Music in the Dark

[psyche89]

Hi,
This is my first post here at DPS, but I've been getting the newsletter for a long time. I just got my first DSLR for Christmas, and I wanted to test it out. I would love to hear your critiques and any tips you have for focusing. I wear glasses, so it's been a challenge using the viewfinder more. Anyway, here you go =)
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 50D
Shutter Speed: 1/6 second
Aperture: F/4.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 2500
Date Taken: Dec 25, 2009, 7:18:06 PM



Also, here are some of the other shots i took that day:
Music in the Dark 2 by ~Psyche-soul on deviantART
Head On by ~Psyche-soul on deviantART
hmm... by ~Psyche-soul on deviantART
Classical Intensity by ~Psyche-soul on deviantART

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi pysche89,

Congrats on the 50D. I have one of those and I just love it!

I don't think that you have a focus problem. The image is a little soft, but I think it is due to camera shake. 50mm on a 50D is equivalent of 80mm, so you need at least 1/80 of a second to get a sharp image. If you have IS on your lens you can go down 2-3 stops to about 1/20 or so, but 1/6 is just too slow to get a sharp image if you are hand-holding. (Which I guess that you are given the high ISO.) Personally, using my 18-200mm IS kit lens, I wouldn't go below 1/30 for a shot like this.

So, what can you do? You could get a tripod, or you try to get some more light on the subject.

I hope that helps!

KG

[psyche89]

Thanks so much for your input =)

I was actually using a Christmas tree to light this shot, so better lighting would have probably helped. I was also focusing manually. I went back today to take some with the auto focus and I think they came out slightly more clearly, but I’ll definitely try using a faster shutter speed. Also, thanks for recommending a tripod; I think that’s a great idea. Like I said, this if my first dslr (my last camera was a powershot s5is), so I have a lot more freedom than I’m used to (and I love it ^^). The lens I’m using is a Macro 0.5m/1.6ft, 28-135mm. What is an IS? I’ve never heard of that.

Rachel

[KansaiGreenie]

Hi Rachel,

IS stands for Image Stabilizer. Basically it is a gyroscope inside the lens that reduces movement/vibration so that you can shoot with a lower shutter speed. I think the 28-135mm lens has IS.

Originally Posted by psyche89

I was also focusing manually.

Manual focusing with the 50D can be tricky, especially in low light. If manual focus is something that you really want to do, you might consider changing the focusing screen to the EF-S screen, which is designed for manual focusing. They are easy to install and not very expensive.

Personally, I have never had any trouble with the autofocus on the 50D and I use it regularly. When I do use manual focus, I usually use it in live view mode (looking at the image on the back screen like a digi-cam). In live view, if you push the magnifying glass button it will zoom in so you can check the focus. This is a lot easier to do on a tripod.

KG

[psyche89]

Aaahhh, duh, I should have known that IS was Image Stabilizer. Yeah, I think I'll stick with the auto focus for now. Thanks so much for all the info =)

[EOBeav]

This image has a lot of potential. You can get a tripod (even a cheapie one from WalMart or somewhere) and then greatly improve the exposure in this shot. As it is, it's way too dark.

You've got a nice idea here. Keep working with it until you get it right.

[psyche89]

Thank you. I would definitely like to go back to it at some point with a tripod. The only problem is that it's lit by a Christmas tree. How could I duplicate or get a similar effect for the lighting without having the tree there?

[FocalFrenzy]

One suggestion would be to prop your camera up on something (a pillow for low shots, or a chair for higher shots), and use the self timer function on your camera to take the shot without touching the camera. You can also try duplicating the lighting with candlelight. Simply adjust the distance between the candle and your subject until you acheive the results you want. If the candle option doesn't work for you, you can always use a string of Christmas lights. They wouldn't have to be wrapped around a tree. Lol. I hope this helps.