Canon S400

[splicer]

Does anyone understand the shutter speed settings for Canon S400? The manual is a bit confusing. I know it's just a point and shoot, but the manual shows the range of shutter speeds, but does not indicate clearly how to make the settings?

 

[stu_in_fl]

you're pretty limited with the S400

Using the Function/Erase button you'd have to poke around in the menus and can set the following things that will affect shutter speed:

# Long Shutter: Accesses longer shutter times, from one to 15 seconds. (Only appears as a submenu to Exposure Compensation when the feature has been enabled in the Record menu.)

# ISO Speed: Sets the camera's sensitivity to Auto, or to 50, 100, 200, or 400 ISO equivalents.

So really the setting is just for "slow" shutter speeds.

So assuming you're wanting "fast" shutter speeds, I believe you're really limited to setting the ISO which could speed it up (but the camera works out the apperture and shutter speed for you)
in good light you'll be able to attain higher shuter speeds with the same ISO, otherwise make the ISO a bigger number (more sensitive to light, but the downside is more noise.)

... play a bit taking the same photo in the same light with the various ISO settings and see how the shutter speed changes (and how much noise is generated) ... bottom line is this camera is really an older point and shoot ... next time you upgrade, make sure there are some manual functions [or just use it as a point and shoot]

 

[splicer]

Thanks, This camera fits the underwater housing that I have. I know it has its limits but I figure I'd start with this and then upgrade. I actually purchased the housing for an SD400 then realized it didn't fit, so I got the larger body S400 camera, (used). Do you think the best setting for underwater is ISO50 and a slow shutter speed setting watching the LCD display until it looks the best, It seems I get blue shades when set in the auto mode?

 

[stu_in_fl]

i never used the S400 but had a couple of S500's (that got flooded ). Basically i used them as PnS. For most shots i tried to do close up (the flash forced ON for all shots and the macro button pressed) - with this you can get some great shots with color. ISO50 should be fine - i think i just left all that up to the camera and didn't bother about shutter speed - I only really chose macro or not macro. ... you certainly do not want to set a long shutter speed.

basically just learn the types of shot that will work (and take lots of photos). close up with forced flash gives good colors.

The only time i turned the flash off was for distant shots.

e.g. a non-flash distant shot and a close up with flash from about 4 years ago with S500 :

close up with on-board flash to get colors

no flash - you'll get the blues, but can post process to B&W etc. or try and white balance

 

[splicer]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.