Moon

[BosnMate]

This evening my dog Duke wanted out, evening potty call, so I went out with him. Saw there was a full moon. Told Duke I was going to take a picture of the moon, and got my camera. Seems like I never have much luck taking pictures of the moon, but I kind of like what I got this time. In fact I like it enough to share.

 

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[DizzyDigger]

Bosn: Unfortunately your DMC-ZS50 does not have the capability that
allows you to set the aperture and shutter speed. This is pretty much
required for an "in-focus" image of the Moon.

If you have a DSLR, I suggest trying 1/500th of a second exposure,
aperture wide open (lowest f setting) at ISO 400. That's a
great starting point, and you can adjust from there as needed
to get the shot you want.

The Moon is a very bright object, and on clear nights and a nearly
full Moon I've used shutter speeds as fast as 1/1500th of a second
exposure.

Still, that's a cool pic you took...I like the whole composition with
clouds, trees, etc.

 

[vpnavy]

Nice photograph Bosn! Thanks for sharing...

 

[BosnMate]

Bosn: Unfortunately your DMC-ZS50 does not have the capability that
allows you to set the aperture and shutter speed. This is pretty much
required for an "in-focus" image of the Moon.

If you have a DSLR, I suggest trying 1/500th of a second exposure,
aperture wide open (lowest f setting) at ISO 400. That's a
great starting point, and you can adjust from there as needed
to get the shot you want.

The Moon is a very bright object, and on clear nights and a nearly
full Moon I've used shutter speeds as fast as 1/1500th of a second
exposure.

Still, that's a cool pic you took...I like the whole composition with
clouds, trees, etc.

Thanks, I do have a DSLR, so I'll give it a try.

 

[KirkS]

Moon shots are difficult, because the overall frame is very dark, so the camera tries to bring the overall exposure to 18% grey, (ie, lighten ujp the dark areas) so it will always over expose the moon. You have to think of the moon as it actually being the sun, as what we see is just reflected sunlight. DizzyDigger's recommended settings will be a good starting point, but I probably wouldn't shoot with the aperture wide open (ie, smallest number), I'd try f/8 to start. I'd also suggest an ISO of 100 or 200. Typically, moon shots require experimenting.

 

[DizzyDigger]

Typically, moon shots require experimenting.

I've taken enough Moon shots to know where to start with my camera (Nikon D90),
but you're always going to need to fine tune. Auto-focus isn't going to give you as
sharp of an image as manual focus will. Also, a righteous tripod is almost mandatory,
especially if you're using a lens of 300mm, or more, and you'll get you're best pic using
a 5 sec. timer or remote shutter button.

Atmospheric conditions also can play a huge part in getting it "just right". Where I live
I've got very dark skies, but even on clear nights there's often a very thin haze in the
upper atmosphere. When I have my telescope out this plagues me to no end, as it
limits the magnification I can use when checking out my favorite planets.

Here's one of my Moon pics from several years ago. This was with a D90 and 70-300mm
lens (at 300mm). Sharp focus is difficult, even with manual focus. Too bad I can't mount
a quality Crayford focuser on my camera...

Here's an odd one (bit of an abstract feel to it)

And why Dizz should never process images late at night...

 

[RGINN]

Well I like it. It has character. Looks like the opening shot to one of those old 'Wolfman' movies.

 

[tamrock]

It was a big moon last night and if the moon in Oregon is the same as the one in Colorado I know exactly what you're seeing. I can't get good detailed moon out of my camera. During the super moon I did play with the shutter speed on it and that made some improvement, but not much.

 

[BosnMate]

I've taken enough Moon shots to know where to start with my camera (Nikon D90),
but you're always going to need to fine tune. Auto-focus isn't going to give you as
sharp of an image as manual focus will. Also, a righteous tripod is almost mandatory,
especially if you're using a lens of 300mm, or more, and you'll get you're best pic using
a 5 sec. timer or remote shutter button.

Atmospheric conditions also can play a huge part in getting it "just right". Where I live
I've got very dark skies, but even on clear nights there's often a very thin haze in the
upper atmosphere. When I have my telescope out this plagues me to no end, as it
limits the magnification I can use when checking out my favorite planets.

Here's one of my Moon pics from several years ago. This was with a D90 and 70-300mm
lens (at 300mm). Sharp focus is difficult, even with manual focus. Too bad I can't mount
a quality Crayford focuser on my camera...

Here's an odd one (bit of an abstract feel to it)

And why Dizz should never process images late at night...

No pictures, I'd like to see them. Boats

 

[DizzyDigger]

No pictures, I'd like to see them. Boats

Images aren't showing for you? I see them, but it could be the
server I puled them from doesn't allow sharing.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I like your picture bosnmate, here is a night time moon shot a friend took of the Atlantic ocean last week.

 

[Cosmo3]

Very nice mate.

 

[DizzyDigger]

If those pics didn't show then I'll try and repost them. Too late to edit the original post:

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Nice pictures Dizzy.

 

[Oregon Viking]

Moon shots with a point and shoot.



sliver of the moon?

 

[DizzyDigger]

Nice shot OV...that second one has surprising sharpness for a
P&S camera.

I much prefer to take Moon shots when the Moon is in transition phase,
meaning not a full Moon. A full Moon is just too bright to get much
definition on craters, mountains, etc. The "Terminator Line" (where
the Sun lit portion and dark portion collide) will always give the best
definition, shadows etc. on craters and other features.

If you are using a DSLR, then you can get a Neutral Density filter for
your lens, and it will bring out much more of the features and terrain
detail, even when the Moon is full. When viewing the Moon with a
telescope, this is almost a necessity.

 

[Oregon Viking]

Thank you Dizz!
First one 15x zoom although I think i used the digital zoom, 10 MB camera.

Second one, new 42x zoom, 160?x possible digital zoom, 16MB. Cool thing is the new camera has full manual settings.

 

[BosnMate]

You three guys have some of really great moon shots. I really like The ones that show the craters, and the moon over the ocean is a darn good picture. Thanks for sharing. Gives me a goal to shoot for.