7 replies to this topic

[JimBob]

for the Canon Powershot sx40 HS? My battery should be done charging very soon, so I would like to know what is the best. I'm sure that there are different opinions. Hope to see some cool birds!

Happy Birding!

JB

[cabirds]

The best setting is the one that makes the right exposure for the conditions.

[meghann]

JimBob, lots of factors come into play when choosing settings to take photos. Is is going to be sunny or cloudy? Are you wanting a deep depth of field or a shallow one? Are the subjects going to be moving quickly, or staying still?

If you have an idea on some of the answers to those questions, Jodie and I (and others) could probably suggest a few settings to try, but it's hard to gauge the "right" settings unless you are there in the field.

[JimBob]

Well I went out and found out what two I like the best. Auto, and Manual! Auto seems to be a little easier to use, but sometimes doesn't give me just what I want. Manual is harder to use (you have to switch the ISO, and shutter speed sometimes), but it often gives me the perfect shot. Really like the camera, having NO trouble getting GREAT shots.

[meghann]

Ah, that's what you meant by "settings". I thought you were asking which ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to use.

[JimBob]

Oh, sorry. Yeah with those things you can't really say which is best.

Isn't the correct term mode?

[meghann]

Yeah.

Modes: Auto, Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, etc.
Settings: ISO, White Balance, Shutter Speed, Aperture, etc.

[LauraC]

for the Canon Powershot sx40 HS? My battery should be done charging very soon, so I would like to know what is the best. I'm sure that there are different opinions. Hope to see some cool birds!

Happy Birding!

JB

Sometimes, if I'm not happy with results, I'll take one or two photos on Auto and then review the photos immediately in camera with detail to see what settings the camera chose for the conditions. Then I select a manual setting and tweak if from that starting point.