SnapShot Archives - 08/07/2000
SNAPSHOT - PHOTO NEWS FROM BETTERPHOTO.COM
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Welcome to SnapShot, the weekly newsletter on the art
of photography from http://www.betterphoto.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
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Monday, August 7, 2000
* SPOTLIGHT: Trash that Old Photo Album & Grab THE ONE that Rocks!
* BETTERPHOTO: Better Flash and the BetterPhoto Contest
* WEB NEWS: Canon Camera Museum
* WEB NEWS: Reviews of the Nikon N80 at Photography Review
* WEB NEWS: PDN Guide to Copyright
* PHOTO TRIVIA QUESTION: Bob De Niro / Exposure Word Problem
* THIS WEEK'S TIP: Use Blur to Your Advantage
* NEW QUESTION: Flash Settings When Bouncing
* NEW QUESTION: Making Slides from Prints
* NEW QUESTION: Uneven Flash Lighting
* NEW QUESTION: Sepia Toned Pictures
* NEW QUESTION: Lighting Green Screen
* CONTINUING Q&A: Specs for EOS Rebel XS
* CONTINUING Q&A: APO and ASP Zoom Lenses
* CONTINUING Q&A: The ASA (or ISO) Switch
* CONTINUING Q&A: EV vs. F-stop
* CONTINUING Q&A: Lens for Canon EOS Sports Photography
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WHAT'S NEW AT BETTERPHOTO.COM
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Getting Better Photos When Using Flash
In Part One of a new series, we briefly examine how to improve your photos
shot with flash. This time, we show how flash accessories improve results;
next time, we will compare the various options with each other:
http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers/sto-fen.asp
Check out the Buyer's Guide for other helpful comparisons:
http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers.asp
BetterPhoto Contest - Enter to Win!
Our monthly photo contest is off to a great start! Submit your photo and you
could win a Minolta Dimage Scan Speed Film Scanner (retail value - $1000).
You can also win a copy of PhotoDex CompuPic Pro, E-Book's FlipAlbum, or a
$100 gift certificate toward photographic equipment and supplies. One entry
is allowed per contestant per day. Enter a new photo each day this month for
the most chances to win:
http://www.betterphoto.com/contest.asp
Updated Contest Photo Tips:
Read these revised guidelines for a few more hints to help you produce
award-winning photographs:
http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/guidelines.asp
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WEB NEWS ON PHOTOGRAPHY
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Canon Camera Museum
Have you have ever struggled with the various names one camera can have,
depending on which country you are in? Would you like to compare features,
specs, or stories about their origin. Learn all about the various cameras,
lenses, and digital cameras from Canon at this cool Web site:
http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/index.html
*****
Reviews of the Nikon N80 at Photography Review
57 people have shared their initial thoughts about the new Nikon N80 and the
consensus is overwhelmingly good:
http://www.photographyreview.com/reviews/35mm_cameras/product_6039.asp
Buy the Nikon N80 at an really good price:
http://www.betterphoto.com/buyers.asp
*****
PDN Guide to Copyright
Have you ever wondered whether you need to do anything to have your photos
protected by copyright. PDN explains the hows and the whys of registering
your photographs:
http://www.pdn-pix.com/copyright/
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PHOTO TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK
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Bob De Niro
Last week, we asked you to name the movie in which Robert De Niro played a
mild-mannered cop with an artistic interest in photography and to identify
his preferred subject matter. The answer is Mad Dog and Glory, where he
plays a quiet cop who likes to artistically capture various murder scenes.
And Now... This Week's Question
If two cameras were shooting from the same position, pointed at the same
subject, facing the same direction, one at f8 and 1/500 and the other at f
16, what would the latter camera's shutter speed need to be to produce
identical exposures?
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THIS WEEK'S TIP
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Use Blur to Your Advantage
It is a given that sharpness is to be desired in most images. You especially
want to avoid blurry pictures caused by unintentional camera shake, slow
exposure, system failures, etc. - the keyword being "unintentional."
However, a deliberate blur effect can create some powerful, memorable
photos. Try a few panning shots to whet your appetite. From there, you can
explore effects created by zooming during exposure to a controlled overly
slow exposure. Check out Mark Gamba's inspiring images for examples; it
takes a while to load but it is well worth the wait:
http://www.markgamba.com/
More tips:
http://www.betterphoto.com/exploring/allTips.asp
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A WORD FROM THIS WEEK'S SPONSORS
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Soften that Flash & Reduce Red-Eye with STO-FEN Omni-Bounce
STO-FEN Products, leader in small flash light modifiers since 1979, has the
ultimate solution for your flash photography! Our Omni-Bounce products
soften harsh flash and keep your subject from looking blasted or washed out.
Each model is designed to fit most of today's popular portable strobes
without resorting to Velcro. Check out our product listing to see what we
offer for your flash photography today:
http://www.stofen.com
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NEW PHOTOGRAPHY QUESTIONS
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Q. Flash Settings When Bouncing
I have a Amity flash with duel flash. I understand the settings, but one
question bothers me when I am outside, the subject is a little in the
shadows, and I want to use my bounce flash. Can I set my camera to what my
light meter reads and use the flash or do I set the shutter speed on 1/60?
This has me wondering. I have a Minolta T201. Thanks for your time.
- Phil
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=862
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Q. Making Slides from Prints
I would like to know how I can make a slide from a print (instead of using a
slide film). Thank you.
- e_henriette
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=879
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Q. Uneven Flash Lighting
I recently purchased a Canon 380EX Speedlite flash unit for use on my Canon
EOS 500 and was caught out having to take photos of diplomats opening an
exhibition without having a chance to 'experiment' with the flash first.
Most of the photos have overexposed the head/shoulders area leaving
everyone's feet in the dark. I used the auto setting on everything with the
flash unit at 90 deg - i.e., pointing straight to the subject. Where did I
go wrong?
- hotdxb
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=886
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Q. Sepia Toned Pictures
I had some pictures taken that were slightly sepia toned but with a more
peachy color to it than brown. Looking through some photography books I
think it may have been developed with a copper red toner. How does this
work? Would you get a more peachy color and what film would you use? I'd
love to duplicate these pictures and I need some direction. Thanks.
- heatherjgibb
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=921
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Q. Lighting Green Screen
How does one properly light a green screen in order to eliminate shadows for
overlay reproduction?
- Geoffrey
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=911
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CONTINUING PHOTOGRAPHY Q&A
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Q. Specs for EOS Rebel XS
I use a Canon EOS Rebel XS, but want/need more info on it's stats. The only
thing I can find that's even close is the EOS Rebel X. What is the "S" for
on my camera, what does it mean, and if I buy a book that deals with the
Rebel X, will the stats be identical to my XS?
- Kelly
A. The Rebel X was a "de-contented" version of the Rebel XS. The basic
differences are that the XS has a built-in flash and can be can be used in
metered manual mode. I think the XS also had a data-back that could print
the date and time on the film.
A manual for the Rebel X will not include information on the built-in flash
or the data-back, but should otherwise be compatible with the XS.
Technical specifications for the Rebel XS (and all Canon cameras) can be
found in the Canon Camera Museum, maintained at their international website,
www.canon.com (the www.usa.canon.com site is much less informative).
- Jon
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=814
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Q. APO and ASP Zoom Lenses
I want a longer zoom, but am very confused about APO and ASP, etc. Looking
at Sigma 70-300, but there are two different lenses that vary a lot in
price. What's the diff, and what's better for me? I take pictures of my kids
a LOT.
- Lesley
Sigma 70-300 Zoom Lens:
http://www.betterphoto.com/product/productDetail.asp?productID=460
A. The non-ASP and non-APO versions are strictly economy models, and will
produce acceptable (but not great) prints up to 4x6.
Per Sigma's descriptions
ASP refers to "Aspherical" lens elements. The surface of most lens elements
follow the arc of a circle or sphere. Lens elements that are not spherical
(i.e.. aspherical) can reduce the total number of elements required in a
lens
design. They can deliver better performance while reducing weight and size.
Aspherical lenses maximize optical performance while minimizing lens size
and weight. Aspherical lenses help reduce some of the problems usually
associated with wide angles and zooms, such as lens flare and edge
distortion.
They also help deliver higher quality telephoto images.
APO lenses use apochromatic design and Special Low Dispersion glass (SLD)
for minimum color aberration and ultimate telephoto image quality, improving
contrast and sharpness.
Apochromatic (APO) telephoto lenses greatly minimize color aberration, a
phenomenon created by different wave lengths of light refracting at
different angles. This causes each color to have a slightly different
imaging point, resulting in poor image
Sigma's descriptions:
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/lenses.htm
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=39
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Q. The ASA (or ISO) Switch
My photography teacher told me never to mess with the ASA switch. I asked
why and he said just because, so my question is what is the ASA and what
does it do?
- Hamilton
A. The ASA switch syncs up your camera's exposure meter with the speed of
the film speed you use. It is very important that you do mess with it on
occasion; unless you are experimenting or getting fancy, you always want to
set the ASA to the film speed (or one stop less, if you want to saturate the
film).
- BetterPhoto
A. Be careful with advice on adjusting the ASA setting like this. This will
work for color negative films and should increase contrast with B/W
negative. This advice is OK for the majority of your readers who use color
negative. However, with reversal films (a.k.a. slides) this could be
disastrous!
Deliberate over exposure (by setting the ASA lower than the film speed) will
make the emulsion "thicker" on negative films. In printing you "bore a hole"
through it by leaving the enlarger lamp on longer when making the print. A
thicker emulsion on color negative will saturate color in the print paper.
Negative films are also more forgiving of doing something like this and will
still contain highlight and shadow details under all but the highest
contrast conditions. You will also increase grain with most films
On the other hand, slide film will do just the opposite. Over exposure will
leave the emulsion very thin! This will also have the opposite effect with
the saturation of the image. It will look washed out with little saturation.
Furthermore, slide films are far less forgiving of exposure error (in this
case deliberate) and you will undoubtedly lose highlight details under
nearly all conditions. A "thin" emulsion slide image with loss of highlight
detail is almost impossible to extract a decent print from.
- John
A. Thanks, John - you are very right to catch me on that assumption. Thanks
for making it clear to our slide users.
- BetterPhoto
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=10
*****
Q. EV vs. F-stop
What is the difference between an EV and an f/stop? I have a Canon A2E which
allows me to make +/- EV adjustments after the initial meter reading, but
how does this differ from an f/stop?
I've read in my A2E manual that the camera supports 0-20EV. This makes me
think it is a scale of light values, but how does this (if at all)
correspond to an f/stop?
Does opening up a stop = +1 EV?!?
- Tim
A. Tim,
The answer is YES.
Going to +1 EV increases the amount of light reaching the film by 1 EV and
is the same (by definition of EV) as opening the lens up by a stop.
EV = Exposure Value
Your camera manual mentions it is capable of metering 0-20 EV, and probably
mentions this is for ISO (or ASA) 100 film speed. It is the specification
for the sensitivity range of your camera's meter.
The definition of EV:
EV is the "Additive Photographic Exposure System" with two equal
definitions:
First:
EV = Av + Tv
Av = Aperture Value (from the f-stop)
Tv = Time Value (from the shutter speed)
Aperture of f/1 has an Av=0, and an exposure time of 1 second has a Tv=0
Second:
EV = Sv + Bv
Sv = Speed Value (from film speed)
Bv = Brightness Value (how bright the lighting is)
ASA 3 has an Sv=0, and 1 foot-Lambert of light brightness has a Bv=0
Both definitions are "equal" to each other. It is how the brightness of the
lighting and film speed translates to an aperture f-stop and shutter speed
for a proper exposure. Change the aperture by one stop and you change the EV
by one. Double or halve the shutter speed and you change the EV by one.
Double or halve the film speed and you change the EV by one(for a proper
exposure).
How to find the Av, Tv, Sv and Bv numbers:
They are calculated using base two logarithms.
Av = log2(A^2) where A = f-number
Tv = log2(1/t) where t = shutter speed in seconds
Sv = log2(ASA/3) where ASA = film speed
Bv = log2(B) where B = light brightness in foot-Lamberts
You can probably find everything except Bv with a calculator, unless you
have a very sophisticated light meter that measures light brightness in
foot-Lamberts.
Exposure setting example:
Find the EV of f/8 at 1/125th second.
Av = log2(8^2) = log2(64) = 6
Tv = log2(1/(1/125)) = log2(125) = 7
EV = 6 + 7 = 13
For the extreme ranges of your camera with highest speed Canon lens, a 50mm
f/1, the EV exposure range you can handle are:
Av for f/1 = 0
Av for f/16 = 8
Tv for 30 seconds = -5
Tv for 1/8000 = 13
Wide open at slowest speed:
EV = 0 + (-5) = -5
Stopped down at fastest shutter speed:
EV = 8 + 13 = 21
Thus, if you put the absolute fastest lens you can (the 50/1) on your A2E,
it has an EV range for setting exposures of -5 to 21 (spans 26 stops), which
exceeds the 20 stop metering range! The most confusion about EV comes from
thinking that EV is the level of lighting alone.
- John
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=96
*****
Q. Lens for Canon EOS Sports Photography
I want to take pictures of soccer games. I need advice on what lens to buy
to get good pictures. I have a Canon Elan II body. The prices of the Canon
zoom lenses and telephoto lenses vary greatly. What lens is recommended if
I do not want to spend more than $500.
- Bob
A. I'm probably too late to the forum for Bob, but I really like Canon's EF
100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM. It's about $100 more than Canon's EF 75-300 f/4-5.6
III (around $300 v. around $200 at most discounters), but I think it is a
little sharper optically and has much better build quality. It also has a
non-rotating front element making it much more convenient to use with a
polarizing filter, and it has a true ring-type USM motor that allows full
time manual focus override (useful in darker or difficult focus situations).
The USM version of the 75-300 is still gear driven and must be switched off
to manually focus.
Right at $500 or maybe a little more is Canon's EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM.
While very similar to the 75-300 III, it has Canon's Image Stabilization
system that allows you to take hand-held shots at much lower shutter speeds
than possible otherwise.
- Jon
Canon's EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM:
http://www.betterphoto.com/product/productDetail.asp?productID=452
Canon's EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM:
http://www.betterphoto.com/product/productDetail.asp?productID=706
Respond to this question:
http://www.betterphoto.com/QnAredirect.asp?threadID=212
*****
Ask a question or answer a few from your fellow photographers:
http://www.betterphoto.com/qnaTOC.asp
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READ SNAPSHOT ARCHIVES
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A WORD FROM ONE OF THIS WEEK'S SPONSORS
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Find Answers and Equipment at PhotoAlley.com
PhotoAlley.com offers cameras, scanners, film, photographic accessories and
more. We have knowledgeable and friendly customer service, and provide
extensive information on selecting the right product for any given
lifestyle, as well as how to use that product to expand creative horizons:
http://www.betterphoto.com/rdrt.asp?rid=pa
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Until next week, enjoy shooting!
Thank you,
Jim Miotke
BetterPhoto.com
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