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06/08/2007 11:17:33 AM · #1 |
| What in the heck is an EV step? My camera has 1/2 or 1/3 options. Wha huh? |
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06/08/2007 11:24:16 AM · #2 |
EV is Exposure Value.
Best explained on Ken Rockwell's site
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06/08/2007 11:29:43 AM · #3 |
yeah but what does it mean on our digital SLR and how to use it , mine is set to 1/3. |
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06/08/2007 11:40:25 AM · #4 |
EV is for when you are using automatic, aperture priority, or shutter priority modes. They allow you to override the cameras settings on what the best exposure might be. The 1/3 and 1/2 stops are just settings for how much of a stop you want each override notch to be. If you don't like to shoot full manual, EV is invaluable for getting correct exposures when the cameras meter may be fooled.
When you hear people talk about over or underexposing photos...that is basically what you're doing with the EV controls.
Message edited by author 2007-06-08 11:42:19. |
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06/08/2007 11:48:38 AM · #5 |
+1EV is adding the equivalent light equal to 1 full f/stop
-1EV is subtracting the equivelent light equal to 1 full f/stop.
the fractions are just that - fractions of an f/stop.
As an example, let's say you are controlling your camera in manual or you want to use exposure compensation, which is really what the EV's are for.
Set the cam to -1/2EV and the camera will recored the scene, less 1/2 of an f/stop in light than was read or would have been allowed into the camera's sensor. Bracketing is also done this way, and can be set in our cameras for increments of full stops or fractions in regards to how much extra light or how much less light the sensor will be getting on each click in each direction of exposure. So if you set your bracketing for 3 shots, and 1/2EV as the brackets, the first shot will be exposed normal, the second one will be 1/2 f/stop under and the other will be 1/2 stop over. (or vice-versa depending on manufacturer)
TTL flash exposure is also read and adjusted this was as well. If i set my flash to -1EV, then the amount of light the camera will be exposing for is -1 full f/stop, meaning the flash will provide a full stop less light than would be if set in full auto TTL.
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06/08/2007 12:03:38 PM · #6 |
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06/08/2007 12:08:03 PM · #7 |
| Thanks for the bit on the flash Brad! I really wish I was more edumacated on the use of flash. Good starter info for me. |
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06/08/2007 12:18:21 PM · #8 |
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06/08/2007 12:29:51 PM · #9 |
I believe the order can be controlled in the cameras settings.
Originally posted by Brad:
...So if you set your bracketing for 3 shots, and 1/2EV as the brackets, the first shot will be exposed normal, the second one will be 1/2 f/stop under and the other will be 1/2 stop over. (or vice-versa depending on manufacturer)... |
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06/08/2007 12:33:07 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by pekesty:
Thanks for the bit on the flash Brad! I really wish I was more edumacated on the use of flash. Good starter info for me. |
Using the camera in manual mode and dropping the flash's EV for daylight shots does wonders as fill in flash, reducing shadows and acting in a very similar manner as using a reflector.
All these were done in bright daylight, in manual, flash manually popped-up, flash power set to -1EV:
Most of these were done similar, cloudy day, in manual, flash manually popped-up, flash power set to -2EV:
Keep in mind, the settings are trial and error by doing some test shots, and ISO and EV values will greatly affect the background brightness. High ISO & flash yields brighter backgrounds, where lower ISO & flash will give darker backgrounds (and uses more battery power as well)
 <--ISO160
 <--ISO80
(both taken in full-auto TTL mode)
Message edited by author 2007-06-08 12:44:09.
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06/08/2007 12:49:21 PM · #11 |
Am I correct in assuming I should meter for background first(preferably manual mode) and then try to find the best flash EV setting for fill? Looks as though I'll be doing some experimenting and practicing.
I've read that professional wildlife photographers are using flashes. You're post helps me to see why they do, I clearly need to learn more about flashes.
Thanks again! |
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06/08/2007 12:59:15 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by pekesty:
Am I correct in assuming I should meter for background first(preferably manual mode) and then try to find the best flash EV setting for fill? Looks as though I'll be doing some experimenting and practicing. |
I metered for the background and determined what kind of setting I wanted, be it bright background or get it a bit darker. In the case of my 350D, I'm limited to 1/200sec using flash, so if I can't get what I want using the desired aperture of say f/2.8 to f//4.0 for a minimal DoF, I may need to drop ISO to 100, or bump it to ISO400 and re-adjust the shutter speed accordingly. Then it becomes a flash EV adjustment as a final trim. Once dialed in, and so long as the lighting conditions and scene stays the same, it's point & click with a repeatable end product.
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06/08/2007 01:03:43 PM · #13 |
Not only is this thread on watch, but now I've got to start taking some notes. Great information!
I may have some more questions for you once I've actually tried this!
Message edited by author 2007-06-08 13:04:21. |
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06/08/2007 01:38:11 PM · #14 |
Here are a couple good examples of no flash and with flash outdoors.
All 3 images converted from RAW under the same settings, (pretty much auto)
  
First one was a candid, shot from the hip, and the second, 45 seconds later, after the "duh" factor hit me that I should be using the flash, quickly setup, taken as a shot, but also as a test shot to see where I would be under those settings. Last one, also a candid shot from the hip, was after getting a bit more dialed-in with the settings. EXIF copied into the comments sections, and are resized only, saved for web at 200Kb.
Once in a while, when everything is dialed in right,
and even using the "Soccer-Mom" pop-up flash, high noon
shots can come out amazing, straight out of the camera:
Message edited by author 2007-06-08 13:52:25.
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06/08/2007 01:47:08 PM · #15 |
| Thanks Brad, information is really helpful!!! I too had similar question but did not know how to put it...but after this thread, I understood the concept!!! |
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