low light photography - help needed for my travel photography

manda

Hi,

I'm about the jet off and am panicing about the correct settings for low light photography.

I'm anticipating these senarios: dark school rooms with one window, side lighting monks reading scrolls.

Am I right in thinking I would explore:

50m prime>make sure my shutter speed doesn't drop below 60 secs
f1.4 - 2.8
ISO auto or 400 - 640 (no more - I'm using the D300)
centre weighted metering off the neutral mid-tone; manual control; recompose with exposure locked

thanks for any tips or suggestions

ziggy53

manda wrote:

...

I'm anticipating these senarios: dark school rooms with one window, side lighting monks reading scrolls.

Am I right in thinking I would explore:

50m prime>make sure my shutter speed doesn't drop below 60 secs
f1.4 - 2.8
ISO auto or 400 - 640 (no more - I'm using the D300)
centre weighted metering off the neutral mid-tone; manual control; recompose with exposure locked

thanks for any tips or suggestions

A 50mm, f1.4 lens is capable of greatness in low light situations. Use the aperture that matches the need and the situation. If possible, a tripod can make all the difference if you need to make a longer exposure without shake. (A tripod is often not allowed in museums etc.)

The Nikon D300 should be good to ISO 800 and plenty capable at ISO 1600 with some post-processing NR. I would agree that ISO 3200 is probably reserved for small prints and web, unless you deal with very simple subjects.

Metering mode should match the need. When in doubt bracket the exposure. Shoot in RAW for maximum dynamic range and post-processing options. 14 bit mode might be indicated for difficult subjects but it really slows down the D300.

manda

Thanks for getting back to me - I'm just panicing.

I've learnt a couple of things ... now off to check the settings on my camera.

Out of interest, this is what another fellow photographer recommended:

ic, for me although 1/60sec is sufficient to prevent handshake and for still life, I'll try to have the shutter speed to be at least 1/125 to 1/100 for subjects that are likely to move. as for exposure in difficult lighting situation, i usually use spot metering on points where it is likely to blow highlight... and most importantly to shoot raw hope that helps...

If any one wants to share their knowledge, it would be appreciated!

Mandy