Tips for a Canon 30D in Low Light With No Flash
The 8.2 megapixel Canon 30D, introduced in 2006, is a prosumer SLR that shoots at five frames per second, making it fast enough for most professional needs. When shooting in low light, the custom menus and manual modes provide a performance boost that enables you get a usable image, instead of a black negative. When combined with advanced shooting techniques, you can take good photos in most light conditions with a 30D.
ISO
ISO is a critical component of low light photography without a flash. The 30D has an ISO range of 100 to 1600, with a boost mode that is user activated to ISO 3200. Though the 30D's 3200 setting is more noisy than some newer SLRs, especially the Nikons, it is better to have it on so that you can get the shot.
To activate ISO 3200, press "menu" and use the quick command dial, next to the LCD screen, to rotate to the custom functions menu, then press "set", and use the quick command dial to go to C.Fn 0 08 and choose "0" to enable ISO 3200. To set ISO, turn the mode dial to program, aperture, shutter, or manual, press and hold the ISO button and rotate the quick command dial to the desired ISO. For low light, use 1600 or 3200.
Tripod/Monopod
Low light photography may require longer exposures, which make the camera more prone to shake. Use a monopod or tripod to stabilize the camera. If possible, use a remote shutter trigger so that depressing the shutter does not induce camera shake and image blur. Tripods are more stable, and best for long exposures, while monopods are more compact and ideal for when you will be moving the camera around frequently to take shots from different angles.
Burst Mode
The 30D can shoot five frames per second. In low light, use this frame rate so that you have a greater chance of success with capturing the shot. Change the frame rate from single to multiple by pressing the drive button on the top of the camera and rotating the secondary command dial, in front of the shutter button, so that Hi shows on the LCD screen.
Noise Reduction
Turn on the 30D's long exposure noise reduction to reduce image noise with exposures longer than one second. The noise reduction is turned on from C.FN 02, accessed by pressing menu and using the quick command dial to rotate to custom functions. Press "set" to enter the C.FN sub-menus and use the quick command dial to rotate to the second custom function screen. Press "set" to turn on the noise reduction.
Tags: command dial, quick command, quick command dial, noise reduction, Canon Light, Canon Light With