Camera Technical operating question

[piker60]

Maybe someone has a suggestion to improve my results . I have a Canon G12 which I have been using for self takes with myself and fish. I use a tripod and programme the camera to take a few shots with about a 2 second pause between shots. I also set the camera to auto (green) mode so that the camera makes the decision on shutter speed and aperature setting etc. The problem is that the results during the day are what appear to be over exposure (white, washed out, lack on depth of colour). I position the tripod in shade. Is the big sky background in the photo 'confusing' the camera? Also the results are generally poor exposure for shots in the dark. Should I be using an auxillary flash unit in the latter case?

[Freako]

I don't know the camera but I would set it so you have a green backdrop, the sky can sometimes play havoc with the camera and is rarely consistent.
I assume the built in flash is not powerful enough to light the area as required when dark, so yes auxiliary flash may help.
Best to practise when at home so you get it right when it matter.

I'm sure Dave will be along to give you a better answer that I have, good luck.

[piker60]

I don't know the camera but I would set it so you have a green backdrop, the sky can sometimes play havoc with the camera and is rarely consistent.
I assume the built in flash is not powerful enough to light the area as required when dark, so yes auxiliary flash may help.
Best to practise when at home so you get it right when it matter.

I'm sure Dave will be along to give you a better answer that I have, good luck.

Thanks Mick. Yes the in-built flash is a tad small. Maybe an auxiliary flash for night shots would improve my results.

[davelumb]

You really should have bought a NIkon.

Seriously, I used a Canon S3IS for years and it was great. Day and night, using just the pop-up flash in the dark.

I always preferred using P mode rather than Auto with my Canon.

If you have all sky behind you it's fooling the exposure meter, but that usually underexposes the subject. As Mick says, try to get a neutral background for a more even exposure. If you can have the sun behind and slightly to one side of the camera that will also help. If there's a centre weighted option for exposure that might also help as the camera will expose for the central subject rather than the background.

If you have to have a big sky in the background, use the flash.

http://blog.lumbland.co.uk/2012/03/bett ... tos-1.html

[phil.c]

I always find night shots are better when you have bushes close behind you, so they are illuminated as well.

If you haven't the flash just disappears into the blackness. (If you get my meaning )

[piker60]

Thanks Gents

[Andrew]

probably most likly as has been suggested. sun in front of the camera

[piker60]

probably most likly as has been suggested. sun in front of the camera