How Do I Take Shots In The Fog

[Kenobi]

Hi there.

This is my first post here.

Im just ordered a Canon Powershot SX130. I know its not a DSLR, but I very amateur at Photography and I'm just learing how adventure beyond "AUTO" mode.

I did read some reviews about that camera, that even the fact that is a P&S camera, has a very nice Manual modes that can be useful for someone learning Photgraohy. Yes, I know that there are some more advanced P&S cameras like the S95 or even the G12, but my budget was around the price of the SX130.

Well, sorry for the explain. Within a few day, I will make a trip to a Montane zone (somewhat a mountain with a forest) and the zone is very foggy. I want to take the best shots I can with that misty scenario and if you can help me to achieve this, it would be very nice.

Thank you in advance.

[sk8surferdude]

Get a DSLR you wont regret it.

[nathanbarlow]

Originally Posted by sk8surferdude

Get a DSLR you wont regret it.

not the best response, since his budget only allows for that camera he has. Although i do agree with your overall point.

@original poster;
a few quick questions: do you have manual focus on that model? Are you able to choose the aperture setting and/or the shutter speed setting? What about exposure level? Finally a bonus would be choosing ISO levels manually. Read your manual book for the answers to these questions (unless you already know)

Generally you will want an aperture of around f/11. This allows for the whole scene to be in focus (generally). This way if the camera has focused on the fog, the scene will still be in focus. Also the fog will be in focus if the camera is focused on the scenery.

Shutter speed depends on what you want. if the fog is fast moving, you can either freeze it with a high shutter speed, or use a slow shutter speed for a blurry flowy effect

i would go for trying to slightly under expose for fog. but slightly over exposing works too. depedns if you want a moody pic or a bright clean pic.

iso level is more a minor thing. read around if you want to know more. higher iso means more digital noise and grain, but better light sensitivity in poor lighting situation.

[Kenobi]

Originally Posted by nathanbarlow

not the best response, since his budget only allows for that camera he has. Although i do agree with your overall point.

Thank you. Even I know very well that a DSLR is the best for this hobby, my budget not allows me to afford one yet. Maybe when I learn more about photography and the investment in a DSLR be more worthy, then I will think in upgrade into a DLSR

Originally Posted by nathanbarlow

@original poster;
a few quick questions: do you have manual focus on that model? Are you able to choose the aperture setting and/or the shutter speed setting? What about exposure level? Finally a bonus would be choosing ISO levels manually. Read your manual book for the answers to these questions (unless you already know)

Manual Focus: YES Manual Focus: 0.4 in. (1cm) - infinity (Wide), 3.3 ft (1m) - infinity (Telephoto)

Shooting modes: M, Av, Tv, P, Auto, Easy,..... (there are many others but those are the predefinided scene modes) Av and Tv Modes for Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority respectively as well as total Manual Mode

Shutter speeds available in Tv and M:
15, 13, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3.2, 2.5, 2, 1.6, 1.3, 1, 0.8, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, 1/13, 1/15, 1/20, 1/25, 1/30, 1/40, 1/50, 1/60, 1/80, 1/100, 1/125, 1/160, 1/200, 1/250, 1/320, 1/400, 1/500, 1/640, 1/800, 1/1000, 1/1250, 1/1600, 1/2000, 1/2500

ISO sensitivity AUTO, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600

EV: Exposure Compensation +/-2 stops in 1/3-stop increments

Some more:

White Balance Control
Auto*, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom (The Custom settings allows the users to place a White subject in front of the lens so the camera takes that subject as a "real white", it can be a white paper sheet or something)

Built-in Flash Range: 50 cm - 3.0 m (W) / 1.0 m - 2.0 m (T)


Are these good specs for a P&S camera?

Originally Posted by nathanbarlow

Generally you will want an aperture of around f/11. This allows for the whole scene to be in focus (generally). This way if the camera has focused on the fog, the scene will still be in focus. Also the fog will be in focus if the camera is focused on the scenery.

The MAX aperture is 3.4 for Wide and 5.6 for Telephoto. I dont know actually if my camera allows that small aperture size. The user manual doesnt say it.

Originally Posted by nathanbarlow

Shutter speed depends on what you want. if the fog is fast moving, you can either freeze it with a high shutter speed, or use a slow shutter speed for a blurry flowy effect

i would go for trying to slightly under expose for fog. but slightly over exposing works too. depedns if you want a moody pic or a bright clean pic.

iso level is more a minor thing. read around if you want to know more. higher iso means more digital noise and grain, but better light sensitivity in poor lighting situation.

Thanks for those tips. Very useful. Besides, I was looking for some info about whatlevel White Balance is recommended, what Exposure compensation is recommended, what kind of setting is recommended for a "sunny" foggy scene and for a "darky" foggy scene, and something about the lines, I mean, looking for tech info about those things, you know.

[Crabs]

Make sure you come back and post some of the pics you take!

Keen to see how you went and to hear if the advice worked out for you.