Frankly to the untrained eyes like mine, I can’t tell if the picture looks good by just looking on the viewfinder of my DSLR camera. It is only after I have uploaded them to my computer, then only I can see the differences of each photo. Therefore, it baffles me how so many of the older generations photo hobbyists can discern their shots just from their film camera. I really salute these people for having that innate ability to take marvellous shots. Back then, they don’t even get see a review on the LCD screen.
| Camera: | Konica Minolta DYNAX 5D |
| Exposure: | 0.017 sec (1/60) |
| Aperture: | f/7.1 |
| Focal Length: | 60 mm |
| ISO Speed: | 400 |
| Exposure Bias: | 0/10 EV |
I decide to twiddle with my DSLR camera today, using Manual mode, Aperture Priority and pre-programme Potrait Mode. After downloading and checking the EXIF, then only I go ‘aiks, did I use an ISO speed of 400? Why the heck didn’t I remember about the ISO? Hmmm….forget about using Manual (including manual focus) next time. There are just wayyyyy too many numbers to remember.
What is EXIF data?
Almost all new digital cameras save JPEG (jpg) files with EXIF (Exchangeable Image File) data. Camera settings and scene information are recorded by the camera into the image file. Examples of stored information are shutter speed, date and time, focal length, exposure compensation, metering pattern and if a flash was used. (explained by Flickr)
| Camera: | Konica Minolta DYNAX 5D |
| Exposure: | 0.067 sec (1/15) |
| Aperture: | f/18 |
| Focal Length: | 70 mm |
| ISO Speed: | 400 |
| Exposure Bias: | 0/10 EV |
This photo is using Aperture Priority but another oops, I did something wrong again. Only thing I am not sure what is wrong except that this photo looks dull. I believe it is the aperture.
| Camera: | Konica Minolta DYNAX 5D |
| Exposure: | 0.008 sec (1/125) |
| Aperture: | f/5.6 |
| Focal Length: | 70 mm |
| ISO Speed: | 400 |
| Exposure Bias: | 0/10 EV |
And this is using the potrait mode which gives me superb clarity. As far as I am concern. 
As you can see above, the aperture I used was way too big. If the f number is big, it will let in less light. The smaller the f number is, the brighter the photo is. That’s why my earlier two photos have yellow tinge due to not enough light.
And my shutter speed was also totally way out too. A fast shutter speeds lets less light, i.e. it opens and closes faster and hence, less light gets through.
Conclusion – I have a lot to learn. And stick to aperture priority, shutter priority or pre-programme modes. I have to forget about using manual mode unless it is for experiment. Never for those candid, once-in-a-lifetime moment, not until I can balance all the numbers correctly.
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moo_t
July 31, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Most confusing posting ever.
The use of aperture is to control the effect of Depth of Field(DOF).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field
Controlling aperture allow the photogs to control/safeguard the subject clarity.
Because aperture is also restrict the incoming light fell on the sensor/films, it also affect the shutter speed during metering.
Most DSLR user normally use aperture priority of F5.6 to F8. Bigger aperture (small F number e.g. F2.8) will give better background blur but with the risk of very shallow DOF(which lead to out of focus). If aperture too small(bigger F number, e.g. F8,F12), the photogs will be deal with slower shutter speed, with risk of handshake blur. For extremely small aperture(F16,F18,F22,etc), there is a risk of diffraction.
admin
July 31, 2006 at 4:36 pm
moo_t : I agree, very confusing ‘cos I am very confused. If I use manual setting, I got to set the aperture and shutter speed and those numbers are enough to give me total mind burn-out. Hahaha. I mean, how much can I tell if the pic is clear or good when all I see is just what is in the view finder. No doubt I have the simple rules in the brain, but to apply them when we are taking photos is another thing. So, as I said, I am going to play with the manual settings but rely on programme settings for safe results.
ShaolinTiger
July 31, 2006 at 7:35 pm
I’ll do a post on aperture soon, it’s pretty important to understand it properly.
Mostly you just need to know small aperture number = small depth of focus and vice versa.
Good bokeh = small aperture.