Digital Camera questions

I have a Sony Cybershot 4.0 megapixel I just bought a couple of weeks ago after trading in my Kodak because I kept getting formatting errors on the memory card. It takes great pics, but I'm having trouble getting the lighting correct. The shutter settings are from 8 to 1/1000, and the aperture settings are from F2 to F8. Here are my questions:

1. What is the best combination of aperture and shutter settings for very bright light?
2. Same question for indoors, or not much light.
3. The F2 to F8 settings for aperture - what do they mean? I know the shutter speed settings, but what about the aperture?
4. There is also an "automatic exposure lock" which I can turn on, but after 1 pic it goes back off. Does this do anything?

I've read the manual, and it doesn't really explain what are the best settings for different situations, just how to use them. Photoguy, LarryD, or anybody else please help!

 

Fred just bought the 2.0 megapixel of the same kind....We set his for automatic on all that and it seems to work ok so far...He'll have to play with that some as he learns it. But automatic may be your best bet????

 

How do you set for automatic all? I guess I'll try to find it in the manual.

 

Make sure you set the correct film speed for the film speed your using, ex: 100, 200, 400, etc.







hehe just kidding with ya


Do you know what ISO rating your camera is? The ISO rating is a rating that gauges what speed film the camera is most similar to. Basically, you should set it to automatic if your trying to get pictures for the moment. Where you bought the camera should be able to show you how to do that.

As for using your manual functions. Your just going to have to play around with it. F/stop controls the amount of light going into the camera. For lower light setting, a higher apeture setting is required, the opening in the lens that allows light into the camera gets bigger or smaller, allowing more light or less light. Shutter settings are for the speed the shutter open and closes. For lower light settings or still shots, you can have the shutter open longer to allow light into the camera longer. f/4 and 60 would be a good place to start. If you have moving objects, you may want a faster shutter speed so your subject is not blurred. With a faster shutter speed, you may also have to increase your f/stop, since the shutter is not open very long, you'll let more light in with a larger apeture.

Taking a picture of a stream, having a low f/stop and a longer shutter speed could give the water a blurred effect, while the surrounds are in focus.

 

This camera allows an auto setting for the 'film speed' or ISO. Or it allows you to choose one to emulate. 100 200 400...etc

Cool damn Camera. And the one Fred has will even create Mpegs at 16 fps. Not bad. I'll be getting one soon.

 

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PantherMills, what was that? I was looking forward to your response as they've helped me a before.

Builder, I think I found it. Thanks.

 

Is this your camera SS?

Try this site, excellent answers to everyday camera questions. I`ve used this site many time.
http://www.shortcourses.com/




dig-it

 

I originally said that a good motto is "if all else fails, read the instructions" , but I had failed to read your post correctly where you said the manual didn't provide the answers you needed. Sorry about that.

 

Dig-it, thanks for the link. I have just recently purhcased a Sony 3.2Mpixel cybershot (DCS-P71). the info on the link has already helped. This is my first Digital camera, and I really don't know anything about photography (digital or other)