I Got My Camera! Rebel XTi...

[randyorr]

Well guys after months of debating and research, I finally chose and purchased my camera. I bought the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. I bought the one that came with a lens and I bought the 100mm macro lens. It is a very nice camera. And it better be with the price tag. Any reccomendations on settings for takin full tank shots? I want a real nice picture of my 72 gallon bowfront to post in my gallery. The auto mode doesn't seem to do what I want. I just don't know what are the best settings to use. Thanks.

 

[J. Montgomery]

Congrats on the purchase, you'll have lots of fun with it.

Theres no "set" way to take good pictures in different lighting, which is why the auto function isn't performing as well as you'd like. To take good pictures, you need to learn the principles that dictate exposure and how to use them (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO). I recently picked up the book, Understanding Exposure.

You'll want a tripod for good tank shots.

 

[randyorr]

Thanks for the response Josh! I got a tripod. I kinda understand ISO. I also understand what shutter speed is. I have NO CLUE what aperture is and what it does. I am thinking mid numbers for ISO and a fast shutter speed to stop the fish from blurring. What should I use for the aperture setting?

Is it better to turn off all lights except aquarium lights and use no flash? I want to capture the "natural" tank lighting.

 

[J. Montgomery]

I'm a beginner myself . . . but every situation is different. Try picking a shutter speed and then taking pictures with different aperture sizes to see what affect they have on the picture, or vise versa by picking an aperture size and varying the shutter speed. You just have to experiment.

Aperture is the size of the opening that lets light in.