Both my cameras have limited settings in manual mode.
For trying beamshots the cannon has a Fireworks mode and the Fuji has a Sports mode.
The Fuji also has these modes: Night, Night Tripod, Sunset and Landscape
In post #2 it was advised to use “daylight” if the White Balance couldn’t be manually set to neutral. Not sure if that meant Sunlight or Daylight fluorescent? Anyone have experience with using an auto camera and know which settings would be best for beamshots/tint comparisons?
Here’s the options I have for the White Balance settings:
1. auto
2. direct sunlight
3. shade
4. daylight fluorescent
5. warm white fluorescent
6. cool white fluorescent
7. incandescent
I’m not a photographer, but I’m pretty sure that the term “daylight” used means actual sunlight. The reasoning (I think) is that the sun is our most perfect source, and it doesn’t change from day to day. So, all the pics taken with White Balance set to “real sunlight” should be directly comparable for purposes of comparing colors and tints. No photograph is going to show exact tints, and we all see colors differently anyway. So, it’s not like you’re going to show someone what a Cree 3D tint is like. But, you can show how a Cree 3D compares to a 3C, or 5A, or 1D0, or even another manufacturer, like Nichia or Luminus.
Thanks David for explaining, So I guess I’ll try the “Direct Sunlight” setting first.
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The Fuji also has Exposure Compensation & ISO, both can be adjusted.
For Exp. Comp. the higher number increases the exposure time, so I’m assuming I’d want that set highest for beamshots?
For the ISO (sensitivity to light?) I’m also assuming a higher setting? (According to the user manual higher settings reduce blur in low light settings)
Thanks for the tips !!
This is a weakness for me and we have a Cannon Power Shot SX540 HS that I have tried to get pics with, but in Auto mode.
We have 2 tripods too, so I will experiment. Another problem is finding a good place without interfering street lights and Mosquito’s or Deer/Horse flies.
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I found these settings on Google. Are they about correct, don’t want to damage the camera using the long shutter speed ?
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How do I take pictures at night with my Canon PowerShot?
Below is how to set up your camera for night photography:
M – Manual mode.
Shutter Speed – 30 to 60 seconds. As it’s dark, a longer shutter speed will give enough time to let a lot of light to enter the camera. …
Aperture – f8, f11 or f 16. …
ISO – 100 or 200. …
Set White Balance to Auto. …
Manual Focus. …
Shoot in Raw.
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