Under exposed photos with the d40x

[mivecdohc]

Hi guys,

Just like to know if it is normal to have underexposed photos even shot in the house. I got to use slower shutter speed or high iso to compensate, eventually ending up with some noise. Any Advice on this? Thanks!!

Cheers,
Joel

[luna_sea83]

Fkash would help.

[mivecdohc]

Hmm What if I would like to do without the flash?

Joel

[ahquan]

new lens

[mivecdohc]

Originally Posted by ahquan new lens

heh, we actually have the same combo

Any tips to share regarding this? Thanks

Joel

[catchlights]

when shooting indoor, the existing lighting is insufficient to give a decent exposure, using flash is advisable.

without using flash you can:
using maximum aperture - but will cause in sufficient depth of view to your subject.
using lower shutter speed - but will cause blur images due to handshake or movement.
using higher ISO - but will cause noisy images.

I recommend you to borrow some basic photography books from National Library, read the whole book will give you a basic and systematic understanding of basic photography without spend too much money.

[pat33]

If you like shooting indoors without flash, you need faster lenses. Try picking up a 50mm f1.8for slightly more than $100 used or $155 new in the BS forum and try it out. See if you like it. That will give you some ideas on what faster lenses can do but be aware that they can be addictive.

[Simon_84]

Originally Posted by mivecdohc Hmm What if I would like to do without the flash? Joel

you do know you can underexpose the flash settings?
flash is a magical thing in nikon's arsenal, try it 1st.

actually the 18-70mm kinda underexpose most of the pics in night time.
even indoors settings the shutter speed can be slow as well due to the lens.
who would know that a 4.5 lens can lose out to a 5.6 lens in terms of shutter speed.
try playing around with the WB to auto +2 or +1 or change exposure settings to +0.3 or +0.7 and see if it helps a not.

[mivecdohc]

Originally Posted by Simon_84 you do know you can underexpose the flash settings? flash is a magical thing in nikon's arsenal, try it 1st. actually the 18-70mm kinda underexpose most of the pics in night time. try playing around with the WB to auto +2 or +1 or change exposure settings to +0.3 or +0.7 and see if it helps a not.

haha, yup i am aware with the flash setting. I will definitely be fiddling around with my camera.

I thought aperture sizes of 3.5 and 4.5 are quite big?

Joel

[mivecdohc]

Originally Posted by pat33 If you like shooting indoors without flash, you need faster lenses. Try picking up a 50mm f1.8for slightly more than $100 used or $155 new in the BS forum and try it out. See if you like it. That will give you some ideas on what faster lenses can do but be aware that they can be addictive.

Is that what they call a prime lens? Yeah, addictive Plus expensive hobby. haha

[Simon_84]

Originally Posted by mivecdohc haha, yup i am aware with the flash setting. I will definitely be fiddling around with my camera. I thought aperture sizes of 3.5 and 4.5 are quite big? Joel

still not big or fast enough for indoor settings.
the 50mm f1.8 prime is quite cheap (around 150 can get 1) just that need to MF and have to use tripod with it.
f1.4 prime or 2.8 lens is not that cheap already...500+ and above.

[mivecdohc]

I was playing around with the WB, choose custom settings, I think it turned out better. haha

[blive]

Originally Posted by catchlights when shooting indoor, the existing lighting is insufficient to give a decent exposure, using flash is advisable. without using flash you can: using maximum aperture - but will cause in sufficient depth of view to your subject. using lower shutter speed - but will cause blur images due to handshake or movement. using higher ISO - but will cause noisy images. I recommend you to borrow some basic photography books from National Library, read the whole book will give you a basic and systematic understanding of basic photography without spend too much money.

True..

TS can either switch on all the lights in the room, or use the built-in flash in the meantime.. Also try using manual settings.

[geraldkhoo]

Originally Posted by mivecdohc Hi guys, Just like to know if it is normal to have underexposed photos even shot in the house. I got to use slower shutter speed or high iso to compensate, eventually ending up with some noise. Any Advice on this? Thanks!! Cheers, Joel

To check if you pic is underexposed, you can check the histogram because the LCDs may not be accurate and true to the actual pic.

The exposure of a pic has a lot to do with the metering of the camera, and based on some of the settings you have on your cam, e.g. ISO. So... the 1st question is "What mode of metering are you using?" Have a read from the manual the different metering modes... how you can use them... and also the usage of the AE-L to lock your exposure.

If your pic is underexposed, you can increase your EV... but by doing so, you will realize that the shutter slows down. You may need to put your cam on a tripod if you are unable to handhold the length of time of the shutter, and for the pic to be clear, that your subject you are shooting also does not move.

When you shoot indoors, you will find that a f/2.8 lens is what you need... even when you turn on your ceiling lights, it can be still a bit dim. If you don't have a f/2.8 lens, then I would suggest you bump up your ISO, use Aperture mode and adjust to the largest aperture, and let the camera determine the shutter speed to use.

[mivecdohc]

Thanks for the tips guys. Very useful
Still slowly exploring my buddy, haven't disappoint me yet

Joel