Switching to Manual mode allows me to access the slowest shutter speed available on this camera, 3 sec. while keeping the aperture at F2.8 (the largest aperture available). The effect is immediately better, but it does seem a bit too bright, giving an almost a daylight effect.
Now it is just a matter of adjusting the shutter speed and/or aperture to obtain the desired exposure. I choose to close down the aperture so as to increase the depth of field also.
Manual Mode – Overexposed
Fujifilm FinePix E550
7.2mm, Programmed Auto, Pattern Shutter Speed 3 sec., Aperture F2.8, ISO 80
Closing down the aperture to F4.0, a | Manual Mode - Correct Exposure |
more pleasant image is obtained with |
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enough dark areas to indicate it is night |
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time (dusk, really) and enough lighted |
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areas to reproduce what my eyes saw at |
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the outdoors skating rink of the |
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Mississauga Civic Center. |
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Fujifilm FinePix E550
7.2mm, Programmed Auto, Pattern Shutter Speed 3 sec., Aperture F4.0, ISO 80
ISO
For the three pictures above, I used ISO 80, the lowest ISO available for best image quality. But what if at 3 sec. and F2.8 (i.e. at max. exposure possible for this particular camera), the image still came out too dark? In this case, I would need to increase the sensitivity of the image sensor to a higher ISO. Do note that increasing the ISO also increases the amount of noise visible in your images.
Technique
•Take a number of shots at different shutter speed/aperture combinations.
•Immediately review the shot as soon as you’ve taken it.
•Ensure your LCD brightness is set to Normal, not Bright, for a truer representation of your recorded image.
•A good aperture to start with is F4.0 or F5.6 (for greatest depth of field), and adjust shutter speed up or down until you’re satisfied with the shot.
•For good measure, take an extra shot past your optimum exposure setting. For example, if you were progressively using longer shutter speeds, and you think you’ve find the correct one, take an extra shot with the next longer shutter speed. Conversely, if you were using progressively faster shutter speeds, take an extra shot using the next faster shutter speed.
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