Your manual camera settings

Off-topic Chatter
1

What works for you? What are your manual camera settings for taking beam shots?

Obviously every camera is different, not to mention the varing amount of ambient lighting when taking pictures.

I was hoping to get an idea what others are using in terms of settings so I can try some of them. Up to this point, I have only been able to dial it in for an alley around my house. But the change in moonlight from one night to the other screws up the shot.

My ultimate goal is to reproduce pictures that look as close to real life as possible. It's also obvious I'm oblivious to photography so hoping to get some help from you guys. Am I chasing the impossible?

For example:

Canon EOS 7D, ISO 200, 1.6 sec, F4.0, W/B: daylight, night - cloudy sky

Canon EOS 7D, ISO 100, 1.0 sec, F4.0, W/B: daylight, night - clear sky - full moon

2

I take the easy route, switch to Programme AE, autofocus, auto WB and let the camera balance out exposure and f stop - as I choose the depth of field the camera sets exposure time. Although I’ve got to admit I use my point and shoot sx200IS Canon more than my 40D. If you really wamt to get a feel for setting everything using manual settings just thank digital photography, it saves thousands of $ or £ in processing and developing charges. A vast change since my days with a Zenith E.