Tried some new bulbs.

I took dougs advice and bought some GE reveal bulbs.

After using CFL's for several years, I forgot how hot regular light bulbs are! Good thing I had the air running.

I was a tad disappointed at 1st, because they cast a very yellow light.

But, I adjusted my color temperature post processing, and was very pleased.

The 1st picture is with the regular 6000K CFL's I were using. The 2nd is with the reveals.

As you can see, the reveal bulbs illuminate the devices a lot better than the CFL's do.

I still need to play with the WB on the camera, but I think these are much better bulbs, I just wish they wouldn't broil my face being under them.

 

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Looking better. Maybe try halogen next, those are nice on the face, but hot on the touch.

 

Gad, that background is awful. I can take a better picture with my iPhone. It isn't the bulbs.

 

Well I shot those pics in auto mode. A $1000 DSLR is going to take a better picture than an iphone.

By the way, what shutter speed, ISO and aperture (f stop) do you guys normally shoot at?

 

Do manual mode and figure out what you like. If you use any sort of ps or aperture type programs, drag the guys photos into it and you can view their f-stops and iso etc. Theres a real neat feature called Google, there should be tutorials on how to use your camera.

Detecto..

If I have a Lamborghini, is the Lamborghini fast and maneuverable with or without a driver who has gone through the classes the Lambo dealerships give?
A 1000.00 dollar camera takes good photos with or without the educated photog? Google your camera and click youtube.

 

White balance is the first thing you have to do when you change lighting. Check out this link.
It helped me understand it much better. http://www.coinimaging.com/Lighting_shootout.html

 

No offense, but both are terrible... totally unrealistic and horribly out of focus. You will be better off learning to use your camera instead of relying on processing, and what were you thinking with the background?

Not necessarily.. did you even consider CFL Reveal bulbs or any other of the countless lighting options available? Did it ever cross your mind that the CFLs you were using may not have placed enough light onto the coin? Give the light's specs instead of making assumptions.. many people use CFLs and get excellent results.

You are not using a $1000 DSLR, so what is your point? To be totally honest, I've seen much better images taken with an iPhone or cheap android than many you take with your $200 DSLR. Again, LEARN TO USE YOUR CAMERA and stop looking for the easy fix. You would have been better off sticking with whatever lights you were using and simply making them work. Your problem is not the lights, its not the camera.. its the photographer.

 

This time I used a piece of paper.


I need a tripod or copy stand. I have to slow down the shutter to let more light in, around 1/15 of a second. I cannot hold my hands still this long.

 

Why such a slow shutter speed if theres a lot of light? Im assuming theres a lot of light cause you were talking about bulbs.

Please tell me you are taking photos in Manual mode, only way you will dial it in.

 

Well I'm experimenting.

Nikon users, active d lighting on or off?

 

Detecto...ffs go to Froknowsphoto.com he is a Nikon guy who has tons of Nikon material and is quite fun. That site will give you the basic foundation of what you need to know with your tool...the Nikon. Once you graduate to Leica, come talk to me lol

 

that pic is a big plus over the others. more fine tuning and you will get there.

 

Regardless of whether you are holding the camera or using a tripod, select a 2-second shutter delay. This will aid in keeping the camera still during the exposure time.

Also, when some of these CT experts give you good advice, it would be nice if you acknowledge them with a quick got-it or thanks. This way they know you are listening & they will be more encouraged to continue giving their expert advice.

 

I would still like advice on camera settings.

I would like some "bare bones" shooting info so I can set my camera to that, and go from there.

F Stop, ISO, Shutter Speed, Active D lighting on or off, exposure setting, etc. Auto mode sucks on my slr.

 

Ill just say what I feel here.

Several of us have mentioned some things that will give you bare bones info.
But you just skirt that info and keep begging for someone to hand feed you.

You want bare bones info hand fed to you, here.....

Google, this little Johnny..heres an example. You can even copy and paste this example, and switch out the info!

" Nikon D5100 BARE BONES SHOOTING INFO". OR one of my favorites!!!! Reading the manual!!! I know huh! What ? You don't have it? Google your model with MANUAL in the search...

Or....re read what I posted above and go to that site, who has nikon specific tutorials, IN VIDEO FORMAT TOO! They even have them for each model!!!

LOL IDUNNO....

 

Reminds me of people trying to teach a cat to bark.

 

Your best bet is to go to some of the other sites mentioned, and learn how to use your camera.

Failing that, let me throw some dice (neither I nor anyone else here knows how bright your lights are, so none of us can provide a realistic starting point). OK, got it. Set your camera to f/8, ISO 100, shutter speed 1/100 (or as close as you can come to that).

procedure to take a picture:
1) take a picture and evaluate it.
2) If it isn't the way you want it, apply one - and only one - of the following rules:
A) if the image is blurry, get a tripod, brace the camera against something, or reduce exposure time.
B) if the image is too dark, either open up the aperture (the number will get smaller),
increase the time the shutter is open, or
increase the ISO.
C) if the image is too bright, either close the aperture (the number will get larger),
decrease the time the shutter is open, or
decrease the ISO.

If you made a change, go back to step 1.

 

Took some advice. Shooting in full manual. F stop at 8, shutter at 1/100 etc.

Still, something keeps changing my exposure. Dunno what it is.

 

Found it! ISO was on auto.

Some new images.

 

And the imaging just got better. Seems like the focus is a lot better!
Now it will only be very minute work to do and viola! You will be a pro.