Need help on Camera Settings

Discussion in 'Aquarium Photography' started by BlackJack, Sep 7, 2008.

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  1. BlackJack

    BlackJack Flamingo Tongue

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    If someone with some camera knowledge could assist me, I would greatly appreciate it. I can't get good aquarium pictures for the life of me.

    I have a SANYO VPC-E670 (7.1 mega pixels) (don't laugh, it was a gift)

    I can't figure out what settings to use for the best possible Aquarium photography. Normal everyday pictures, it takes very sharp, rich, vibrant pictures. All my aquarium shots come out looking like total crap no matter what I do.

    I'm assuming I should be on the "macro" selection, and these are the available settings:
    Image resolution - 2m, 3m, 5m, 7m3:2, 7m
    Image quality - good, better, best
    Focus zone - selected area, center, multi-zone
    EV compensation - +2,0 through -2,0 in about ,3 increments
    White Balance - Auto, Sunny, Tungsten, Flourescent, Cloudy
    ISO Speed - Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1000
    Color - Vivid, Color
    Sharpness - High, Normal, Low
    Saturation - High, Normal, Low
    Contrast - High, Normal, Low

    My aquarium is a 150g with 2x72" SuperActinics, and 3x 175w MH. I posted that info because I'm sure the lighting makes a difference.

    Advice?
     
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  3. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    Use the macro setting, cut out all the blue lights, and use a tri-pod
     
  4. That Guy

    That Guy Aiptasia Anemone

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    it really depends on what you are trying to shoot...For example you want to use a higher ISO for fast moving fish but the higher the ISO the more grainy the photo will be. for corals you wanna use a lower ISO and maybe the macro setting. For the white balance you shouldnt try using the cloudy setting.
     
  5. BlackJack

    BlackJack Flamingo Tongue

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    Alright, that's a good start. Now, with ISO. is 80 considered low and 1000 is high? I know that numbers not always indicate lowest to highest by verbage. (look at wire gauges as an example, low number = larger, high number = smaller) I'm guessing you want 80 for slow moving or almost still, and 1000 for fast action?

    Also, I understand about using Macro for still shots/closeups. What should I use for moving fish. My options are:

    Auto, P-mode (what the hell is that?), Portrait (and night portrait), Landscape, Scene (which has sub-settings such as Museum, Party, etc.), and Macro.
     
  6. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    Did you get a book with this camera???:confused:;D It should explain everything about the settings and what they do. The above is almost how I set mine when I take pics. Again, this is all IMO!
    I don't have that camera but white balance is white balance, etc... play with those setting until you get the pics you like. turn off your filters and powerheads while you are taking the pics and if you have, use a tripod

    let's see whacha got!:)
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2008
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  7. That Guy

    That Guy Aiptasia Anemone

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    yes the higher the number the higher the ISO. The ISO is the sensitivity to light. Sothe higher the nmber the more sensitive it is to light. So this allows the camera to have a faster shutterspeed in order to capture the fast motion of the fish and not be underexposed. If i use a point and shoot to take pics of fish i find that portrait mode works best. But you really just gotta play with it.
     
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  9. BlackJack

    BlackJack Flamingo Tongue

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    cuttingras: Tried the settings with exception of the ones I have to "mess around with". Here's what I came up with so far, everything as you noted above, and EV set at 2,0 and an ISO of 400.
    It's much better than before, but still not stellar. I guess for what the camera is, I should just be happy with it.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  10. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    so what's wrong with those pics? I think they look really good! a little cut and zoom and you're good to go! ;D 7.1 mega pixels is a descent camera! not sure of it, but can you get different lens's for it? I do see a little ghost on the first pic. you didn't have flash on did you, was that something behind you or does your glass or lens need a little cleaning :)

    here's a site that compares that camera to others. I have a Nikon D50 and Sony Cybershot DSC-P100 and it takes pretty good pics. good videos too

    also make sure your lights are turned off behind you or in the room you're in
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2008
  11. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    I agree with cuttin, those are good! I have found it very hard myself to get pics of the tank. It's a whole different ballgame than taking pics outside and of the usual stuff we are all used to. I still only keep 1 out of maybe 30 pics I take.
     
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  12. cuttingras

    cuttingras Starving Artist :)

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    know your equipment!:) I've been taking pics for a very long time and have had a few published and won a few photography contests. I've heard 1 out of every 700 is a money shot and I believe that, especially after snapping pics of my tanks. It takes A LOT of practice and I keep every pic I take! Gotta love digital, I'd never go back to film!