why can't I get a decent full tank shot with this new camera?

giants4pc · 12/17/2006, 09:21 PM

Canon A540 Powershot
I still can't take a decent full tank shot. I tried posting this in the photography forum as well. What settings do I need to be on?

drummereef · 12/17/2006, 09:23 PM

Do you have a stand for it? Looks like it's just a focus issue really. On my cannon I have to hold the button half-way to focus then press fully to take the shot. Don't know if this helps.

Lincutis · 12/17/2006, 09:25 PM

also make sure the camera is not set on macro.

sjm817 · 12/17/2006, 09:26 PM

A slow shutter speed and camera shake. Set it on something and use the delay timer feature.

swjim · 12/17/2006, 09:31 PM

I agree with sjm817, looks like slow shutter speed and camera shake.

MJT82 · 12/17/2006, 09:49 PM

I usually set the camera up on my tripod and use the timer... That way you'll eliminate all of the shake!

xrunner1234 · 12/17/2006, 09:56 PM

Your shutter speed is 1/3sec. A tripod will help but not with the swimming fish. You try to set shutter priority to 1/30, 1/60, etc and see if the camera can adjust all other parameters to get a good picture.

chrisstie · 12/17/2006, 09:59 PM

That's a beautiful in wall job btw

Im14abeer · 12/18/2006, 04:07 AM

"Zooming out" (W) and getting closer to fill the frame will help you gather more light. That will result in a quicker shutter speed. Also, you may try experimenting with the aperture priority setting. Take shots starting with the widest aperture (smallest number, or "f stop.") The wider the aperture, the more light the lens can take in. However, wider aperture results in less "depth of field." in other words, the background blurs. The opposite end of the spectrum is the aperture squeezed down, with crisp focus from foreground to background, like an Ansel Adams landscape. Finally, a tripod, and the timer function will reduce camera shake. That is the underlying problem. While I hate to suggest going to Wmart and buying a made in china tripod for $20, if photography is not a serious hobby of yours...

It looks like you have a beautiful tank, I'm looking forward to seeing a well exposed/composed picture of it.

12/17/2006, 09:21 PM	#1
giants4pc Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: connecticut Posts: 1,699	why can't I get a decent full tank shot with this new camera? Canon A540 Powershot I still can't take a decent full tank shot. I tried posting this in the photography forum as well. What settings do I need to be on?

12/17/2006, 09:23 PM	#2
drummereef Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: STL Posts: 14,754	Do you have a stand for it? Looks like it's just a focus issue really. On my cannon I have to hold the button half-way to focus then press fully to take the shot. Don't know if this helps. __________________ -Brett 180g Marineland Starfire In-Wall 278 gallon system

12/17/2006, 09:25 PM	#3
Lincutis Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Columbus Posts: 1,911	also make sure the camera is not set on macro. __________________ Lindsey ( That's Mr. Smith to you ) . Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder with 20 gallon sump./Apex, AI Sol Blue, In Sump Skimmer, Geo Calcium Reactor, WP-25 Wave Pump, Tunze Nano ATO, Carbon/GFO Reactors

12/17/2006, 09:26 PM	#4
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	A slow shutter speed and camera shake. Set it on something and use the delay timer feature. __________________ - Scott

12/17/2006, 09:49 PM	#6
MJT82 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Brandon, MS Posts: 410	I usually set the camera up on my tripod and use the timer... That way you'll eliminate all of the shake! __________________ Reefing since 2002 100g with 20g sump/fuge - Softies/LPS - 4x54w T5's 30g with 10g sump - Softies/LPS - 4x39w T5's Current Tank Info: 100 gallon soft coral reef with 30 gallon sump

12/17/2006, 09:31 PM	#5
swjim Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boerne, TX Posts: 884	I agree with sjm817, looks like slow shutter speed and camera shake.

12/17/2006, 09:56 PM	#7
xrunner1234 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 618	Your shutter speed is 1/3sec. A tripod will help but not with the swimming fish. You try to set shutter priority to 1/30, 1/60, etc and see if the camera can adjust all other parameters to get a good picture.

12/17/2006, 09:59 PM	#8
chrisstie Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 4,727	That's a beautiful in wall job btw __________________ You lookin' at my wrasse? Current Tank Info: I find it odd that there are children starving in this country and yet we euthanize millions of stray dogs and cats every year and then incinerate the bodies. Not only that, but we make it illegal to butcher the meat. -MarkS

12/18/2006, 04:07 AM	#9
Im14abeer BRILLIANT! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Grosse Pointe Farms, MI Posts: 406	"Zooming out" (W) and getting closer to fill the frame will help you gather more light. That will result in a quicker shutter speed. Also, you may try experimenting with the aperture priority setting. Take shots starting with the widest aperture (smallest number, or "f stop.") The wider the aperture, the more light the lens can take in. However, wider aperture results in less "depth of field." in other words, the background blurs. The opposite end of the spectrum is the aperture squeezed down, with crisp focus from foreground to background, like an Ansel Adams landscape. Finally, a tripod, and the timer function will reduce camera shake. That is the underlying problem. While I hate to suggest going to Wmart and buying a made in china tripod for $20, if photography is not a serious hobby of yours... It looks like you have a beautiful tank, I'm looking forward to seeing a well exposed/composed picture of it. __________________ Veni, vidi, fishi Current Tank Info: Mixed 235 "reefin' in the corner." Reefbreeders 48 & 32. 2x Tunze 6255 on a 7096, Basement sump, Avast cs1, mag 18 return. Chaeto, kalk.