First pic, new toy, 70-300mm IS.

[Keyman]

Pick up this lens up yesterday. Took some pics from artic window.

What do you think?

Image seem a little unclean to me.Taken under P mode,1/800 10, ISO800. Don't even know how to get 'EXIF' data on the photo. But here it go, after some heavy cropping, no PS.

What does the 10 mean?
What would be a better setting to take such photo? Any negative feedback welcome, this is my first SLR camera.

 

[nokiauk]

looks like 10 is your f value,would say ISO too high for a sunny day.

if using windows right clicking and choosing properties on the photo should give some basic EXIF as should any photo software which came with the camera.

keep at it though SLR's are worth it - for example:

 

[allie5]

Id agree. The ISO is too high for the lighting. Probably 200 would have been ideal for those conditions. 100 if it was exceptionally bright.

Ive just bought this lens and found it performs brilliantly. Im also a DSLR beginner and am learning by using each setting one at a time. I tried with "P" mode in London on Saturday and found it quite a battle, even though shutter speed is the one mode I do feel reasonably confident about, I still managed to blow out several shots before I got anything anywhere near decent!

Just keep in there, Ive noticed an improvement in only a few days in the way I use the camera (although I have a 30d not a 400) just by taking more and more photos. You captured the moment really well in your shot and thats half the battle in my opinion!

BTW - If you use photobucket, click on your photo and it will give you an option to display the EXIF info.

 

[Keyman]

Ahhhhh, that's why. It was a sunny afternoon. Left the ISO from testing indoor portrait and did not change it, thinking that the camera might just expose less under the sun and may do better on fast moving subject. Is that the reason also why it seems there is possibly a lack of colour contrast too? Is a tripod under these circumstances important?

Thanks for all input, will try again tomorrow, hopefully will get there.

One last question if anyone can help, would a overly strong sun be bad or is it the best time? What would be the best time of day or type of sunlight?

 

[allie5]

You should be able to salvage a lot of that picture with some photoshopping.

Lighting depends on your subject. For a photo similar to your test pic, then you want the sun behind you really. It looks like you were shooting into the sun which tends to give washed out images. There is no "optimum" time to shoot - every part of the day gives different opportunities and a big part of learning to shoot well, is to know how to handle different lighting conditions. Im not even close to be an expert (especially round here!) so Im sure more knowledgeable folk will be along to help you soon!

 

[Keyman]

Thanks for input again. Got it on RAW, so I will play with it on software.

Will try the similar shot again in the morning this time, window from where I shot is west facing.

 

[mwncidur]

Took some pics from artic window.

That is one hell of a tall lorry you are driving

I too am new to dslr and photography for that matter but have really enjoyed just getting out and taking photos. The photo competition is also a good way of taxing your brain and looking for the right shot.
well done!!