Camera settings document

[Adz]

Hey all,

Recently I have made a leaflet to take outside with me laminated so that I don't forget any important elements to considering when taking a photo.

It is only a newbie guide but someone might be interested:

Astrophotography with a Digital SLR

Three general principles of good photography:

Ø Focus

Ø Composition

Ø Exposure

Steve Richards (Making every proton count) rules of shots:

Find – Star hopping or using GoTo

Focus – Most important for results

Frame – Adjust and predict variation for movement

Follow – Use of RA motor drive within the sky

Film – Digital sensor collection of data

Finish – Processing within software

Settings to check before a shot:

*Camera set to Manual*

ISO setting – high for less quality and more light

Shutter speed – longer for more light

Aperture – Not needed for prime focus, but other is larger more light let in

Mirror lock up – enabled for less chance of blur in shot

Manual focus – to get perfect sharpness

Drive mode – single shot

Remote release always, remote timer setting if no cable release

Quality – RAW most processing options, RAW + Jpeg if not confident with RAW

Flash – always off

White Balance – Auto

Auto power down – Off

Things to maintain regularly on the camera:

Ø Update the firmware online

Ø Clean the sensor setting

Ø Keep battery charged

Word document:

Astrophotography with a Digital SLR b.doc

[Naz]

THanks for that Adz, looks a useful checklist. Handy to have a check list so you don't forget that little thing that can ruin all your preparation.