Looking to upgrade..
- Thread starter mark_n
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Thanks. My budget will be around £600. I do have two additional lenses Canon EF 28 - 135 IS USM and a Canon EF 75 - 300.
But I am not sure what other Canon camera's they would fit on.
I really struggle in low light even with my tripod. I just can't get the exposure right.
But I am not sure what other Canon camera's they would fit on.
I really struggle in low light even with my tripod. I just can't get the exposure right.
alexhcowley
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Your lenses will fit on any Canon camera with either an EF-S or EF mount, which means the entire current lineup.
Whats the trouble exactly? The 400D should be as capable as any at taking nice night-time shots - don't fool yourself that buying a new body will solve all your problems.
It really depends on what you're shooting, and where you are finding the limitations of what you got......
akr
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Why don't you post some pictures up in the Photo Sharing Section - explain what the issues you are facing are. You'll get some great advice, and that will give you a better idea if you money would be better spend on a new body, a course, books new lenses, filters, flash or a sturdier tripod etc.
But yes an explanation with photo of what is going wrong and I'm sure you'll get some good advice.
Al
MatBin
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Agree with that.
There is virtually no difference in the metering of the 400 and the 50, so if you cant get it right with the 400 you wont with the 50, sorry.
pete.rush
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Its not the camera, its your lenses. What lens(es) are you using, what are the light conditions your shooting in, are you using a tripod, hand held. If you using either the Canon EF 28-135 IS USM or Canon EF 75-300mm, then I can see why your struggling, a new camera body won't help, you'll need faster lenses and probably primes, not zooms.
Thanks for all the reply's. I didn't know about the metering being the same between the two camera's.
Oh right. Thats very much for the advice. I am sorry I forgot to mention I also have the standard lens with came with the camera. Which is the 18 - 55mm which is what I normally use.
I have been taking some shots from Newcastle Quayside which is quite dark. I have been using a tripod albeit a basic one.
Are prime lenses the same as fixed focal lenght lenses?
Thanks
Oh right. Thats very much for the advice. I am sorry I forgot to mention I also have the standard lens with came with the camera. Which is the 18 - 55mm which is what I normally use.
I have been taking some shots from Newcastle Quayside which is quite dark. I have been using a tripod albeit a basic one.
Are prime lenses the same as fixed focal lenght lenses?
Thanks
MatBin
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Right, these are shoot in auto mode i.e. Landscape programme, consequently the camera is choosing aperture and shutter speed and seems to be favouring a wide open aperture in most cases, which on this lens will always be a bit soft (wide open will be soft on most lens though tbh).
If you use this as a basis for shooting in manual you can check what the camera is going to shoot in Landscape mode and adjust the exposure to something else in manual. For instance if the camera in Landscape shoots 1/30 f4.5 you can choose manual and set the same aperture (f4.5) and set a much slower shutter speed say 1/2 which will allow much more light into the camera and you should see more detail, if that's what you want, although some parts may burn out, or you can choose a smaller aperture (bigger f number) for greater depth of field and sharpness and crank the shutter speed right down (to let in the same amount of light), use the mirror lock-up (if it has this feature) and the self timer set to 2 seconds, which will remove most of the camera shake you may be introducing by taking the shot by just pressing the shutter release and immediately taking the shot.
If you are unhappy that the shots arent razor sharp but look properly exposed (and they do to me) then you will be better getting another lens of higher quality rather than the same lens on another body. For instance the 18/55 you got (the kit lens) has variable quality, my wife's one is very sharp, if the camera is still under warranty I'd try and get the dealer to swop out the lens as this one looks a bit soft. Alternatively post process in DPP (which you got on the CD with the camera) and sharpen it up a bit.
Finally,
A prime (fixed focal length, same thing) wide angle would be a good choice, or as you seem to have taken a few at 55mm you could get a 50mm f1.8 mk2 lens for less than £100 and if you dont like it you'll be able to sell it with virtually no loss of value. (Also known as the nifty fifty) its a great lens for the price.
Matt
If you use this as a basis for shooting in manual you can check what the camera is going to shoot in Landscape mode and adjust the exposure to something else in manual. For instance if the camera in Landscape shoots 1/30 f4.5 you can choose manual and set the same aperture (f4.5) and set a much slower shutter speed say 1/2 which will allow much more light into the camera and you should see more detail, if that's what you want, although some parts may burn out, or you can choose a smaller aperture (bigger f number) for greater depth of field and sharpness and crank the shutter speed right down (to let in the same amount of light), use the mirror lock-up (if it has this feature) and the self timer set to 2 seconds, which will remove most of the camera shake you may be introducing by taking the shot by just pressing the shutter release and immediately taking the shot.
If you are unhappy that the shots arent razor sharp but look properly exposed (and they do to me) then you will be better getting another lens of higher quality rather than the same lens on another body. For instance the 18/55 you got (the kit lens) has variable quality, my wife's one is very sharp, if the camera is still under warranty I'd try and get the dealer to swop out the lens as this one looks a bit soft. Alternatively post process in DPP (which you got on the CD with the camera) and sharpen it up a bit.
Finally,
A prime (fixed focal length, same thing) wide angle would be a good choice, or as you seem to have taken a few at 55mm you could get a 50mm f1.8 mk2 lens for less than £100 and if you dont like it you'll be able to sell it with virtually no loss of value. (Also known as the nifty fifty) its a great lens for the price.
Matt
MJ Stebbings
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Glass over body needed, and the knowledge on how to use your camera if you are using auto modes