trying to get a good tank shot

cloudjockey · #1 06/26/2007, 07:55 AM

I need help trying to get a good tank shot. I'm very new to cameras. My pictures do not look to good and are kinds blurry. Heres my settings:

Camera model: u20D,S400D,u400D
Date/Time: 0000:00:00 00:00:00
Resolution: 640 x 480
Flash used: Yes (auto)
Focal length: 8.8mm
Exposure time: 0.167 s (1/6)
Aperture: f/3.6
ISO equiv.: 160
Whitebalance: Auto
Metering Mode: matrix
Exposure: Creative Program (based towards depth of field)

Do I need to adjust anything?

gregr · #2 07/07/2007, 08:18 PM

Can you post a picture or two- that will help us make some suggestions. The slow shutter speed [1/6] was the cause of the blur. You can get a faster shutter speed by using a bigger aperture [smaller f-number] or increasing the iso. You'll have to get out of the creative mode for that though- does your camera have aperture priority or manual exposure mode? I'd suggest using a higher quality/image size setting too. And a tripod if you've got one.

reefman13 · #3 07/09/2007, 12:49 AM

I agree with greg. Lets see one of your current pictures so we can help you with it.

thor32766 · #4 07/09/2007, 09:53 AM

yeah post a pic and go from there.

clippo · #5 07/09/2007, 10:38 AM

I agree - looking at the settings though several things stand out.

1) I wouldn't use on-camera flash for a frontal tank shot - the reflected flash light usually wrecks the image
2) the image resolution is set to its lowest. i would always shoot the biggest size image you can to allow for cropping etc.
3) Focal length indicates you are using a fisheye lens? not a problem but rather unusual - potential for distortion
4) Exposure time is very slow - at odds with use of flash
5) try raising the ISO and shoot in shutter priority.