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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Okay, so I've finished my introduction to photography class and I'm feeling a little more confident behind the camera. My SIL just got married this past Saturday and I was able to take some beautiful photos (on manual and Av woop woop!). However, at the reception at night, I found it near impossible to take photos of people dancing and carrying on. I had my ISO at the max (1600) and my aperture at it's widest (3.5) and still my photos were coming out blurry. I checked my playback and the shutter speed was very slow (1/20 or slower!). Obviously, this is because of the lack of light, but is there any way (other than adding a light source) to remedy this? Or did I do all I can do with my camera? Do other models have a higher available ISO? Any help for this newbie would be fantastic! I'm not trying to be a professional, but I just want to understand why and what I can do to improve my photos. Thanks in advance! 
Message edited 5/9/2011 11:42:59 AM.
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Posted 5/9/11 11:42 AM  |
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MrsFishstick
LIF Adult
Member since 5/10 935 total posts
Name:
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
well if you had a lens that had the ability to have an aperture of 1.4 or 1.8 you could have opened the shutter wider. You are probably center metering, meaning adjusting the shutter speed to the middle. Try playing with it and bracketing next time, or get a bounce flash (on camera flash gives me the heeby jeebies)
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| Posted 5/9/11 2:03 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Posted by MrsFishstick
well if you had a lens that had the ability to have an aperture of 1.4 or 1.8 you could have opened the shutter wider. You are probably center metering, meaning adjusting the shutter speed to the middle. Try playing with it and bracketing next time, or get a bounce flash (on camera flash gives me the heeby jeebies)
Ugh, agreed- the on camera flash is awful. I did do a little bracketing but the shots were just too dark and I couldn't see anything. I was thinking a different lens could help with the aperture, but that would have less zoom, correct? Currently I only have the kit lens it came with- 18mm-55mm.
And it was okay when I wasn't shooting motion, but trying to get the bridal party entrances was impossible. They all came out like this.
ETA: Thank you though- it's good to know that I was at least doing the best with what I had!
Message edited 5/9/2011 2:34:58 PM.
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| Posted 5/9/11 2:34 PM |
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MrsFishstick
LIF Adult
Member since 5/10 935 total posts
Name:
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
actually not bad!
The background is clear, the people are blurry because they moved as the shutter was opening and closing.
I personally like primes (fixed lenses) and when I'm working an event I keep a lens bag on me and switch out as needed.
Most zoom lenses don't go lower than f/2.8 which would allow you to open up the aperture 2/3's more.
It depends on what you want to do with your photography. If you want to be a hobbyist, then stick with what you have until you're ready to upgrade your glass. If you want to eventually get into more of a business I suggest (to everyone) to get the nifty 50 (50mm)
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| Posted 5/9/11 6:07 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Thanks for all the advice!!! I'm definitely not ready to spend money on a new lens (though I'm itching to!) so I'll stick with what I've got for now. Eventually I do want to get a few different lenses though. Thanks again!
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| Posted 5/10/11 10:42 AM |
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MrsFishstick
LIF Adult
Member since 5/10 935 total posts
Name:
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
well the canon 50mm 1.8 is only about 100 bucks :)
But keep having fun with it!!
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| Posted 5/10/11 10:58 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Posted by MrsFishstick
well the canon 50mm 1.8 is only about 100 bucks :)
But keep having fun with it!!
This is what I have, and I love it! SOOOO worth it OP. You will notice a HUGE difference in your pics. I hardly use the stock lens anymore.
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| Posted 5/11/11 12:45 PM |
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BriBri2u
L'amore vince sempre
Member since 5/05 9320 total posts
Name:
Mrs. B
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by MrsFishstick
well the canon 50mm 1.8 is only about 100 bucks :)
But keep having fun with it!!
This is what I have, and I love it! SOOOO worth it OP. You will notice a HUGE difference in your pics. I hardly use the stock lens anymore.
I LOVE this lens...I use it the most
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| Posted 5/11/11 1:16 PM |
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CupcakeLady
LIF Toddler
Member since 10/10 423 total posts
Name:
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
I would also suggest the 50mm 1.8 if you want to take nice shots at parties where the lighting may be challenging. The flash on the Rebel just isn't strong enough to provide ample light in those situations, and by slowing to 1/20th, you're "dragging the shutter" and letting in more ambient light. Many photographers do intentionally to create cool effects--ever see reception shots where the dj's lights are swirling around in the background, but the subject is tack sharp? With a high-powered flash, you can freeze your subject down to slower shutter speeds. But without that power, you're left with blurry people. A 50 1.8 will allow you to stay in that high ISO range, open up wider, and still maintain a shutter speed high enough to "freeze" your subjects with the on-camera flash :)
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| Posted 5/11/11 6:11 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Sorry I've been missing the past two days- stomach bug! 
Anyway, thank you for all of your responses! I truly appreciate it! And only $100?! SOLD! I was expecting it to be a lot more. This weekend is our 1 year wedding anniversary and DH doesn't know what to get me so this is a great idea! Thank you so much for all your input!
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| Posted 5/12/11 1:20 PM |
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KittyGags
LIF Adult
Member since 7/09 5614 total posts
Name:
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Right now I'm cursing you guys because I read this post and totally bought that lens.
But from the reviews here and on amazon, its worth every penny! I can't wait to get it!!!!!!
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| Posted 5/16/11 3:30 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: Canon Rebel XS (Or really just SLR help!)
Posted by KittyGags
Right now I'm cursing you guys because I read this post and totally bought that lens.
But from the reviews here and on amazon, its worth every penny! I can't wait to get it!!!!!!
I know! I'm dying to get mine, too! Let me know how you like it!!
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| Posted 5/16/11 3:44 PM |
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