Struggling with aperture or shutter priority, photos too dark

[DrPips]

Hi All,

Since I got my camera, I've not been able to use shutter priority or aperture priority because the photos always come out too dark. Regardless of what settings I dial in, or the ISO i put in, the histogram always come out with the highlights about a third of the way from the left.

I'm assuming there's some sort of setting on the camera which will fix this, but I can't find it! I can use full manual mode fine, but sometimes it's just easier to only have one setting to fiddle with!!

Any ideas?

Dom

 

[Phil Young]

Dom,

Are you negative compensating? What happens in P mode?

 

[woof woof]

Also, where is the little meter cursor when you look through the VF. Really, you want to keep the cursor in the middle of the meter unless making a conscious decision to do otherwise. If it's to the left of centre you'll get darker images.

 

[dinners]

What metering mode are you using for what subjects ?

Have you got exposure compensation set to under expose ?

 

[bustersdelight]

What camera are you using?

 

[ecniv]

Dunno if this will help reseting the 30d's settings

Might be worth trying (unless you have some decent custom settings) ?

Is there a meet or someone close to you that you can compare settings / shots in similar lighting?

 

[modchild]

Dom, where abouts in lincoln do you live as I live in branston just outside of town. If you want to arrange a visit and bring your camera along I could maybe go through some of the settings with you to see if that helps. PM me if you want.

 

[DrPips]

Thanks for all he replies. The indicator in the view finder is way to the left, indicating under exposure. I'm using a 30d. I didn't think I had any exposure compensation on, but then again, not sure how to check. If its the button with the lightning bolt and a +/- then that seems to have no effect, even if I move it from +2 to -2. Factory reset?

 

[hollis_f]

Thanks for all he replies. The indicator in the view finder is way to the left, indicating under exposure. I'm using a 30d. I didn't think I had any exposure compensation on, but then again, not sure how to check. If its the button with the lightning bolt and a +/- then that seems to have no effect, even if I move it from +2 to -2. Factory reset?

Make sure your on/off switch is in the 'very on' position - as far on as it will go. Now rotate the big rear dial while looking through the viewfinder. One direction will negate the EC you've dialed in.

I also suggest reading the manual. If you haven't got a paper one then you should be able to find a PDF version online.

 

[DrPips]

Think I've fixed it. I didn't realise you had to adjust it after you'd half pressed the shutter. Got it set now. Still curious as to what the button with the flash and +\- does though. I know thats where you change metering mode, but it looks as if it should be an exposure compensation as well.

 

[TCR4x4]

Is that not flash exposure comp? I'm not a canon user so can't be sure, but the flash bolt suggests to me it is.

 

[Lbm]

Is that not flash exposure comp?

Yes

 

[snowy]

Yes, that button controls the flash exposure compensation so you can increase or decrease the amount of light the flash gives compared to ambient light. It won't be the problem here as it sounds like it's the normal exposure compensation dial that had been turned down.

 

[Phil Young]

Thanks for all he replies. The indicator in the view finder is way to the left, indicating under exposure. I'm using a 30d. I didn't think I had any exposure compensation on, but then again, not sure how to check. If its the button with the lightning bolt and a +/- then that seems to have no effect, even if I move it from +2 to -2. Factory reset?

You're welcome

 

[DrPips]

Yeh got it fixed now, thanks for your patience with an imbecile!!

 

[modchild]

Glad you got it sorted, if you still fancy a visit get in touch.