Question by jez: Where can I locate a digital SLR manual settings chart showing common aperture & shutter speed combinations?
I’m looking for a chart or table that shows commonly used aperture, shutter speed, and possibly exposure or depth of field manual settings used for various purposes.
Best answer:
Answer by Mulan
Try this one: http://photo.net/bboard-uploads/00LpxC-37412084.jpg
It would be best to use a light meter though.
Add your own answer in the comments!
I you buy a handheld light meter, all the reciprocal camera settings are show on it for any given quantity of light at a certain ISO.
As far as Depth of Field, here is a link that has it all, maybe more than you really need, but certainly will answer your basic question.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/focus.htm
It seems that you are trying to calculate everything rather that using some basic skills for shooting images.
* If hand held, make sure you are shooting at a high shutter speed to overcome camera movement.
* Use the aperture indicated by your meter at that shutter speed at the ISO you have set your camera.
* Use the depth of field preview feature on your camera to “see” the depth of field for the f/stop you are using.
Note: These skills are the same for any adjustable camera from DSLR to view camera.
Quote “I’m looking for a chart or table that shows commonly used aperture, shutter speed, and possibly exposure or depth of field manual settings used for various purposes.”
Why? The setting will vary depending on the lighting conditions, there are no ‘standard’ settings. Just put your camera on to Aperture Priority (Av) then you can control depth of field by altering the aperture, the camera will give you a shutter speed for a reasonable exposure, which at least will be a good starting point.
Use the histogram and the +/- EV to get it perfect.
The depth of field will vary widely depending on the focal length of the lens, a telephoto and macro lens will be narrow a wide angle lens will have lots.
Chris
Just put your camera in Program Mode or whatever its called on your particular brand and let the camera choose an f-stop or shutter speed.
If that isn’t satisfactory, then learn to use the camera’s light meter and how to set the aperture and shutter speed yourself. You’ll find out how to do this if you READ & STUDY the Owner’s Manual for your camera.
Taking a few classes would be advised. Reading these books will also help:
“Hands-On Digital Photography” by George Schaub
“How Digital Photography Works, 2nd. Edition” by Ron White.