Time to let me have it! More pics

[mattb]

Took some more pics.... RogersCG (Chris) and Zibba (Eric) got me all hot after talking photography, and I got a little lens envy going on!!!!!

These were all manual focus using a Nikon D80, Tamron 200 macro, in aperature priority mode 36f, auto ISO 1600, shutter speed 1/3. I took the RAW files and only cropped them nothing else (and it shows :gay1: ). I took a ton of fish picks, trying to capture my male dispar anthias putting up his dorsal fin, no good ones yet. (Hypoxia can slam me for not turning off my pumps).

Hit me with your best shot!
Overexposed blue, I need to learn how to fix
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/Tgigas.jpg

DG's porities
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/Poritiescylindrica.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/PonapeBirdsnest.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/PinkMillepora.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/MiyagiTort.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/Garfbonsai.jpg

[twincitiesreefer]

pretty nice..better then my skillz

[MAXreefer]

Nice shots.
What program are you using for the RAW pics?
I use Lightroom (great for the WB etc) and Photoshop

Michael

[Zibba]

Definitely seeing improvements! I would try taking off the auto ISO and shooting at 400 or 800. I was just talking with Chris tonight about ISO settings. Just for the fun of it, I took a few at 100. They were really crappy looking and I had to sharpen in photoshop like crazy (compared to when I shoot @ ISO 800). Chris mentioned that he shoots mostly at 200. You will get faster shutter speeds & more depth when you shoot with the higher ISO, but the pictures have a lot more noise (which is what I think is happening in these pictures). I should also mention, that when I shoot at ISO 800 I usually have to do some noise reduction in photoshop to compensate.

You have some awesome corals...I can't wait until you master that d80! I think when you learn a little more how to play with the RAW (NEF) files, you'll fully realize the potential of quality equipment in combination with digital processing.

Keep posting some pictures!

Are you using the macro for your fish photos too? I do.

[tico mike]

Porites looks nice. The others....uhhh....(Hey, this is a photography forum:gay1: )

How are you hosting your pics? I remember getting nicer looking shots once I upgraded my photobucket account. I don't know if they still limit the sizes for the free accounts.

By the way the pics look good.

[BiochemRobyn]

Very impressive Matt!

With your skills and incredible tank diversity, I can only imagine that this is the very beginning of some world-class photos. :biggrin:

[mattb]

I figured that the high ISO and Nikon would pop up, I was a bit surprised to see them that high..... be back in 10 to see if I can change that a bit. It's the regular photobucket, it's just that I'm that bad :)

[RogersCG]

Matt, you are really making strides! The porities is especially nice.

As far as recommendations, I would not shoot anything above an ISO of 800, or even 400. I shoot everything I can at 200 but your sensor is better on the D80 than on the D70. You are getting lots of noise in the dark and solid areas. That has a lot to do with the high ISO. It can also be due to exposure being off but on these, I think it is the high ISO. You have a few focus or movement issues (tripod?) on a couple also. It's tough shooting macro manual but you look to be getting the hang of it. In manual focus try to focus on the closest spot you wish to be in sharp focus. The depth of focus extends further behind than in front of that focal point (Depth of Field). I think it is something like 1/3 in front, 2/3 behind.

Turn off those power heads and figure out the shutter delay and you can be sharp as a tack!

Are you using Photoshop? I can give you some sharpening settings/process that will help if you are.

[tico mike]

Matt, you are really making strides! The porities is especially nice.

As far as recommendations, I would not shoot anything above an ISO of 800, or even 400. I shoot everything I can at 200 but your sensor is better on the D80 than on the D70. You are getting lots of noise in the dark and solid areas. That has a lot to do with the high ISO. It can also be due to exposure being off but on these, I think it is the high ISO. You have a few focus or movement issues (tripod?) on a couple also. It's tough shooting macro manual but you look to be getting the hang of it. In manual focus try to focus on the closest spot you wish to be in sharp focus. The depth of focus extends further behind than in front of that focal point (Depth of Field). I think it is something like 1/3 in front, 2/3 behind.

Turn off those power heads and figure out the shutter delay and you can be sharp as a tack!

Are you using Photoshop? I can give you some sharpening settings/process that will help if you are.

This is great info. I struggle with the same issues. I'll have to try these tips as well...thanks.:cool:

[mattb]

Grrrrr, I can't figure out how to turn AutoISO off?!!? I select ISO 200, but unless I turn that off its defaulting to 1600. I am using a tripod. I use Aperature, not Photoshop. For these I turned the big pumps off :)

Sarmentosa
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/Sarmentosa.jpg

Pink stylo and Tubbs Birdsnest
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/PinkStylo.jpg

Bonsai take2
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s198/stonycorals/Bonsai2.jpg

Everything else came out over exposed big time....

[mattb]

Ugh, still grainy..... look better smaller :( New avatars!

[tico mike]

If it's the regular photobucket they mess with the size of your pic. The upgraded account is a huge differance. Have you tried using TCMAS to download from your computer? (I have not, just a thought)

[MAXreefer]

I have a Canon and don't know much about the Nikon's.
I can't turn autoISO off either when I use the "presets" like no flash, sports etc.
I only can change it when using AV, TV etc (The manual settings).
Maybe that is the issue?

Michael
MAXreefer

[Zibba]

I'm not sure exactly where it is located in the menu settings on the d80, but you actually have to go into two places to change the ISO. One place allows you to turn ISO auto on/off, the other allows you to set the ISO (100-1600+) or it will have an Auto function there too. You need to turn off the auto ISO and then go in an select which ISO # you want it to be at.

I'll go run and check where mine is at - I know that Mary has a d80, maybe she can help you out.


That Sarmentosa is beautiful!

[mattb]

If it's the regular photobucket they mess with the size of your pic. The upgraded account is a huge differance. Have you tried using TCMAS to download from your computer? (I have not, just a thought)

Oh do they?!? I didn't know that.... I should look at using TCMAS...Thanks for the heads up!

[mattb]

I'm not sure exactly where it is located in the menu settings on the d80, but you actually have to go into two places to change the ISO. One place allows you to turn ISO auto on/off, the other allows you to set the ISO (100-1600+) or it will have an Auto function there too. You need to turn off the auto ISO and then go in an select which ISO # you want it to be at.

I'll go run and check where mine is at - I know that Mary has a d80, maybe she can help you out.


That Sarmentosa is beautiful!

I'm looking :)

[Zibba]

On the d40x (I'm sure it's close on the d80), I have to go into Menu:Custom Settings Menu:ISO Auto:Off. That turns off auto ISO.

Then to set ISO, Menu:Shooting Menu: ISO sensitivity: 400 (or whatever your preference is).

Hope that helps.

[mtfatwork]

go to menu, then to the pencil on the left, then to ISO and you can turn off auto iso :)

[mtfatwork]

Eric is all technical with the terms lol

I am entirely not technical with my "go to the pencil icon"

[Zibba]

Eric is all technical with the terms lol

I am entirely not technical with my "go to the pencil icon"


Whatever gets the job done! I just want to see Matt posting more pictures of his tanks!

:biggthumpup:

[mtfatwork]

ISO 400:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e2/mtfatwork/DSC_4217.jpg

[RaysReef]

let me guess...a magnifing glass in front of the camera? lol jk oh...actually all the lens are magnified...that's on me

[RogersCG]

What is your post process?

You can download Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom for a free 30 day trial.

Photoshop Elements is a less expensive alternative also at around 100.00.

[spsick]

Matt, in photobucket, go to right where the upload bars are. Right above that it will say your max image size (which I think is 800x600 default) if it isn't 1024x768 click options and change it to that, which is the max size you can use with a regular account.

Sarmentosa is looking great! Pics are o.k., you're getting better. Is that the crayola in the first set of pics?

[benihana]

Definately good shots, and they all have the potential to be GREAT shots...among the things others have reccomended, I would add a remote shutter release. I think you can get a wireless for the Nikons, I use a wired for my Canon.

[RogersCG]

Remote shutter release is a good idea. It looks like the only affordable solution from Nikon is wired and not wireless. Still, it would help by getting your hands away from physically touching the shutter release.

Looks like this is the one for the D80:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000A22V6Y/ref=pd_cp_p_3?ie=UTF8&coliid=IQJJVHA22JRUY&colid=123PIGGYEPM8Z&pf_rd_p=250314001&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00007EDZG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1NAGTQF1V01221WQ486X

[benihana]

Yeah, they are DEFINATELY worth it if you will be taking long exposure Macro shots or other shots where the exposure time is significant

[hypertech]

Is there a significant benefit to doing that over using the timer that is built in a free?

[RogersCG]

With a remote you don't have to set the shutter delay and stand still for a dozen seconds or so, other than that, no real advantage to the remote.

Your question does bring up a good point. Movement causes camera shake. If you and not on a concrete floor, stand completely still when the shutter is open and a few seconds before. Most of us don't have tripods that costs hundreds of dollars and are super stable. Any floor movement will be magnified in the lens.

[benihana]

I don't think you have to use a tripod that is hundreds of dollars...granted they are a little biefier, but any tripod is better than no tripod

[RogersCG]

I think I spent about 200 or so on mine. I still don't walk around while the shutter is open.

You really get what you pay for when it comes to tripods though you can make a not very stable tripod work given a few precautions.

[mattb]

My tripod is pretty flimsy, but yet its stable..... The D80 doesn't support a wireless remote?!?

Ben, I believe that is the crayola table :)

[RogersCG]

Wow... Confusing... It looks like this wireless remote does indeed work with the D80 also...

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Wireless-Control-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00007EDZG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1204649626&sr=1-1

Doesn't look like the pics on Nikon's site and only in the user comment sections could I find people saying it does work on the D80.

[nics1152]

Wow you guys, Tripods are a MUST

Especially when taking long exposure shots or turning down the ISO, playing with apeture, etc.... Go to any camera store spend 40-60 bucks on a tripod. It is well worth the money.

To the OP I think your picks are good not great. It seems that they are getting better. I would definatley recommend turning down the ISO just remember it is going to increase your shutter time so make sure your camera is atleast resting on something if not on a tripod. Also don't forget about the rule of three's if you can. It might help you with the placing of where your corals are in the picture. Keep it up and great pics will come!

[mattb]

I prefer OG to OP j/k....

I always use a tripod... except when I'm shooting fish and the tripod doesn't seem to work too well.... Part of my issues is learning to use the camera, I thought that I had it set to 200 ISO, but the Auto ISO was staying on the whole time and doing 1600. Not only that I turned off the Nikon setting that is supposed to help with shooting at higher ISOs, to reduce hot pixels and grainyness...

Thanks all!

[RogersCG]

I'm confident you'll get it Matt... I don't let the camera do any sort of additional processing (like the hot pixel thing). Lots of times those only apply to Jpg and not RAW anyway.

This might be useful for you too... A D80 settings spreadsheet:
http://www.peterhowells.co.za/downloads/D80_Custom_Settings_v1.1.xls

[mattb]

Ok so it doesn't apply to RAW... cool another thing I learned today! Nice spreadsheet... I think the Nikon manual leaves something to be desired.....

[RogersCG]

Agreed... If you wanna spend some more money, this guy does his own Nikon Manuals and makes them MUCH more user friendly... Plus, it's on CD so you can read it on a plane...

http://www.bythom.com/d80guide.htm

I've got the D70 one and it was a good investment I think.

[mattb]

I bought it.... these things take me a while though... I'm slow.

[morty]

You've got some great subjects to shoot! In your photos, I'm seeing a similar issue that I was having trouble with, that I realized was due to shooting thru the glass at an angle. Although it really can limit your composition, you will get much more clear photos if you shoot as perpendicular to the glass as possible.

[mattb]

I found that to be true too Morty!!!

[mattb]

take two....

timer, same lens, 200ISO, manual focus, tripod

valida
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b5abe7aa.jpg

Desalwii
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b53c65ed.jpg

stylo tubbs lokani
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b5a37b30.jpg

washed out table
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b59cdd48.jpg

green polyped red pocci
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b57ebe7a.jpg

purple tipped stag, abratanoids
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b5741e38.jpg

purple stag
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b56950ab.jpg

purple austera
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b55c0590.jpg

idaho grape (a little washed out)
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b550395b.jpg

green favia (love this guy!!!)
http://www.tcmas.org/forums/imagehosting/10847ce1b5476462.jpg

[mattb]

still a bit blurry.... UGH!!!! May be 400ISO?

[morty]

I would use lowest ISO possible and use programmed exposure (let camera choose shutter & aperture), also I found auto white balance worked best with my Nikon. Tripod is a must, with self timer. (I know with my camera, pressing the shutter button twice while in timer mode makes it go from 10 sec to 3 sec),

[mattb]

I'm in Aperature priority mode, shooting in RAW, I didn't modify the WB, which I believe defaults to 5000K. Using a tripod and timer....

[RogersCG]

When you focus pick a polyp and take the focus back and forth to out of focus each direction to kind of zero in on a focus point. Are you turning the pumps off too?

I don't see any of the noise from the previous shots here, which is good.

[MAXreefer]

If you shoot in RAW format the White Balance setting you use at the camera can easily be modified with the presets in Lightroom or Aperture (for both Trials are available) to get the best setting for your pics.
I am definitely not a pro here but learned quite a bit using the RAW format and then playing around with the software.
If you like you could email what you think is your best shot (RAW format) and I will try several presets and email them back to you so you can see what can be done.

Michael