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View Full Version : F30 Settings for Concerts


ch4
07-29-2006, 06:50 AM
After reading the reviews I just bought the F30, mostly for concerts as it's supposed to be the best non-SLR low light camera. I was very impressed as soon as I received it. It's much smaller than I imagined from the online pics and not much larger than a cell phone.

I have very little experience with digital cameras and they have so many settings I don't know which ones to use. I'm going to an Idols concert soon. Here are the best pics I've seen from one:

http://denisebernadette.smugmug.com/Music/209916

This person used a Canon EOS 20D. I don't expect my photos to be as good although I'd like them to be the best possible. The stage lighting will vary for different performances. Some performers will be walking around or dancing and others standing still. I will be close to the side of the stage and 5 rows up, I'm guessing about 20 to 50+ ft away. Of course the light where I will be sitting will be darker than on stage.

Should I just leave the camera on auto mode? Should I set the ISO to a higher setting? In ISO auto mode can the camera measure stage/subject lighting from a distance and adjust ISO accordingly? Should I use one of the preset scene modes such as sport or fireworks? Should I use anti-blur?

I'm also debating recording movies vs. photos. I have 2 1MB xDs and a spare battery so I can do both, but if the F30 takes much better pics than movies I might just stick with pics.

swgod98
07-29-2006, 04:16 PM
Probably anti-shake mode. Though it might use ISO3200 more than you like. If it does, you can set it to A/S mode, and set the aperture to 2.8 + ISO to whatever can provide a well exposed image (probably 1600)...or, Auto1600. Auto1600 will select the most appropriate ISO without using 3200.

"black camera pic" M mode w/ ISO set to your liking might also do the same thing.

Not sure if flash is allowed, but you might want to turn it off too. At the distance you're at, the flash might do more harm than good.

Good luck.