Cant get decent indoors photos.

[BigRuss]

The camera gives you control. If you want it to work like a compact, then stick it on the green square. But if you want control, then you also have P, Av, Tv and Manual.

P is actually underrated and gives you both a lot of control plus the ease of point 'n' shoot. If you want, you can use programme shift to get all the variations available on the other modes, plus it is configured for flash in a unique way. It will track the ambient light level between max x-sync (1/200sec on a 500D) and 1/60sec, after which it decides that it is better to let the background go dark than risk any movement blur. Quite versatile, and foolproof.

On Av, it will track the ambient light for correct background exposure down to as long as it takes, and balance the flash to it. There is also an override for this in custom functions, if you want to restrict the length of the shutter speed.

Or there's Manual. You can do anything with that, and the in E-TTL the flash will still balance with the f/number. Plus you've got the FEL lock (which might have resolved your problem) which prevents incorrect exposure with off-centre subjects, amongst other things.

Then you have options like second-curtain sync, and with a separate gun you can bounce the light around, have the option of high speed sync, use diffusers etc etc.

It might sound a bit confusing, but flash needs a bit of learning to get the most from it. Get a decent gun (eg Canon 430EXII), read the handbook, play around a bit, check out some of the threads on here, ask questions. You'll be away. Flash is fantastically useful, and has endless creative options

Tip: if you run out of flash power, then raising the ISO one stop, or lowering the f/number one stop, effectively doubles the power of the flash.

Cheers Rich for the detailed reply, more reading, more trying, more generally messing needed....i'll get there

 

[n1blo]

The guy is new to SLR photography and to be honest this thread isnt helping him in the slightest now he thinks he needs a new lens. Come on guys, the 18-55 kit lens is incapable of taking indoor shots now! and he needs to buy a new lens! I know thats not what your saying n1blo but he is a complete novice and with all respect to the OP he probably wouldnt know a fast prime if it jumped up and bit him.

I said if you are keen on spending some money, and I also noted the above advice as good. I certainly did NOT say "run out and buy this asap, you need it".

 

[legarm]

I used to have terrible trouble with indoor shots. They always used to come out completely black!!!! Used to really annoy me.

Shot after shot, black, black, black!!

My indoor shots soon improved when i took the lens cover off though!! lol

 

[ectp]

Try just using a bit of a4 White paper maybe folded in half and just angle it
Between the flash and the roof/ wall etc.

Fire a few shoots off and you should see a much nicer light. This should convince you that you need a better flash unit.

 

[L33LEG YARIS]

I also struggle.

And I've just tried some of the advice.

I tried my 50mm 1.8 lens, and high ISO, but I still needed a low shutter in order for the pictures to be light enough...

But, the difference is I'm not wishing to use a flashgun.

Any tips?

 

[n1blo]

I also struggle.

And I've just tried some of the advice.

I tried my 50mm 1.8 lens, and high ISO, but I still needed a low shutter in order for the pictures to be light enough...

But, the difference is I'm not wishing to use a flashgun.

Any tips?

Well, when your f1.8 lens and a high ISO aren't cutting it, the two ways to counteract that are to use a tripod (depends what you are taking pictures of) or employ a more light (maybe a flash of some description).

If you are taking pictures of people you may find that generally a tripod isn't suited as they more around alot, causing blurring, and people get tired real quick of being told to sit still while you attempt to take 5 different pictures of them, in a bid to get one sharp!

The flash is the best tool for this really, using something relatively cheap such as a YN whatever or even about the £100 mark for a 430EX which you can then bounce off another surface to give a more diffused light. But then again, it doesn't even need to be a flash, you can use household lighting, just be creative.

Photography is all about light I'm afraid!

 

[passportphotoman]

I also struggle.

And I've just tried some of the advice.

I tried my 50mm 1.8 lens, and high ISO, but I still needed a low shutter in order for the pictures to be light enough...

But, the difference is I'm not wishing to use a flashgun.

Any tips?

I was against using a flashgun for a while till I gave in and bought a 430exii. I get nice crisp, non-blurred shots with low iso and none of that horrible washed out skin tones that flashes are hated for.

I can get lovely light just bouncing the flash from a wall/ceiling combo just behind my head.

You might get some funny comments like "your flash is pointing the wrong way!" from those unfamiliar with the "light".

Also a make/buy a bounce card for when there just isn't anything to bounce your flash off.

 

[EOS_JD]

I also struggle.

And I've just tried some of the advice.

I tried my 50mm 1.8 lens, and high ISO, but I still needed a low shutter in order for the pictures to be light enough...

But, the difference is I'm not wishing to use a flashgun.

Any tips?

If you are not willing to use flash (which can be used so as not to look like flash) then really ou don't have many options.

You could buy bright continuous lights?

Photography is all about light - that's all.

If you don't have enough with a high ISO and a fast lens at its widest aperture then additional light is the only answer.

 

[L33LEG YARIS]

the main reason i don't wish to use flash is because the pics are of my 10 week old daughter...

Therefore I can't use my tripod either as she riggles constantly lol

I have a basic flashgun atm which I could try bouncing off walls etc. I also purchased two diffusers recently to play with.

I'll have a play later, and thanks *** for the replies.