? about the moon and taking a photo of it

topic posted Wed, July 23, 2008 - 6:36 PM by  Unsubscribed
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I like taking pictures of the moon at night. Oh before I go on I have a cannon digital S3-IS.
It seems to look a bit spotty or not enough pixels when I'm taking the picture. I look at it on the pc and I'm just in shock that it doesn't look the same when I take the picture of it.
I found that putting it on sports it takes a faster shot. I know we are moving and the moon is moving so to have it focus automatically without it blurring is tricky so I'm told. I can get close, however it looks pixelated for lack of a better word I don't know. I've put it on night and it only takes a worse pictures and automatic forget it.
Anyone have any idea on how I can get a clear shot of the moon, without the blur, and with the pixels'?
Thanks I can use help on this.
I hope you all don't get tired of me asking questions about taking pictures, with all this experience in the tribe I feel here is the best place to ask certain questions.
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  • Re: ? about the moon and taking a photo of it

    Wed, July 23, 2008 - 6:56 PM
    Assuming your camera supports manual settings, the moon follows the same rules as a sunny day (logical given that the moon is just a big reflector of the sun, yes?). So a good starting point is f16 with a shutter speed inverse of your ISO. That means 100ISO would call for 1/100th-second exposure (or the nearest thing your camera offers, usually 1/125th or 1/90th). 400ISO would want 1/400th (or closest setting). And so on. While this produces accurate exposures, most people like their moons with a lil' glow, so try over exposing a stop or so to get it to taste. Also, fractional moons usually require opening up some more as well. Atmospheric conditions, such as fog or haze, can also affect exposure (but can also contribute to some spectacular images).
    • Unsu...
       

      Re: ? about the moon and taking a photo of it

      Wed, July 23, 2008 - 9:23 PM
      ok kwl thanks. Then I went the wrong way with it. I thought I had to go faster because of the earth movng and the moon, so I brought it up to 1600 to shoot. So I will definately go to a slower shutter speed next time. Thanks for your help.
      • Unsu...
         

        Re: ? about the moon and taking a photo of it

        Wed, July 23, 2008 - 11:39 PM
        Depending how much zoom you're using, you may experience motion blur in as little as 1 second of exposure. Try to keep the ISO down to minimize noise. Not much depth of field issues here, so you can open the aperture a bit.
      • Re: ? about the moon and taking a photo of it

        Wed, July 23, 2008 - 11:45 PM
        And of course you're using a tripod right ?
        It'll help stop the hand jiggle.
        I have the CANON Powershot A640 with a built in two stage telephoto.
        I got reasonably good shots of a full moon on automatic with the telephoto extended all the way.
        They were grainy but in focus.
        • Unsu...
           

          Re: ? about the moon and taking a photo of it

          Thu, July 24, 2008 - 12:02 AM
          Oh yeah, jiggle ... if your camera can do a shutter release delay, say 2 seconds usually does it. Or use a remote if you have it.
          • B
            B
            offline 121

            Re: ? about the moon and taking a photo of it

            Thu, July 24, 2008 - 7:05 AM
            The moon is really moving and if you don't have a motorized tripod to track it shooting at anything less tahn 1/125 will caust the moon to blur. You don't need autofocus it's at infinity. Open it up as wide as possible there is no depth of field issue. You'll have to balance your ISO with your shutter speed to freeze the motion.
            • Unsu...
               

              Re: ? about the moon and taking a photo of it

              Thu, July 24, 2008 - 1:52 PM
              I'm actually looking forward to capturing the moon again when I see it.
              Since I have to teach for the next few days it will be a little while before I can get out.
              Thank you all for your help. I'll crank out the Tripod again and give it another go.
              Namaste'

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