If you go manual ,set the lens aperture to the fastest option that will give you the DOF you need for the subject and the slowest shutter speed you need for your subject and use auto ISO. You will always get a decent result with little effort. There are always methods to squeeze a little more but manual and auto ISO is an easy option. Though with some of the clever NR software noise can be more manageable
I quickly skipped over the video, and did not hear anything controversial. Everybody agrees that we should maximize exposure but only within the constraints of DOF and motion blur. Nobody is claiming that we should sacrifice those two constraints for the sake of shooting at base ISO.
If all a person takes from this video is the statement made at 2:52 to 2:57, "So, what causes noisy images? Lack of light, not high ISO," they'll learn something that can be put to use in the field.
d'Entremont is undeniably creative and skilled as a photographer. Anyone who does wildlife, nature, and landscape photography could find inspiration or pick up some good field techniques watching his videos.
However, his understanding of the technical side of photography - as illustrated by his explanation of noise and understanding/use of exposure - is a mixed bag, at best.
He's not alone among photographers who produce outstanding work but don't quite grasp the basics. This is the fallout from a generation of photographers learning and teaching the mythical exposure triangle. It's a tough mountain to climb.
Fortunately, that fundamentally flawed model doesn't prevent truly talented, creative people from doing amazing work. So, if a budding wildlife and nature photographer is seeking inspiration, d'Entremont is as good a YouTube mentor as any to follow.
Just don't quote him extensively in a technically-oriented photography forum. That way danger lies đ
I watched the video and I was pleasantly surprised that he has pretty much the fundamentals of exposure correct.
He correctly and clearly states that ISO is not the direct cause of noise and that starving the sensor of light, for whatever reason, resulting in a low SNR is the main cause of noise. I certainly didn't get the impression that he is an exposure triangulist in any way at all.
He also said that he mainly uses manual + auto ISO and sets aperture and shutter speed to suit his needs and is then happy for the camera to set ISO.
The only "minor criticism" I would have is that he sometimes uses the word exposure when he actually means image lightness which could lead some beginners to a little confusion if they hadn't yet grasped the concept of exposure as being the amount of light that struck the sensor per unit area while the shutter was open.
Apart from that, I totally agree that he is definitely one of the much better mentors to follow đ
Because I mostly shoot primes, lately in low light situations I've been doing this. Manual mode, set shutter speed to around the minimum I think I can get consistent sharp shots for the focal length, set the aperture for the desired effect I'm looking for, then use the ISO as an exposure comp dial if you like. Seems to work pretty well I've found. In consistent low light applications anyway.
I think this is very true, but it's not just exposure that is often poorly understood today. I've noticed that perspective is another topic in which many don't quite grasp the basics.
It's an epidemic for sure. Ever since I've been shooting with an interchangeable lens camera -and even before that, I've only ever been aware of 3 variables when making exposures. Who knew so many could be getting so wrong, for so long. Salvation is at hand however.
[quote="@Ghundred"]
It's an epidemic for sure. Ever since I've been shooting with an interchangeable lens camera -and even before that, I've only ever been aware of 3 variables when making exposures. Who knew so many could be getting so wrong, for so long. <>
Me too: 1) shutter speed; 2) f-number and 3) amount of light coming from the scene ...
If we assume that scene light is constant (i.e., no flash or controlled light), then the third variable setting when taking a shot -- avoiding the term exposure ;-) -- is ISO. Actually, there is also exposure compensation, white balance, focusing mode, focusing area, ....