How should I adjust my camera?

Question

I have a Nikon D80. I have problems taking pictures in sunlight. I live in Dubai so the sunlight is pretty extreme. I was taking pictures of the Burj Al Arab and my pictures turned out very "faded." I even have the lens hood when I take the picture and I have my aperture set at the maximum of 36. I even increased the shutter speed. I also took the pictures from a distance so it is not right at the building. I am taking the pictures from the beach next to it. What is wrong?

i heard filters don't affect digital cameras. People only use filters for film cameras.

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Answer 1

It would be helpful to see a sample image.

Be sure to set the ISO at 100. You can also use minus exposure compensation. Many D80 users routinely keep it set at - 1/3. You could also use a polarizer or ND filter to cut down on the light, or shoot in the golden hours around sunrise or sunset.

Answer 2

There are probably several issues here. First, you may be over-exposing your photos slightly. I would suggest setting your exposure compensation to -1/3 or -2/3 and see if this helps. However, I think one of the main issues is that photos taken mid-day in bright sunlight tend to look washed out anyway. Try taking your pictures early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light softens and is a more golden color. I also agree with a couple other people who have suggested a polarizing filter. It is not true at all the filters are only for film cameras. Certain filters, such as color-correction types for different light sources, are not useful on digital cameras because you have the white balance control for that. But polarizing filters are good for either film or digital cameras - they can darken the sky and remove unwanted reflections giving you greater color saturation and more contrast between subject and sky. You'll need a circular polarizing filter because the "linear" types will not work with your camera's exposure meter.

Then one last thing to try is to change your white balance. I would suggest using a custom Kelvin temperature, a fairly high one like 6200 or 6500, which should give your pictures a warmer look by removing some of the blue light.

Give these things a try - you should see some improvement.

-Karl

Answer 3

The reason why you have faded looking pictures is because your aperture is too small, f/36 is not maximum, it is minimum or smallest aperture, depending on how fast your lens is your maximum aperture is f/3.5 or lower. I own a D80 myself and I have the lens I bought the camera with, the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 DX nikkor. Its a good lens, and if you have the same, put your camera in manual, as you hold the camera in your right hand where your index finger will rest, adjust the main dial (front of grip) to set for maximum aperture or two stops smaller f/8 (you may also observe the sunny 16 rule by setting your aperture to f/16 and matching your shutter speed to the focal length being used, i.e., 135mm, use 1/125 sec shutter speed), and using the sub-command dial, where your thumb would be, and adjust your shutter speed accordingly. It will no doubt be high, just watch your exposure meter as you make the adjustments. Also, use a circular polarizer.

Answer 4

again sunlight will spoil your camera's mirror,you must use manual mode or TV mode for shutter speed at 1/4000 seconds, set at aperture f19 or f 22 was good enough,also used Circular Polarizer if you wanted to take strong sunlight.A distance too far from the building used 75-300mm lens,if near used 28-105mm lens.