What’s Your Preference?

dmann · #1 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 11:07 PM

So I was out practicing today when I came across a problem. I wanted a pic with a shallow DoF and so I set the aperture to about 3.5 and set on fastest shutter speed I could 1/200. I had a polarization filter on and it was pretty sunny out. It wasn't until I lowered the f/stops to about 8.0 that I was getting a decent exposure. Any suggestions, hits or additional info that could help me? I am just learning so I could be missing a lot.

EmyB · #2 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 11:28 PM

Is 1/200 your fastest shutter speed?? Are you sure?? I am a newbie but my camera has 1/8000 and I'm pretty sure most cameras go to at least 1/several thousand...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong?

RichardTaylor · #3 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 11:35 PM

Were you using the flash?

If so you will need to use a nuetral density filter to reduce the light the camera is seeing.

If not, what ISO were you using?

dmann · #4 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 11:35 PM

It varys when I have the polarization filter on. I usually have 1/4000.

dmann · #5 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 11:40 PM

ISO 100 and yes I was using the flash, could I have just not used the flash? Don't think it would have made diff though...

So can/should I use the density filter, uv filter and polarization filter all at once?

dmann · #6 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 11:43 PM

I do have a hood, should I have used that?

RichardTaylor · #7 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 11:47 PM

The flash will normally (depending on what type of flash you are using and how it is set up) restrict your shutter speed.
Check your camera manual for maximum synch speed.

If you don't need it then turn it off.

If you do need it and are shooting outdoors in daylight you may need to add the ND filter.
The polariser is optional.

A lens hood will not make any difference with exposure but may help to control flare.

dmann · #8 (**permalink**) 09-17-2011, 04:25 AM

Thanks Richard, I was just using the built in flash, would it have an effect on the settings?

IABoomer · #9 (**permalink**) 09-17-2011, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmann

Thanks Richard, I was just using the built in flash, would it have an effect on the settings?

Yes. Unless you're getting into high-speed flash with a dedicated unit, your shutter speed won't be able to go faster than 1/200. As others have suggested, if you're wanting to use flash in a bright outdoor setting with a large aperture (low f/stop number), you'll have to do something else (ND filter) to reduce the incoming light so you can shoot at 1/200 or slower.