Sam_S wrote:
I've done some research (well checked out some other forums) and I'm noticing that most people have to bump up +1/3 Exposure compensation on their 40Ds (some even 2/3).
Maybe I've just been lucky with my 40D because I've found that if I use the metering properly, the 40D does a great job. If I do need to shift to the right (or left) in processing, it's usually because I didn't meter properly in the first place (eg should have used a different metering mode or metered separately from focusing). With a good even light and contrast across the whole frame, the 40D is almost always spot on in metering, judging by the histogram and look of the result.
Of course, even in well exposed shots I generally adjust the exposure a bit in processing, but normally extending it slightly at both ends rather than a shift in one direction or the other, to get a better result. (This would be the same for all cameras.)
But cameras vary so others will have different experiences.
The other thing I've noticed is that in contrasty shots, there is still a lot of detail captured in the highlights and shadows so that if necessary I can pull it out in processing. With my 10D this was a lot more difficult.
I can't compare to 350 / 400D / 20/30D bodies as I've never used them.
You must have read some of my traffic earlier today. I came in to report my findings and read yours. After experimenting all day with different lenses, focusing screens, and metering modes, I have to agree with you.
I'm a rookie in a big way, and have no formal training, just the cash and the desire.
So from my point of view, coming from a 20D to the 40D, it looks like the 40D is less forgiving to the inexperienced user when it comes to getting the kind of exposure one is seeking when it comes to the metering part. In short, one needs to have an idea of what he is doing. Heh! Which I don't. It's fun trying though.
I am loading up a picture of a woodpecker in a tall pine. No processing, a 100% center crop converted to jpg, I would like your opinions. Hand held, I think I got lucky.
40D, 70-200 f/2.8 IS & 1.4xII.
AV Mode, Shutter speed: 1/160.00, F-stop: 5.0, ISO 800 (auto), Exposure bias: 0.0000, Metering mode: Spot.
I metered on the center of the tree, locked the exposure, then moved the center focus point to the birds back. Zoomed all the way in, he was way up there. The bird is under the spider webb.
EVERY camera exposes differently.
You are familiar with your prior bodies, and know what to expect - likely in your workflow you 'adjust' accordingly, w/o even realizing it.
Under expose, over expose... What is this?
Every tool has it's own personality, when we make the change, it is annoying, but with use, we learn the pattern, the behavior and adjust accordingly...
Learn the new tool, and maximize it to it's full potential.
The 40D - perfect - no. Amazing in itself - absolutely.
I posted elsewhere here,
My 40D makes me happy set @ +1/3. I am finding the same as another poster, exposure lock is my friend.
A a beginner I stumbled upon a way to find what I liked the compensation to be set at in a short and easy to see order.
I bumped it up to +1/3.
I then went to AEB and noted the +1/3 makes the AEB take a 3 shot set from "0", +1/3 & +2/3 on it's narrowest setting. Nice!
I went out and spot metered on a point with E lock and fired away at several different targets around the area. I found +1/3 to be my preferred sweet spot.
I also like C.Fn I: Exposure, Bracketing sequence set to #1. @ a default camera setting of +1/3, it takes them in the order of 0, +1/3, +2/3. Nice to see it in that order in a large thumbnail views.
Got this and a white paper not on the 40D's exposure from another thread here.
Please do not evaluate or form an opinion the 40D with any of my examples. I an really new and learning.
I shot a Ducks Unlimited fund raiser banquet the other night all in ISO 1600. I am very surprised how well they came out. I'll post some up soon.
I was not getting paid. It's understood I am a rookie ands photo's were not a high priority with them so it's a great opertunity for me to learn. The free admission and food was noice too.
Some had noise but I see why some guys like some grain. The setting was not better homes and gardens quality so a little grain helps hide some things. But propery metered and exposed frames had me looking back to be sure the ISO was still set that high.
Some of the subjects were city and state officials so I have to wait for the word to come back before posting.
While I'm here. My 40D likes the +1/3 EC.
I fired it up once and the LCD would not display and the focus would not lock or beep. The red focus point did light but the shutter would not fire.
I pulled the battery in and out and she took off. It has not repeated.
Loving the 40D so far.
