Airliners.net

Hi all,

Newvbie here with the aforementioned new camera to work with. Has anyone posted some
suggestions and/or a manual for newbies into what settings have worked for them
as an initial starting point for shooting aviation flights? I ask as that I'm unfamiliar
with the camera & photography (so far) and the shots I have taken to date with this camera have been less than spectacular- grainy (settings were sport scene with burst mode on).
My previous recent camera (Kodak 8612- now returned due to poor write performance w/a good card) IMO took better pics than the current camera. I'm sure this poor performance with the new camera can be certainly improved upon...just looking for suggestions and pointers.

TIA.

Jack

Hi Jack,

Forget about the pre-set selections. I don't know much about the S5 but I suspect sport mode probably increases the ISO rating, which would account for the grain. Try ISO100 or lower (if available). Go to Av (aperture priority mode) and set the aperture to f8. With DSLR lenses f8-f11 is usually the "sweet spot" where images come out sharpest, but with point-and-shoots you might need to open it up a little (especially if f8 is the smallest aperture available) to avoid softening due to diffraction.

Charles

The manual that came with the camera contains a lot of good information.

Together with a good book on the basics of photography, it will tell you all you need to know.

Thanks Kukkudrill & Viv for the assistance; I'll be trying out some different settings this evening
and advise how they work.

Regarding the suggestion of the manual ...I'm currently reading the manual but find it
somewhat overwhelming. I would definitely be receptive to some suggestions on good
books and/or other reference sources on photography and terms.

Jack

Jack,
The advice from Charles and Viv is certainly true,
I just had a quick scan through the manuals for the S5 IS, yes, manuals there are 2 of them, a basic and advanced version.
If you are new to "serious" photography you should lock the advanced manual away. Learn the basic manual in some detail and take lots of photos at the various settings.
All kinds of subjects not just aviation. Analyse those photos see what works what doesn't.
The beauty of digital photography is all the settings, shutter speed, aperture, ISO even time of day are available for you to learn from.
When you have that nailed, then start on the Advanced manual.

The tough part, that will only teach you how to use the camera not how to make a photograph, for that you will need the books, possibly a photography course, certainly some dedication and experience.

Books, look for authors such as John Hedgcoe, Michael Freeman perhaps even Ansel Adams, there are litterally thousands.

Cheers

Chris

hi my dear,

I working by S5IS ,

I Mode for Tacken photo :

Mode :AV F:8 ,

one of the best mode for S5IS .....

And after Night shot this Camera ,New mode P ,

Hello all,

First off...thanks to all who have taken the time to reply and your insights. I was out
last night taking more pictures with much better success based on the preliminary camera settings provided (a little sleuthing to find decent vantage spots certainly assisted as well- thanks to the fellows at contrailsphotography.com for YEG spotting tips). Once I'm able to review all the pictures, I'll submit one for reviews and comments/suggestions as to techniques etc.

In the interim, I will also certainly be investigating the books authored by the individuals
and possibly a suitable photography course.

Jack

Quoting Skingjack (Reply 6): will also certainly be investigating the books authored by the individuals and possibly a suitable photography course.

Excellent. You will surmount the learning curve much faster by doing this than by trial and error.

Hi Jack,

I have the S5 IS and love it.

Personelly, the automatic mode works great for me. And the programable modes are also awesome. Just go out and use it and explore it and you'll learn how to use it for yourself.  

Good Luck,
Luke R

I also am a newbie with an S5 IS. Its a brilliant camera to start with, its working well for me anyway!

I tend to keep the ISO setting on 80 to reduce 'noise' in the photo. However, if the lighting isn't great then I go up to a maximum of 200 if I need to, no higher though...noise starts to become troublesome from then on. To be honest, though, I think you're only going to get A.net standard photos with the ISO on 100 or 80. (I haven't had any uploaded yet by the way.)

With regards to modes I tend to use Av (Aperture Priority mode) and keep the aperture on 8.0. Sometimes I put it on Tv (Shutter Speed priority mode) to see if I can get some sort of motion effect in the photo but so far I've been unsuccessful with this.

Those are about the only settings I change at the moment. Since we're at the same 'experience level' perhaps I'll make a note of your screen-name and see how you're getting on!

Quick question, have you got yourself a copy of Photoshop Elements? It really is excellent at 'rescuing' photos. I'm still learning the ropes at the moment though.

Anway, best of luck!

Dan

https://www.airliners.net/photo/Alrosa/Tupolev-Tu-134B-3/1366439/M/

Hi,Skingjack

Here this photo is made by camera Canon S5 IS.ISO=80. Other adjustments were completely in the automatic device. After a photoshop has processed Neat Image. I think this camera it is possible to photograph only costing planes and obligatory at solar illumination.


I wish good luck yours JG

Hi there guys:

I also own a S5 and I'm in love with it. In cases of bright light I go in auto mode, and generally AV mode ISO 100 F8.0 will work well. In the case of night shots I go manual, although I've heard comments from friends owners of the S5 that P mode and a high ISO do the work pretty well too.

Saludos,

Roberto.