Simon Cooper From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2000, 404 posts, RR: 1 Posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 2728 times:
Hi Guys
I currently have the Canon 300D for taking pictures of planes. Whilst I have been pleased with the results, I have had problems with the well known Canon issue of darkness!
So..... the 400D and D40x are out in the shops. Which in your opinion is the best camera for taking plane pictures, anyone have any experience? Or should I stick with the 300D?
Diezel From Netherlands, joined Oct 2002, 646 posts, RR: 12 Reply 1, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 2714 times:
Remember that the D40x has no internal AF motor. Which means that only AF-S or AF-I lenses can be used in autofocus mode. This might not be an issue as almost all new Nikkors are Af-S but you better know about it before buying it.
OD720 From Lebanon, joined Feb 2003, 1919 posts, RR: 36 Reply 2, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 2711 times:
Hi Simon,
Can you please explain a littel more what's the "Canon issue of darkness" you are referring to? Are the photos you're taking coming out dark a little or are certain areas dark?
It could be related to your camera settings. If so, you may also be disappointed with your new purchase since it may probably be due to mishandling rather than the camera itself.
Simon Cooper From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2000, 404 posts, RR: 1 Reply 3, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 2705 times:
Hi OD720
Canon's are well known for taking slightly darker pictures, which isn't really a huge problem when you can lighten them up using photoshop. That's what I meant, I just wondered if they had addressed this issue on the newer model.
Diezel
Hi, thanks for your comments, I didn't realise that, so that is obvioulsly something to consider!
Canon's are well known for taking slightly darker pictures, which isn't really a huge problem when you can lighten them up using photoshop. That's what I meant, I just wondered if they had addressed this issue on the newer model.
I've used the 300D for almost 3 years and haven't had that problem myself. Try to overexpose a little, like +1/3 or even +2/3.
Lightening up photos in Photoshop could result in some noise in the darker areas and may also increase grain. It's best to have a well exposed image in the first place.
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 7, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 2687 times:
CalgaryBill From Canada, joined May 2006, 686 posts, RR: 6 Reply 9, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 2651 times:
If you're already invested in Canon lenses then there isn't much value in switching. Both brands take great pictures - I shoot Nikon but I wouldn't consider it an upgrade as Canon also makes great cameras and lenses.
Get yourself a light meter and in camera compensation won't be an issue. It's cheaper than buying a new camera and will have a positive impact on all your photography.
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 10, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 2637 times:
Quoting CalgaryBill (Reply 9): Get yourself a light meter and in camera compensation won't be an issue. It's cheaper than buying a new camera and will have a positive impact on all your photography.
Thanks, everyone was getting tired of hearing me say that....
Simon Cooper From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2000, 404 posts, RR: 1 Reply 11, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 2627 times:
thanks again everyone for all you help.......
I use a Tamron 28-300mm lens, I like just having the one lens to save changing, I don't think Canon make this range unless it's over £1000!!! So, that is the only lens I have to fit the Canon.
Any advice on any other lens?
A light meter? Never thought of that, might be an idea for me to luck into!
CalgaryBill From Canada, joined May 2006, 686 posts, RR: 6 Reply 12, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 2612 times:
Quoting Simon Cooper (Reply 11): A light meter? Never thought of that, might be an idea for me to luck into!
The Sekonic L358 is a great little meter. Price and function wise, it's in the middle of the pack - you could get a cheaper one, or you could spend more. The L-358 is very accurate, you can add a spot meter later if you choose, and if you ever want to do studio work it'll work with flashes (you can even upgrade it with a PocketWizard wireless trigger if you like).
Dazed767 From United States of America, joined May 1999, 5447 posts, RR: 53 Reply 13, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 2559 times:
Quoting StealthZ (Reply 5): Really, All three of my Canon DSLRs tend towards overexposure
I never had a problem with over/underexposure until I had my 300D for over a year. I could take 3-4 consecutive shots and 1 would be completely cooked. Doesn't happen all the time though. A friend of mine took it to europe about 4 months ago, about 60 of 500 shots were useless.
CalgaryBill From Canada, joined May 2006, 686 posts, RR: 6 Reply 14, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 2558 times:
Quoting Dazed767 (Reply 13): I could take 3-4 consecutive shots and 1 would be completely cooked.
Did you try it in manual mode? If the same problem happens, there's something wrong with either your shutter or aperature control. If it only happens in an auto mode (A, S, P etc) then it's a software issue. Couldn't hurt to send it to Canon for a checkup.
Dazed767 From United States of America, joined May 1999, 5447 posts, RR: 53 Reply 16, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 2534 times:
Quoting CalgaryBill (Reply 14): Couldn't hurt to send it to Canon for a checkup.
I haven't shot in M mode yet, but it's been 5 months since I've touched it since I picked up a 20D. I might just send it in to get looked at, it would still serve as a good backup cam once I get this problem fixed.
Monteycarlos From Australia, joined Mar 2005, 2107 posts, RR: 31 Reply 17, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 2526 times:
Quoting CalgaryBill (Reply 14): Couldn't hurt to send it to Canon for a checkup.
It could hurt the hip pocket. They tried to jack me for over $100 AUD on a warranty claim for my 400D dust sensor being U/S. I told them to stick it up their a$$. Its since been explained to me that Canon will try to bleed money from people, any way they can.
JakTrax From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4743 posts, RR: 8 Reply 18, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 2505 times:
Quoting Simon Cooper (Reply 3): Canon's are well known for taking slightly darker pictures
Incorrect. The 350D and 30D similarly over-expose. As others have said, changing metering modes along with tinkering with stop compensationn will sort out any problems. To understand how these work either read your manual again or buy a book on photography.
A light meter would be useful but you're best (IMO) just using trial and error until you get it right. A light meter will cost you a fair wedge and (after said trial and error) probably won't improve your pics a great deal.
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 19, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 2500 times:
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 18):
Incorrect. The 350D and 30D similarly over-expose. ....................
You wouldn't say that if you compare camera readings with an incident meter's readings.
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 18):
A light meter would be useful but you're best (IMO) just using trial and error until you get it right
Trial and error? Great advice.
Screw that, buy a meter, learn to use it, and start getting the right exposures ....you'll be glad you did. And you'll learn a lot along the way.
CalgaryBill From Canada, joined May 2006, 686 posts, RR: 6 Reply 20, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 2489 times:
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 18):
A light meter would be useful but you're best (IMO) just using trial and error until you get it right.
The right tool for the job.... and I've never heard of "trial and error" referred to as a tool. A light meter will make your life a lot easier and improve your image quality.
JakTrax From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4743 posts, RR: 8 Reply 21, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 2423 times:
Quoting CalgaryBill (Reply 20): A light meter will make your life a lot easier and improve your image quality
........And significantly decrease the weight of your wallet.
I'm not saying they are a bad idea but in my opinion the price tag doesn't justify the benefits they offer. That said, I only ever shoot in good weather and, through said trial and error, have found my optimum settings without use of a meter. Let's face it, for the most part (and in good light) the camera does a pretty accurate job of reading each situation in modes such as Av and Tv. I very rarely use full manual mode (admittedlly when I do I do think a meter would be nice but not essential) so therefore my need for a meter is very limited. I rarely have exposure problems but on occasions when I do, yes, a light meter would be helpful - if they were cheaper!
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 22, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 2403 times:
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 21): I'm not saying they are a bad idea but in my opinion the price tag doesn't justify the benefits they offer
After having used mine for so long, I wouldn't hesitate to pay twice what I did for it. It IS that accurated, and essential if I want to know what is the correct exposure quickly and without question.
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 21): Let's face it, for the most part (and in good light) the camera does a pretty accurate job of reading each situation in modes such as Av and Tv.
Sure...that is why we have so many threads about rejections/exposure.....
CalgaryBill From Canada, joined May 2006, 686 posts, RR: 6 Reply 23, posted (6 years 1 month 3 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2346 times:
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 21): I'm not saying they are a bad idea but in my opinion the price tag doesn't justify the benefits they offer.
You can get a used incident meter for under $100, a brand new Gossen for under $200 - that's "significant? Is that too expensive for consistently getting accurately exposed images? I suspect you spent more than that for your camera? Considering there is an entire industry built around light meters, the Zone system, etc, it would appear that a lot of pro's out there disagree with you.
Quoting JeffM (Reply 22): Sure...that is why we have so many threads about rejections/exposure.....
Sponsor Message: 
From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2000, 404 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Oct 2002, 646 posts, 
From Lebanon, joined Feb 2003, 1919 posts, 
From Australia, joined Feb 2005, 5434 posts, 
From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, 
From Canada, joined May 2006, 686 posts, 
Great advice.
Printer friendly format 
