FTS with D40x

warr40 · #1 12/28/2007, 12:37 AM

hey guys i got a Nikkon d40x for x-mas and i wanna take some FTS of my 10g tank but i dont know where to start.....i got a tripod, the stock lens, the 300mm zoom lens, a telephoto lens, and a wide angle, and some filters.

i'm not sure on all of the aperature and shutter speed settings and really not sure on what the ISO does. Can someone help me get started to take some really good pics?

reefman23 · #2 12/28/2007, 12:48 AM

Check out this link... http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=333197

In the first post there is a section called "How to take better pictures"... that should give you a good start.

In the second post in that link it explains how to take a FTS:

"Full Tank Photos:

Full tank shots are best done from a tripod. Not only will the images be sharper, but it will also be much easier to frame a shot that is straight and level.
Aperture priority is good for this type of shot, and an aperture of f4-f5.6 is a good starting point. Keep an eye on the camera's shutter speed - if it goes below 1/30 or so, a bigger aperture (smaller f-stop number) may be necessary, or the ISO may need to be raised. Ideally, the shutter speed will be 1/60 or higher in order to keep moving fish or swaying corals in sharp focus.

Aquarium lighting is rarely soft and even. It can be very difficult to achieve an even exposure throughout the tank, so exposure compensation is often necessary to prevent overexposure at the top of the tank where the lighting is brightest. If the images are too bright, then set negative exposure compensation - start with the smallest increment (usually 1/3 stop) and keep experimenting until the exposure is right. Try different apertures as well as compensation."

HTH,

Jesse

warr40 · #3 12/28/2007, 01:20 AM

heres a pic i took 1/5 f5.6 and auto ISO

warr40 · #4 12/28/2007, 03:55 AM

i just took this pic with these settings
Lens: 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 G
Focal Length: 23mm
Exposure Mode: Manual
Metering Mode: Center-Weighted
1/60 sec - F/8
Exposure Comp.: -2.0 EV

reefman23 · #5 12/28/2007, 08:59 AM

Looks great... Im no pro though but you appear to definitely be on the right track.

Jesse