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Category: Digital Photographic Discussions - Imaging Basics

Photography Question 

Sean R. O'Connor
 

Getting a detailed shot of the moon


I am using a Nikon coolpix 4300 and I was wondering if it is possible to get a more detailed shot of the moon with my camera. I was taking pictures and all I could get was a glowing orb. It looked like there was alot of fog when I took the picture, when it actually was a very clear night. What I saw and what the picture captured were two completely different things. I'm not sure if the 4300 has the capability, but can anyone share their methods for capturing a sharper moon ? Maybe I can try to emulate them on my 4300... thanks!!

-sean


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January 12, 2004

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  You see the moon but the camera sees are dark sky. So you get a white dot. The halo was probably dust in the air, since it was over exposed it showed up on the film. (or the pictures since it's digital)
For shooting a moon, I think it's f/8 at 250 for asa100. I can't remember exactly, but it's somewhere around that, so you can start there and try different settings.


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January 12, 2004

 

Sean R. O'Connor
  Thanks for the response Greg! I am new to photography, so I was wondering if you could clarify something. When you say 250, do you mean 1/250th second shutter speed? Thanks for your help again, is it much appreciated.

-sean


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January 12, 2004

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  Yes, 1/250.


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January 12, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata
  The moon, on a clear night, will respond favorably to the "Sunny 16" rule used in daylight.
At f16, use a shutter speed equal to the reciprical of your film speed..(or digital ISO setting), to record the detail and textures of the moon.

A speed too long will over-expose....rendering it as a bright white blotch against a dark sky...or elongate the shape to oblong, due to the rotation of the earth.


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January 12, 2004

 
- Gregory LaGrange

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  Actually to me it looks better to go a little over the f/16 rule. It looks a little dull to me if you stay with that rule. But that can be personal choice.


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January 12, 2004

 

Sean R. O'Connor
  Thanks for all your help! I'll try to emulate those settings when I try next time.

-sean


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January 13, 2004

 
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