ISO is 1600 (correct me if Im wrong) so you may not be able to get much without a tripod. But you can test it out. It's nice to get the inside character shots without flash.

Just as a test, you can set your camera on the highest iso it has and set your mode to manual. Open up your aperture as wide as you can (lowest number) then adjust your shutter speed so that it's exposed (watch the exposure lines inside your viewfinder). If you're shutter speed isn't at least 80 or more (unless you are extremely steady handed), then give up and go back to flash and auto.

Note: That's a very basic quick check and Im not sure if a 1600 ISO would be enough, but if the lights arent too bad it might be okay and save you some flashy shots. Plus, you cant use flash on a lot of rides or shows (but Id still expect a lot of rides to be too dark). And you may need to use a noise reducing program after.


I used a 3200 iso here and 2.8 aperture. I had to run Noiseware after to get rid of the noise. I forget what my shutter was but I remember there actually being quite a bit of light so you could probably get away with a 1600.

Actually the OP's T2i will go to 12,800. Not that I'd recommend going that high, but I was very happy with my MSEP and MVMCP parade shots at 3200 (after running through LR3).

It's a matter of personal preference, but I can't imagine doing our character shots without a flash, both indoors and out. For whatever reason, the lighting in those permenent character meeting locations seems to be very poor. I do use an external flash though, and typically dial down the flash exposure compensation a bit.

 

[Bonniec]

Nice to know her flash will go that high.

Okay, now Im with you on external flash but how on earth do you manage to do that at Disney? I dont use flash there because I hate flashy shots and anything on camera sucks imo. But I can't imagine trying to carry around off camera flash. If you have a good technique, please share with me!

 

[mom2rtk]

Nice to know her flash will go that high.

Okay, now Im with you on external flash but how on earth do you manage to do that at Disney? I dont use flash there because I hate flashy shots and anything on camera sucks imo. But I can't imagine trying to carry around off camera flash. If you have a good technique, please share with me!

I actually bought a lighter and smaller profile external flash (Canon 270EX) because I wanted one with me at Disney and didn't like carrying my camera around with the larger proflie one I had already (430EX).

Here's our Mickey shot from MVMCP last year:


IMG_4649-1 by mom2rtk, on Flickr

I actually think there's far more that a beginner can get wrong going flashless for character shots than there is that can go wrong using a flash. That said, the quality of light you'll get from an external flash is better than the pop-up flash, but worth it in my book.

I even use it for outdoor character meets to fill in the shadows on faces. Heck, when we were meeting Belle and the Beast in France last year, they were set up in a horribly back-lit spot. Every single Photopass shot was a loss since his flash was not firing. Thankfully I got some with my flash.

 

[Bonniec]

How are you setting it up though? I.e. bracket, hand held, tripod, etc.

Im actually a huge fan of flash when done right but I cant imagine having to carry one around and set up shots.


Then again, I have enough issues just trying to lug around my 5D. Kinda wish I had kept my rebel

 

[mom2rtk]

How are you setting it up though? I.e. bracket, hand held, tripod, etc.

Im actually a huge fan of flash when done right but I cant imagine having to carry one around and set up shots.


Then again, I have enough issues just trying to lug around my 5D. Kinda wish I had kept my rebel

I'm still trying to learn more about flash photography. To be honest, I probably had the camera on P mode and just set my ISO depending on the ambient light. No tripod. And the 270EX weighs 5.1 ounces without batteries (uses 2 AA's).

Sure I can see some shadows on the background. But I'd rather have that than risk having some shadows on faces.

 

[ohiochap]

Hello, I too am on the border of being very good with my camera and not to the standards of a professional. What I have done in the past is to just use rechargeable batteries and have an extra set with you at all times. My other idea is to start right now, taking pictures of things around the house or your every day life and use all the different settings the nice people have talked about. In my opinion you will never get the "Best Picture", however you will get great pictures that are wonderful for you and your family to use. Another thing I have done in past is to get several memory cards for camera and take notes on pictures you have taken and document those and review them when you look at them on your computer. You need to do this away from WDW as you don't want to mess anything up while at the parks in case you only go one day. One last thing I like to do is put my camera sports mode, or the mode that allows several pictures over a course of a couple of seconds, hence the multiple cards. You would be amazed how many great pictures you get with this mode, but it is alsoo amazing how many you will delete, but that is great thing of digital camera's, you can delete the bad one's before you get developed. and if you are getting real fancy you can switch faces from one picture to another if someone has their eyes closed.

Like I said, just my 3 cents now.

Patrick