Original article http://themagicinpixels.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=33 Discuss it here.
Thanks for the tips Tim. Any more hints on taking photos on dark attractions (e.g Haunted Mansion)? I've had some good luck in the past with film SLR cameras (using ISO 1600 film) and reasonably fast lenses (50mm f1.8), but haven't had a lot of luck since moving to digital (Canon Digital Rebel). Admittedly, I've only used moderate lenses (f4), but when I set the ISO setting on the camera to 1600 the noise level is unacceptable. I'd be curious to know what settings you use when you shoot -- in particular: ISO setting, lens speed (aperture) , and shutter speed. Thanks!
Welcome to the boards FirstTimeCaller. I believe that would have to be a whole another article! I believe Tim posts the settings at his gallery. My gallery will do the same if my software doesn't strip the EXIF! A long way from the days of film when we had to remember our settings! I use ISO 3200 or 6400 (1600 works for some things in the HM), f/1.4 or faster (okay not anymore), shutter speed of 1/30, 1/45 depending on the situation. If you're stopped I could see going slower. Have you tried a noise reduction software to reduce the noise from the Rebel? I remember the noise from my D30 was awful at 1600, and it really reminded me of print film, but now it's 6400 that gets to that level for me.
Another article idea..... How to reduce noise with 3rd Party Software like Noise Ninja. I downloaded it, but cannot figure out how to make the sucker work
Their tutorial didn't help? However, I did find that Bibble's use of NN was much easier than their standalone version. Hopefully their A2 plugin won't be as hard to use! Yes, a general article on noise, types, etc. would be nice.
Well Ray, winging it is usually the best way to learn! Which reminds me of last night when I was finishing up my shockingly-low 20 pics from Enchanted Rock (3 yo DD couldn't make it up the rock and needed someone to carry her...kind of hard to take pics when you're carrying a very tired 3 yo). One pic went haywire and I couldn't figure out what the heck I did to it. Finally realized that I bumped contrast from 0.0 to 1.0. Thank goodness for non-destructive editing!
Thanks Roger for the info. I should have noticed the EXIF information on the photos... thanks for pointing it out. It looks like most of the HM shots are done at ISO 3200, f/1.4, and 1/30 sec. Hmm.... looks like I may be due for an equipment update. In the meantime, I'll check out some noise reduction software as you suggested.
