a few newbie questions

Dee_Ann

1

« on: 14 / February / 2009, 14:49:52 »

Advertisements

Hi !

I just got a really nice, used S3 IS (it's in brand new condition) and it takes really nice pictures.
I don't really understand much about all the fancy settings on it because I never had a real camera before so I'm playing with it a lot to figure it all out.

I have figured a little bit out about that shutter speed stuff, slow for night and faster for day time and super fast to catch things in motion.

I actually got some really pretty nite time pictures of the stars with a long shutter speed.

I would like to try some longer shutter speeds for nite but I can't figure out how to do it beyond the 15 seconds.
I also would like to try some high speed pictures too but I can't figure out how to make it go above the 1/3200 setting.

I installed the chdk program on my 1gb memory card and it boots up and I can access it's menus but I don't understand most of it yet.

also, I can not make it work on a brand new 8gb memory card, it just won't see it and it complains that the 8gb card is locked but if I unlock it it won't see it.

The 8gb card works fine though, nothing wrong with it at all, it's just that the chdk program won't run on it..

I found like read me files on chdk but are there any tutorials that explain what all the different settings are for and what they do?
I want to learn, I love taking pictures of stuff and it's a fun hobby. But I need to learn on this camera before I consider upgrading to a real DSLR.
For now it's fun but I would love to turn it into a serious hobby, maybe try to earn a little money out of it someday.
I've started buying different filters too, I have a UV filter, a CPL and a sun shade. Next I want to buy a macro light ring because I love taking macro pictures of little bitty things, especially flowers and insects.

I really could use some advice since I'm just getting started in this..

Thank you so much!

Dee..

« Last Edit: 14 / February / 2009, 14:51:27 by Dee_Ann »

Logged

wontolla

413
S3 & G9 & A720

Re: a few newbie questions

« Reply #1 on: 14 / February / 2009, 18:58:05 »

Welcome to the forum Dee!

To override shutter speed go to "Extra Photo Operations" on the main CHDK menu. There you can set shutter speed, aperture, ISO value etc. Just activate the "Value factor" and leave the "Override shutter speed" to 64 sec. (Although for stars, more than 15 sec will make them look dragged, you may want to boost ISO a little bit instead).

You might want to read the CHDK FAQ, lots of useful info there: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ

There is also a pdf guide, but it was written last year so is not up to date. But the basic and main features are there, you should begin with those: http://home.roadrunner.com/~graystar/CHDKGuideInProgress03.pdf

Now that you have your S3, you can visit this forum. Many S3 owners share their knowledge there about add-ons, postprocessing etc. http://www.s3users.com/forum/index.php

Hope you have fun with your new "real" camera. Remember that the only way to learn is by doing so take a lot of pictures. Is not like you have to by film or anything!

Logged

PhyrePhoX

2254
make RAW not WAR

Re: a few newbie questions

« Reply #2 on: 15 / February / 2009, 08:46:07 »

oi, a girl! we don't have much of these around here - welcome aboard!
you have to learn a lot of things now, for one: using a digital camera and two: using chdk. you are making it extra difficult for yourself by trying to use chdk on a cam you are still quite unfamiliar with. also, of all the powershots, the s-series packs the most features (quite the great cam, even without chdk

). i suggest besides reading the chdk manuals, you really should know the s3is manual by heart.
good luck & have fun

Logged