Critique and advice please!

photocist · Apr 28, 2011

CCericola said:
I was always taught that you need a min shutter speed of 1/60 for hand held pictures. For children: 1/125 because no matter how many times you tell them to sit still, they still move.

The minimum shutter speed is the lowest you can go while getting a sharp enough photograph. IMO, there is no definite minimum, and it should be dependent on the situation at hand.

For example, I have held shots down to 1/10 and gotten decent quality (on a 50mm lens). To freeze slow moving action, generally 1/125 or above, and 1/250 to slow faster action. Sometimes, however, it wont completely freeze action until you get 1/1000 and above (bee wings for example).

FranDaMan · Apr 28, 2011

use the 17-85. It has IS so you can shoot handheld at much slower shutter speeds without camera shake

tommylacey · Apr 28, 2011

Will try that FranDaMan and see how it compares--will be disappointed if it does better than my 50mm though as that's where i thought it (the 50mm) would excel

will use all the tips here and see what happens--although i know i'll get nowhere near f/5.6 for the bath shot with my 50mm--maybe if i got the speed light as suggested but i really liked the lighting i was taking it under and don't want it too look too "sterile and artificial"---compromises i know!

subscuck · Apr 28, 2011

Stale and artificial are the result of not using your flash correctly. I'm no expert with flash, so I'll leave it to others to guide you on that subject.

Basically, you're running up against the learning curve. You're finding that not every shot is doable with what you have. If you can't get the shutter speed you need at the aperture you want, you boost ISO. If your camera doesn't perform well at higher ISOs, you use a tripod and slower shutter speeds. Slower shutter speeds will require the wee lad to hold still, and that's often easier said than done with young ones. If none of these options are viable, you use flash. When lighting is done correctly, it will actually make your picture pop. Done incorrectly it will look washed out and flat.

Given the equipment you have, the kit lens might be your best bet for this shot. I'd set it at about 30mm, set the aperture as wide as possible for that focal length, ISO no higher than 800, and with the IS on, the extra stops will probably be enough to get the shot. But remember, IS counters camera shake, not subject motion. If your nephew is moving, he will be blurry, while anything in focus that's stationary will be sharp.

The 50 1.8 is more capable than you're seeing right now. You've run up against the limits of lens and body in this particular situation. Again, get your nephew in a well lit environment where you can shoot at f3.5, and you'll see how well this lens can perform.

vtf · Apr 28, 2011

User error. Try manual at f5.6, 100 shutter, iso at 100 and flash and work iso up from there. Maybe dof.
If you do not use the flash indoors one of these things will occur with the 50mm 1.8. If you think your room is bright enough, it's not.
1. Shutter speed will be so slow the snail climbing your bathtub wall will cause motion blur.
2. The iso will be so high you will swear its snowing in your bathroom.
3. The plane of focus will be so razor thin only the tip of your child's nose will be recognizable. (a little exaggerated)

Taken with 50mm 1.8, f5.6, shutter 100, iso 100. on camera flash with ocf at camera left if I remember right.

tommylacey · May 2, 2011

hi VTF--what is "ocf"--will use these settings you have mentioned at next bath time and see how i fare--your image has come over very sharp indeed when compared to mine!

regards