Amateur needs help...please don't laugh or worse, groan

[Ken MT]

The exif data for the first shot was
Shooting Mode Auto
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 400
Lens 18.0 - 55.0 mm
Focal Length 55.0 mm
Flash On

So looks that Jeannie was on the ball

[Colin Southern]

The exif data for the first shot was
Shooting Mode Auto
Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/60
Av( Aperture Value ) 5.6
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 400
Lens 18.0 - 55.0 mm
Focal Length 55.0 mm
Flash On

So looks that Jeannie was on the ball

Unfortunately ...

... off memory, that mode limits the low-end shutterspeed to 1/60th (to prevent camera shake), and the ISO to 400 -- and then relies on the flash to expose the foreground (which ain't dunna happen when there's no foreground) -- so we ended up with many shots being at least 2 stops under-exposed. The dark shots really need to be shot in Av mode - on a tripod - with a higher ISO.

[rosapearl]

Okay, I will remember that. One thing though - the church was not that dark. It was fully lit as for a normal church service. I am still wondering about my battery being nearly dead. I am ordering a new battery just to see. Another problem could be a habit of mine. Inbetween shots I turn off the camera to save the battery. Each time I flipped the camera on to take a photo, since the battery IS 8 years old, I probably wasn't allowing enough time for it to build up a sufficient charge. I have always done this and have had no problems with underexposed photos. I am at work right now but will post a photo that I took right before the service in the foyer...those photos were fine. I was using flash. But it was a narrow room with one wall being windows. So there would have been more light. Will post later. Many thanks.

[Colin Southern]

Hi Jeannie,

The only effect that the battery condition would have would be on whether of not the flash fired.

PS: I just had a quick look at the other 3 shots you sent - they were shot at shutter speeds between 1/60th & 1/20th (so more light in) - bigger apertures (ie smaller F-numbers) (so more light in) - and much higher ISO (1600 to 2000 region as opposed to your 400), so again, a big difference to exposures there too. All in all, I'd say your 300D is just fine - we just need to help you get the most out of it in challenging conditions like this.

[rosapearl]

You realize the last 3 shots I sent you were made with my cousin's camera a Canon Powershot with 6-72mm lens and 12x digital zoom.

[Colin Southern]

You realize the last 3 shots I sent you were made with my cousin's camera a Canon Powershot with 6-72mm lens and 12x digital zoom.

Hi Jeannie,

Yes. In essence, what I'm saying is, you probably just had the 300D in the wrong shooting mode.

[rosapearl]

Gottcha. I went and looked at my camera and the basic modes (the only ones I have every used) allow an ISO fro 100-400 while the creative modes allows an ISO fro 100 to 1600...gotta learn how to use this camera!! Many thanks to all!! I'll be back.

[Colin Southern]

Gottcha. I went and looked at my camera and the basic modes (the only ones I have every used) allow an ISO fro 100-400 while the creative modes allows an ISO fro 100 to 1600...gotta learn how to use this camera!! Many thanks to all!! I'll be back.

Hi Jeannie,

You're welcome. For the darker shots, I'd have put the camera into Av mode - ISO1600 - Aperture wide open (F5.x), and shot from a tripod or monopod. Not ideal, but the best you can do in the circumstances.