Rebel XTI help Please

[TheReefKeeper]

I have had my XTI for almost a year and haven't take but 100 or so pictures because I get P**** with the quality of pictures it takes and just put it away. Now I know its the user and not the camera. Can someone give me a starting point? I've tried auto and the pictures look like crap. I have done so much reading on and off for a year and don't get it. The best quality I am able to get is shooting in Raw and editing what should I be shooting in A-DEP,M,AV,TV,P what is a good starting ISO And good Fstop. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm shooting into glass on a tripod the lights are 400w 12k .with the 18-55. Thanks.

 

[BlueCorn]

The camera is likely fine.

To make good pictures you need to understand the parameters that you're setting, not just imitate someone else's settings. I recommend picking up Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" as a good starting point. Once you understand what the settings are doing you begin to learn how to control the process. There is no one magic setting and nearly every exposure is different.

For starters, that 18-55 lens isn't going to give you the sharp close-ups that you see on this forum but will take decent non-macro shots.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

I'm not trying to get close up's just good color. I know that lens stinks but it's what I have and I'm not spending any more money on this camera. So it all comes down to exposure understand that and you can take good pictures?

 

[J. Montgomery]

I read the book recommended by beerguy and I would recommend it also. For corals, I usually shoot in aperture priority mode, turn off all pumps, and use a tripod.

Here are some pictures I took with my Rebel XTi and the stock 18-55mm lens:

 

[TheReefKeeper]

WoW didn't expect that out of this camera. I guess I have some reading to do! Those are the exact kind of photos I'm looking to take. I can't believe it. Did you do any editing to them at all (be Honest)

 

[BlueCorn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14099843#post14099843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheReefKeeper
WoW didn't expect that out of this camera. I guess I have some reading to do! Those are the exact kind of photos I'm looking to take. I can't believe it. Did you do any editing to them at all (be Honest)

There's no dishonesty in processing your images unless you're using it to deceive. Nearly every image can be refined and improved by proper post-processing. Hint: Ansel Adams didn't take his film to Costco.

I shoot RAW so every image that you see from my has been edited in Lightroom and generally in CS4 as well. Your camera is physically unable to capture the same range of tones as your eye. Learning to understand that, work within those limits and exploit them helps greatly.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

I don't have CS4 or lightroom. I was just trying to get some in site on how much of those photos where the camera's capabilities and not the editing. So what your saying is you should have to edit everything? So editing in conjunction with good camera skills should yeild good results.

 

[BlueCorn]

I'm not saying that you "have" to edit everything. I'm saying that nearly image could be improved with proper editing.

Step #1 is getting the exposure and composition right. There's no way to process that need away.

Cheers

 

[TheReefKeeper]

Got-cha

 

[J. Montgomery]

I digitally added in the corals, fish, and the live rock . . . but other than that the picture is totally legit

I use the software program that came with my camera, Digital Photo Professional. I use it to adjust contrast and tweak the colors. No software is going to make up for a bad picture though, if its out of focus, then you can't fix that.

 

[ahuxman58]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14099970#post14099970 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheReefKeeper
I don't have CS4 or lightroom. I was just trying to get some in site on how much of those photos where the camera's capabilities and not the editing. So what your saying is you should have to edit everything? So editing in conjunction with good camera skills should yeild good results.

If you purchased your camera new you should have a disk which contains DPP Canon's photoshop its simple and easy to use , not the most elaborate of programs but it will get you started in processing. Knowledge is key, and the best way to gain that knowledge is by practicing and as stated reading material on photography. Dont give up and dont be afraid to ask questions thats how we learn

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Why don't you post some of these terrible photos? I bet we could tell you just about everything you did wrong.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

LOL!!
I don't have the software that came with the camera that stinks. Not saying you where being deceptive just trying to see if the camera is worth keeping. If it requires every photo needing editing to the Max then I'm not interested in keeping it I'll go buy a point and shoot . Because I'm not really happy with it. From a consumer point of view I don't really feel like taking a photo class to use it or read books. It seems like you need to be into photography to use it. It seems like its for someone who has the time and interest. It also seems like I could spend more money on the hobby of Photography than Reefkeeping. I choose Reefkeeping I'm just not ready to get that involved in this new hobby. I should have done some more research before buying it. Sorry for the Ranting and Ravin this thing just really get on my nerves. I thought their where some simple answers or I was missing something simple not what I was expecting.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

TitusvileSurfer= I don't have any images saved I deleted the memory card I was so p**** when my lights come on I'll get some up. That would really help Thanks.

 

[J. Montgomery]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14100180#post14100180 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TheReefKeeper
If it requires every photo needing editing to the Max then I'm not interested in keeping it I'll go buy a point and shoot

You can use it same as a point and shoot. Images from a point and shoot camera can be edited just as easily as from a DSLR. The main difference between a DSLR and a P&S is that you can change the lenses on the SLR.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

I don't have the software that came with the camera that stinks.
Did you buy it used?

Not saying you where being deceptive just trying to see if the camera is worth keeping. If it requires every photo needing editing to the Max then I'm not interested in keeping it I'll go buy a point and shoot .
Part of the magic of these cameras is the capability of editing they allow, as well as the inital image they record.

From a consumer point of view I don't really feel like taking a photo class to use it or read books. It seems like you need to be into photography to use it properly.
Yes you do need to be into photography to use it. A Photo class would help.

It seems like its for someone who has the time and interest.
Very true

It also seems like I could spend more money on the hobby of Photography than Reefkeeping.
I still haven't decided which is more expensive. I'm only leaning towards reef keeping because of the monthly fee (electric bill).

I choose Reefkeeping I'm just not ready to get that involved in this new hobby. I should have done some more research before buying it.
I spent the better part of a year browsing 5 different photography forums rivaling reef central itself in size before I even picked a brand. You stated that you don't plan on spending any more money on your camera. Honestly I would rather have a G10 than your current setup. Without better lenses your camera just isn't going to produce as sweet of fruit.

Sorry for the Ranting and Ravin this thing just really get on my nerves. I thought their where some simple answers or I was missing something simple not what I was expecting.
No DSLRs are delicate, complicated machines. Its like a protein skimmer that needs fine tuning if you expect results. If you aren't willing to learn how to fine tune the camera, perhaps you were right to put it on the shelf and should offer it for sale.

If you post some images we can tell you what is wrong, but only because
"From a consumer point of view I don't really feel like taking a photo class to use it or read books. It seems like you need to be into photography to use it."
doesn't apply to us. You won't much understand how to correct it if you don't learn how to use it.

 

[TheReefKeeper]

Yes I got It used. It broke I paid to have it fixed that was my first mistake.
I haven't asked for help yet because I figured I could figure it out by myself at least that's what I thought. I've spent endless hours searching for answers and tips and I'm unsuccessfull with results.
I should tell you all this I'm a perfectionist and want perfect I may be asking for something I just can't get with this setup.
12 years of reefkeeping I've never had aggravation like this I'd much rather tinker with a skimmer.
I have to take some time to figure out how to set this thing up now and get some pics, and then use a program to get them up here it's been a while and I forgot everything.Lights turn on at 3 I'll get to it.

 

[ahuxman58]

As with Reefkeeping and any hobby for that matter it takes knowledge and interest in that hobby to be successful in it. Being a perfectionist as you say you are ,one would think that you would want to figure out your problems and overcome them. I know that I am a perfectionist and always want to learn and become better at what I am doing. Good luck to you and hope all goes well with you.

 

[J. Montgomery]

Here is a picture with zero editing. . .

Have you tried using your camera is auto mode just for regular everyday shooting?

 

[TheReefKeeper]

LOL!!

ahuxman58-Being a perfectionist as you say you are ,one would think that you would want to figure out your problems and overcome them

That's why I'm still on here!!! this thing will not beat me. LOL. That's why I apologized for the ranting and raving I know its just me being a perfectionist. I'll chill now and try to learn something. Thanks guys sorry again!