Super Noob doesnt get it..... :confused:

Digital Dustin · 12-21-2009, 07:50 PM

sup everybody,

I'm a self proclaimed photography super noob and am trying to digest all this information. I will be buying my first DSLR very soon, I'm trying to learn some stuff while I wait for my camera.

I've done a lot of research and I now know what DOF, aperture,shutter speed and ISO is but how do you know when to tweak what with the settings. Is there some sort of rule you guys(photographers) go buy as far as ISO,aperture and shutter speed settings go?

Also, are there some good books our there, besides the camera user manual that is good for photography/DSLR noobs. Some sort of Photography bible would be nice,lol.

SOldBear · 12-21-2009, 07:57 PM

Get this book: Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera

Digital Dustin · 12-21-2009, 07:59 PM

ok, let me clarify as my first question was a little bit unclear. I have a good understanding of when you would adjust each setting in certain situations, the question I have is more with all the settings in relation to each other. If I raise the ISO to say 1600, what do I do with the aperture and shutter speeds?

graphicgr8s · 12-21-2009, 08:11 PM

Originally posted by Digital Dustin

ok, let me clarify as my first question was a little bit unclear. I have a good understanding of when you would adjust each setting in certain situations, the question I have is more with all the settings in relation to each other. If I raise the ISO to say 1600, what do I do with the aperture and shutter speeds?

Well first off you'll get a lot of noise. Higher ISO means the sensor/film is more sensitive to light. So if you're in a lowlight situation you can get up to a handholdable shutter speed. Or it may allow you to get the shot. In general, higher ISO allows a higher shutter speed, a smaller aperture, or both. Personally I rarely go above 400 ISO.

mtroute · 12-21-2009, 08:22 PM

Originally posted by Digital Dustin

ok, let me clarify as my first question was a little bit unclear. I have a good understanding of when you would adjust each setting in certain situations, the question I have is more with all the settings in relation to each other. If I raise the ISO to say 1600, what do I do with the aperture and shutter speeds?

No disrespect, but I would submit that you don't have a clear understanding of those things if you don't understand the relationship between them.

I would take SOldbears advice and get the "understanding exposure" book. If you don't want to buy a book look at this basic intro:

webphotoschool

I would look around the site in general as it has some good information.

Digital Dustin · 12-21-2009, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by mtroute

No disrespect, but I would submit that you don't have a clear understanding of those things if you don't understand the relationship between them.

I would take SOldbears advice and get the "understanding exposure" book. If you don't want to buy a book look at this basic intro:

webphotoschool

I would look around the site in general as it has some good information.

thanx for the reply. What are some of the factors you guys thing about when making said adjustments?

I was reading some of the previous posts here and came across something I am a little curious about. What does center point and recompose mean as it pertains to focusing?

matiki · 12-21-2009, 08:41 PM

Originally posted by Digital Dustin

thanx for the reply. What are some of the factors you guys thing about when making said adjustments?

I was reading some of the previous posts here and came across something I am a little curious about. What does center point and recompose mean as it pertains to focusing?

Let me also suggest purchasing and reading "understanding exposure".

A very easy way to control your focal point is to use center point focusing. I'd be willing to bet you own a point and shoot camera already, so you can practice this skill now.

When you are composing your shot, center the subject that you want in focus. Then, press the shutter halfway down to lock the focus. With the shutter pressed half-way, recompose your shot (i.e. shift the camera to gain a better composition), then press the shutter all the way.

Even though you aren't centered on the original subject, the subject should still be in focus.

For example:

I centered the camera on the Canadian Geese, then I locked the focus by pressing the shutter half way. Then I shifted the camera to include the foreground, including the Bison. See how the Bison is slightly out of focus and the Geese are in focus, even though the image is centered between the two of them?

Digital Dustin · 12-21-2009, 08:58 PM

Thanx, I searched "center point-recompose" and couldnt come up with anything. Does this method work well for a shallow DOF aswell as a larger DOF?

Yes I own Nikon Coolpix and it's a real POS. Thats a really nice shot by the way.

matiki · 12-21-2009, 09:11 PM

Originally posted by Digital Dustin

Thanx, I searched "center point-recompose" and couldnt come up with anything. Does this method work well for a shallow DOF aswell as a larger DOF?

Yes I own Nikon Coolpix and it's a real POS. Thats a really nice shot by the way.

Thanks. You can learn how to compose and start to understand how sensitivity, aperture and shutter speed are related using your Coolpix. If I were a betting man, I'd wager that you'll be more impressed with your Nikon after you're more familiar with it's basic functions (which, of course, is the same way any camera functions).

**interested_observer** · 12-21-2009, 09:22 PM

I came across this site and thought that it may be help....

Aperture, shutter and ISO value | Camera Simulator

Play around with this simulator a bit and I think that it will help you establish the inter-relationships. Also, I would suggest that when playing with the aperture alone, take a look at the background of the image, and you will see it blur at the lower f stops (depth of field or DoF).

Have fun!!

**Ash** · 12-21-2009, 09:27 PM

Consider some initial reading here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/23232-learning-basic...echniques.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/62522-exposure-shutt...rture-iso.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/49478-what-focal-length.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/39743-understanding-...-kit-lens.html

Digital Dustin · 12-21-2009, 09:35 PM

Originally posted by interested_observer

I came across this site and thought that it may be help....

Aperture, shutter and ISO value | Camera Simulator

Play around with this simulator a bit and I think that it will help you establish the inter-relationships. Also, I would suggest that when playing with the aperture alone, take a look at the background of the image, and you will see it blur at the lower f stops (depth of field or DoF).

Have fun!!

wow that really does give you a great idea of what each setting does. I understand the trade-off with each setting adjustment.

Digital Dustin · 12-21-2009, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by Ash

Consider some initial reading here:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/23232-learning-basic...echniques.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/62522-exposure-shutt...rture-iso.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/49478-what-focal-length.html
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/39743-understanding-...-kit-lens.html

awesome, thanx. You guys really are friendly around here. Whats the catch? Do I need to give up a kidney or something, lol.

**Ash** · 12-21-2009, 09:53 PM

Originally posted by Digital Dustin

awesome, thanx. You guys really are friendly around here. Whats the catch? Do I need to give up a kidney or something, lol.

Nope, just give it a good read.

Digital Dustin · 12-21-2009, 10:29 PM

haha, will do.

12-21-2009, 07:50 PM	#1
Digital Dustin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oahu....for now Posts: 42	Super Noob doesnt get it..... :confused: sup everybody, I'm a self proclaimed photography super noob and am trying to digest all this information. I will be buying my first DSLR very soon, I'm trying to learn some stuff while I wait for my camera. I've done a lot of research and I now know what DOF, aperture,shutter speed and ISO is but how do you know when to tweak what with the settings. Is there some sort of rule you guys(photographers) go buy as far as ISO,aperture and shutter speed settings go? Also, are there some good books our there, besides the camera user manual that is good for photography/DSLR noobs. Some sort of Photography bible would be nice,lol.

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12-21-2009, 07:57 PM	#2
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Get this book: Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera

12-21-2009, 07:59 PM	#3
Digital Dustin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oahu....for now Posts: 42 Original Poster	ok, let me clarify as my first question was a little bit unclear. I have a good understanding of when you would adjust each setting in certain situations, the question I have is more with all the settings in relation to each other. If I raise the ISO to say 1600, what do I do with the aperture and shutter speeds?

12-21-2009, 08:11 PM	#4
graphicgr8s Guest	Originally posted by Digital Dustin ok, let me clarify as my first question was a little bit unclear. I have a good understanding of when you would adjust each setting in certain situations, the question I have is more with all the settings in relation to each other. If I raise the ISO to say 1600, what do I do with the aperture and shutter speeds? Well first off you'll get a lot of noise. Higher ISO means the sensor/film is more sensitive to light. So if you're in a lowlight situation you can get up to a handholdable shutter speed. Or it may allow you to get the shot. In general, higher ISO allows a higher shutter speed, a smaller aperture, or both. Personally I rarely go above 400 ISO.

12-21-2009, 08:22 PM	#5
mtroute Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Portland OR Posts: 533	Originally posted by Digital Dustin ok, let me clarify as my first question was a little bit unclear. I have a good understanding of when you would adjust each setting in certain situations, the question I have is more with all the settings in relation to each other. If I raise the ISO to say 1600, what do I do with the aperture and shutter speeds? No disrespect, but I would submit that you don't have a clear understanding of those things if you don't understand the relationship between them. I would take SOldbears advice and get the "understanding exposure" book. If you don't want to buy a book look at this basic intro: webphotoschool I would look around the site in general as it has some good information.

12-21-2009, 08:32 PM	#6
Digital Dustin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oahu....for now Posts: 42 Original Poster	Originally posted by mtroute No disrespect, but I would submit that you don't have a clear understanding of those things if you don't understand the relationship between them. I would take SOldbears advice and get the "understanding exposure" book. If you don't want to buy a book look at this basic intro: webphotoschool I would look around the site in general as it has some good information. thanx for the reply. What are some of the factors you guys thing about when making said adjustments? I was reading some of the previous posts here and came across something I am a little curious about. What does center point and recompose mean as it pertains to focusing?

12-21-2009, 08:41 PM	#7
matiki Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 393	Originally posted by Digital Dustin thanx for the reply. What are some of the factors you guys thing about when making said adjustments? I was reading some of the previous posts here and came across something I am a little curious about. What does center point and recompose mean as it pertains to focusing? Let me also suggest purchasing and reading "understanding exposure". A very easy way to control your focal point is to use center point focusing. I'd be willing to bet you own a point and shoot camera already, so you can practice this skill now. When you are composing your shot, center the subject that you want in focus. Then, press the shutter halfway down to lock the focus. With the shutter pressed half-way, recompose your shot (i.e. shift the camera to gain a better composition), then press the shutter all the way. Even though you aren't centered on the original subject, the subject should still be in focus. For example: I centered the camera on the Canadian Geese, then I locked the focus by pressing the shutter half way. Then I shifted the camera to include the foreground, including the Bison. See how the Bison is slightly out of focus and the Geese are in focus, even though the image is centered between the two of them?

12-21-2009, 08:58 PM	#8
Digital Dustin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oahu....for now Posts: 42 Original Poster	Thanx, I searched "center point-recompose" and couldnt come up with anything. Does this method work well for a shallow DOF aswell as a larger DOF? Yes I own Nikon Coolpix and it's a real POS. Thats a really nice shot by the way.

12-21-2009, 09:11 PM	#9
matiki Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle Photos: Albums Posts: 393	Originally posted by Digital Dustin Thanx, I searched "center point-recompose" and couldnt come up with anything. Does this method work well for a shallow DOF aswell as a larger DOF? Yes I own Nikon Coolpix and it's a real POS. Thats a really nice shot by the way. Thanks. You can learn how to compose and start to understand how sensitivity, aperture and shutter speed are related using your Coolpix. If I were a betting man, I'd wager that you'll be more impressed with your Nikon after you're more familiar with it's basic functions (which, of course, is the same way any camera functions).

12-21-2009, 09:22 PM	#10
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	I came across this site and thought that it may be help.... Aperture, shutter and ISO value \| Camera Simulator Play around with this simulator a bit and I think that it will help you establish the inter-relationships. Also, I would suggest that when playing with the aperture alone, take a look at the background of the image, and you will see it blur at the lower f stops (depth of field or DoF). Have fun!!

12-21-2009, 09:27 PM	#11
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Consider some initial reading here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/23232-learning-basic...echniques.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/62522-exposure-shutt...rture-iso.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/49478-what-focal-length.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/39743-understanding-...-kit-lens.html

12-21-2009, 09:35 PM	#12
Digital Dustin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oahu....for now Posts: 42 Original Poster	Originally posted by interested_observer I came across this site and thought that it may be help.... Aperture, shutter and ISO value \| Camera Simulator Play around with this simulator a bit and I think that it will help you establish the inter-relationships. Also, I would suggest that when playing with the aperture alone, take a look at the background of the image, and you will see it blur at the lower f stops (depth of field or DoF). Have fun!! wow that really does give you a great idea of what each setting does. I understand the trade-off with each setting adjustment.

12-21-2009, 09:36 PM	#13
Digital Dustin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oahu....for now Posts: 42 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ash Consider some initial reading here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/23232-learning-basic...echniques.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/62522-exposure-shutt...rture-iso.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/49478-what-focal-length.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photography-articles/39743-understanding-...-kit-lens.html awesome, thanx. You guys really are friendly around here. Whats the catch? Do I need to give up a kidney or something, lol.

12-21-2009, 09:53 PM	#14
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Originally posted by Digital Dustin awesome, thanx. You guys really are friendly around here. Whats the catch? Do I need to give up a kidney or something, lol. Nope, just give it a good read.

12-21-2009, 10:29 PM	#15
Digital Dustin Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Oahu....for now Posts: 42 Original Poster	haha, will do.