Quick low light question (Canon user)

[willkia]

Camera

Canon 70D

Sigma 18-35mm 1.8 lens



Hi Guys,

I am still using AV mode

I am scared to use manual mode only because I haven't had time to practice. When I am out and about shooting my friends etc I don't want to waste their time with me messing about with my settings. I just never know what to change depending on the light. I think its shutter speed I struggle with the most. I mainly shoot portrait btw, and love the blurred look.

Anyway, I really struggle to get a crisp photo in low light. I don't mean shooting in a basement. I literally mean in like a restaurant.

Can anyone recommend any settings please?

Thanks

 

[Box Brownie]

If the 70D has within it settings has AutoISO, then yes manual would be a good bet

Shutter speed 1/100 (unless you intentionally want some motion blur of the people, then perhaps a 1/30 or 1/50) NB though as your lens is not image stabilised just how low shutter speed do you find you can handhold?
Aperture f1.8 as you said you like the background blur
ISO (with AutoISO) looks after itself. Though be prepared to accept noise?

 

[LeeRatters]

Some cameras you can set Auto ISO & a minimum shutter speed I think.

Sounds an easy idea solution to your type of issue but I'm not sure the 70D has that feature or ability.

I would guess the un-crisp photo result is because of too low a shutter speed.

 

[TimHughes]

70D does have auto ISO. To set min shutter speed for Av mode goto the ISO speed settings in the third camera menu (page 125 in the manual). There’s also a handheld night scene mode you could try.

 

[Phil V]

The 70d does have auto iso, but it’s a bit rubbish, with no min SS setting.

@willkia just use AV and auto ISO and watch your shutter speed. Remember a shaky image is unusable, a noisy image is usable.

Or pack a transmitter and small speedlight,

 

[ecoleman]

And there’s nothing wrong with av mode. Shooting manual doesn’t make you a better photographer. Most pro photographers will use av or tv depending on what they’re shooting. You just need to understand what the camera is doing and why and how and when to override the cameras decision when need be.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

Manual is just useful where background can trick light meter when recomposing. So if you know the right setting and fix you know whichever way you shoot it will be consistent

 

[andy1868]

If you wanted to post an example or two of what you’ve shot before, we might be able to see which element is the issue If you include the EXIF data too it would be handy

 

[TimHughes]

The 70d does have auto iso, but it’s a bit rubbish, with no min SS setting.

@willkia just use AV and auto ISO and watch your shutter speed. Remember a shaky image is unusable, a noisy image is usable.

Or pack a transmitter and small speedlight,

The manual has instructions for min shutter speed with auto iso see attached.

 

[Phil V]

The manual has instructions for min shutter speed with auto iso see attached.

I know Canon were late with this, I hadn’t realised the 70d had it, the 7d doesn’t and they’re a similar age.