calling photographers

[balactm]

I got a canon eos rebel xs for christmas and had one question. I've always loved pictures of stars (can't tell you why) but can anyone tell me which settings to change (exposure, aperture, shutter time, etc.) in order to fully achieve this?...if it's even possible with my equipment. I have the stock 18-55mm stabilizing lense.

[NTIman]

I've had ok luck with it, but the pictures will not end up sharp.

Most likely you're going to need to throw it on ISO 100-400 to reduce noise, and set the aperture as large as it will go or thereabouts to let in enough light, and also use a very long exposure, like 30 seconds or close. You'll definitely need a tripod, a really nice one that is very sturdy.

Using the self timer is also a good idea, or a remote even better yet so the camera doesn't move as you press the shutter button.

Manual focus is a must, because the lens will not focus in that low of light.

BTW I have the rebel XS as well.

[Jake]

Get 'er on a tripod. Set it to manual (M) mode. Keep your lens all the way out at 18mm. The lens or body should have a toggle to go between Auto and Manual focus... click that to Manual and set the lens' focus to Infinity. That's assuming the lens has a meter to show that. Otherwise, focus it on something close, and then spin the focus ring all the way the other direction.

Aperture should be wide open, so the lowest it will go. Your kit lens is probably a f. 3.5 at 18mm which is fine.

Shutter maximum is most likely 30 seconds. You can use that, or see if there's a setting called Bulb. Bulb will open the shutter when you hit the button, then leave it open as long as you keep the button held down. If you have a remote (or clever use of some tape and a penny) you can keep it on Bulb without having to stand there and hold the button.

Set your ISO to like 640 or 800. Most newer DSLRs can do that high of ISO without much noise.

When you do this, if you don't use Bulb (and instead set shutter @ 30sec), use the self-timer on the camera to eliminate any shake that you'd get by your hand hitting the shutter button.

You can get some cool solo shots, or you can do something like I did at the last meteor shower and take a bunch of 30 sec. exposures and combine them in Photoshop. Had I not moved the camera (it was on a lightweight tripod and a little flimsy) the trails would line up better. This was a Nikon D300, ISO 800, f 2.8, combined 30 sec. shots.



Good luck and don't hesitate to ask if you need help with stuff! A good site to check out is Digital Photography School. They have some interesting articles and good 'how to' stuff as well.

[balactm]

thanks jake.. one question. what do you mean by manual and auto focus?

[Mike]

there is a switch on the lens. in auto mode, the camera focuses for you. in manual, you do the focusing via a ring on the lens. there are times at which the camera will be unable to focus, be too slow to focus, or will focus on the wrong thing.... you'd use manual focus.

[NTIman]

BTW, I have a pretty decent book about the Rebel XS, you can borrow it any time, but I live in Winchester, so it might not be the easiest thing to get it to you.

[balactm]

i drive through winchester any time i go home...

[NTIman]

balactm, check your PMs