k_k9 Posted March 27, 2004 Share Posted March 27, 2004 Hello , I am completely beginner and i would appreciate some opinions of yours. Since i am interestd in Sunset Views Photography could you advise me what photo camera should i use to take quality pictures of sunsets? Thanks a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stemked Posted March 27, 2004 Share Posted March 27, 2004 An easy answer; ANY camera. Seriously, a camera is a black box. If you are thinking about an SLR a couple of features to look for that can 'help' 1) A spot meter. It is usually helpful to meter close to the sun (not at the sun itself). Center weighted also will work fine. But you really don't *need* these functions. 2) A Depth of view preview knob. Even though the sky maybe what you want to photograph, you want to make sure everything in the near ground is in focus 3) Decent optics-Read that anyway you want. 4) A soild tripod-yes, I know you asked about cameras, but a tripod will really make a difference. Using a $100 tripod will do more to improve your photography than will buying a $3000 camera. 5) A library card. Check out a few books on art or photography composition-learn what makes a good photo and a bad photo. With this knowledge you'll be amazed how much better you images look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walter_strong3 Posted March 27, 2004 Share Posted March 27, 2004 Most successful sunset/sunrise photos have something of interest silhouetted in the foreground. If its something LIVE, all the better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two23 Posted March 27, 2004 Share Posted March 27, 2004 I would agree that in general, the tripod is more important than the camera. Kent in SD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imaginator Posted March 28, 2004 Share Posted March 28, 2004 One issue with sunsets (and sunrises) is that the brightness keeps changing, so you need to constantly meter, which usually means metering the sky near the sun, but keeping the sun out of frame. Also, this usually means recomposing the camera after metering... a big hassle and not good for your eyes to keep looking through that viewfinder at the sun. The best solution is to use another camera or a handheld meter and keep the main camera mounted on a tripod and fixed on the desired composition. If you don't have another camera or handheld meter, then this might help: When metering while the sun is still in the frame, block the sun by putting your finger in front of the lens, or better yet, pan the camera so the sun is close to the edge of the frame and block that side with your hand, then pan back into position to take the shot. Any camera that allows exposure control will be fine, but you need to understand how it works (some cameras have manual control, some have exposure compensation, and things like exposure lock are very helpful (and spot metering that someone mentioned would be even better) Don't worry if you don't understand all this, but take some time to learn more before choosing a camera. Could you give us a price range that you can afford? By the way, a $40 tripod will do just fine. Some have a "quick release" that allows removing the camera to use handheld (or meter the sky) and replace it on the tripod, without changing the original composition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_lofquist Posted March 28, 2004 Share Posted March 28, 2004 I addition to the previous excellent comments, should you wish to include some foreground detail, a neutral grad filter will hold back the sky while increasing the foreground exposure. This takes a little experience, so it is something to keep in the back of your mind for future reference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawrence_palumbo Posted March 29, 2004 Share Posted March 29, 2004 definitely most important is getting the camera on a tripod at sunrise/sunset. this will be especially true, if you plan on working pre-sunrise & post-sunset which imo, is the best light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason_branz Posted March 29, 2004 Share Posted March 29, 2004 Echoing previous comments, a foreground object will really add to your photo. This object could be a windmill, a lone tree, etc. If you have a lake nearby, reflections also make a good foreground. Of course, the wind has to be quite light (which is rare here in Oklahoma). <br> <br> <p align="center"> <img src="http://www.jasonbranz.addr.com/Website/sunsets/sun002.jpg"><br> Oklahoma Sunset<br> </center> <br> <br> A tripod is essential, as others have noted. Also, be patient, as the clouds in the sky will change colors as the light wanes. The shot above was taken on a very chilly winter evening after waiting for over an hour for the clouds to clear the horizon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_kuldhardhis Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 <B> Nicely worded <B> <I>Using a $100 tripod will do more to improve your photography than will buying a $3000 camera.. </I> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_kuldhardhis Posted April 5, 2004 Share Posted April 5, 2004 Nicely worded Using a $100 tripod will do more to improve your photography than will buying a $3000 camera... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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