A few days ago, I got myself a Canon EOS 700D DSLR camera along with a Canon EFS 18-55mm lens for about $160. Until now, I’ve only ever used point-and-shoots, like my smartphone or my “Kodak” Pixpro AZ401.

So, it’s basically the first time I get to properly play around with the exposure triangle and all that good, manual stuff. I already love this camera, because despite the low cost, you can get great shots in auto mode out of the box, but it’s also very versatile in professional photography. All that, and I still haven’t even gotten into editing raw photos; this is just the JPG!

This particular photo of a garden shed was shot with:

ISO: 6400
Exposure: 1/395s
Aperture: f/14
Focal length: 46mm
Resolution: 5184x3456

From what I’ve heard, those settings aren’t ideal, especially the high ISO for that much light. Does anybody have some general tips for me or resources to check out?

By the way, I also just installed Magic Lantern. That’s some great stuff. Oh, and also - if anyone has a good way to connect it as a webcam on Linux, that’s also very welcome since EOS Utility doesn’t work and Gphoto2 is very low-res. The first thing I didn’t get properly running on Linux!

  • PeepinGoodArgs
    5·
    3 days ago

    Yes, as someone that got into photography many years ago:

    • Rule of Thirds—Honestly, this is the easiest thing to learn. It won’t make your photos amazing or anything, but it is a consistent way to view any scene, which is very useful.
    • Then watch some random video on photographic composition. There are many different ways to view a scene.
    • Learn the Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO/Exposure Triangle. Absolutely crucial for learning to shoot manual.
    • Learn to shoot manual. Try taking good pics of fireworks on July 4th. It’s tougher than it looks.
    • You don’t need to get into editing raw photos, but it’s fun af. I switched from Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop to ON1. I’d also recommend Affinity Photo. Unlike ON1, Affinity does not have a subscription and their software is comparable to Photoshop.

    As for your photo, at a glance, I can’t really tell it’s shot as such as high ISO. But once you zoom in, you can see the fuzziness. Still though, I think it’s kinda clear why you took the picture. It looks you’re focusing on several interacting subjects (the bunny, the butterfly, the turquoise fence with the bunny outline) that all framed really well by the wooden house and the negative space at the top and right edges of the frame. I, for one, like it a lot!

    Anyway, have fun! Photography is one of the hobbies I’m happiest to have. I hope it ends up being as fulfilling for you!

    • ianovic69@feddit.ukEnglish
      3·
      3 days ago

      A friendly warning, please be careful when suggesting the rule of 3rds, especially to the less experienced. It’s greatly misunderstood and as a result it generally causes confusion and boring photos.

      Please see the article in this Lemmy post, about this and composition generally.

      Thanks.

    • 𝙁𝙌𝙌𝘿@lemmy.ohaa.xyzOPEnglish
      1·
      3 days ago

      Thanks for the detailed comment :)

      Unfortunately, there aren’t any fireworks soon where I live, but when the time for new year comes, I’ll try it out.

      But from my previous tries to photograph firework I do know that on a smartphone, it’s basically impossible xd