Beamshot picture question

[Parker VH]

I'd like to try and take some beamshots of my POB and AE Xenide 20. I have several point and shoot type digital cams and an Olympus C5050 which I believe can be set to manual exposures etc. Is there an ideal setting for digital beamshots as far as exposure, shutter speed etc.?
I have a tripod if needed.
Thanks.
Bob

 

[Team Member]

Is there an ideal setting for digital beamshots as far as exposure, shutter speed etc.?
I have a tripod if needed.

First...

No, there is no ideal settings. I always take somwhere between 15-25 pics of the same beam/beams but with different settings. And when I can review them in my computer I´ll pick the one´s that looks the best.


Second..

ALWAYS use a tripod. All your pics will improve with a tripod, trust me.. Even when you take pics of your gear indoors, use a tripod. You will be stunned by how good they look then.

 

[Patriot]

Like TM stated, there is no ideal and all cameras are different. You might start with 2 second exposure at F4.0 and work up or down from there. The best beamshots will usually be on stop "over" however it appears to your eyes. A perfectly still camera is key, so the tripod is a must.

Good luck! :)

 

[Parker VH]

Patriot, what do you mean when you say to be "on stop over how it appears to your eye"?
I hope to try taking some pics this weekend weather permitting. So if I start with it set at about F4.0 for 2 sec. where would I go from there? Do you adjust both the F stop and shutter duration for each pic or leave one and adjust the other? I know there is no absolute rule, just looking for help. I don't want it to exaggerate the actual brightness of the light being photographed, I just want accurate comparison photos to show people the differences between the lights themselves.

 

[carrier82]

So if I start with it set at about F4.0 for 2 sec. where would I go from there? Do you adjust both the F stop and shutter duration for each pic or leave one and adjust the other?

As said, experiment is the key. In my not-so-experienced opinion the F value is not as important, just keep it the same in all pictures once you have found a good value, like 4.0. The higher F, the more exposure it will require but it will capture details better especially between depths (and corners?). Adjust the shutter speed to get what you want. Remember to lock the ISO value as well.