using dimmer with photography lighting

using dimmer with photography lighting

Many new photographers assume that  the term automatic diaphragm refers to the automatic aperture adjustment offered by their dSLR.

In fact, the term auto diaphragm has nothing to do with automatic exposure. An automatic aperture is designed to remain at its maximum opening for focusing and composing, no matter which f/stop is selected.   The lens only stops down to the desired aperture at the moment the shutter fires.

 

If you have ever used a camera with a manual  diaphragm, you will understand why this is so important. A fully automatic  diaphragm is a delight to use,  particularly  in dim light or when the lens is stopped down to maximize depth of field.

 

The term diaphragm is used to describe the system of blades that create the adjustable aperture. Many photographers use the terms aperture and  diaphragm  interchangeably. They are closely related, but the aperture is actual lens opening, while diaphragm is the collection of  components  that comprise the aperture assembly.

 

Turning the clock back to the early days of photography, you will find that early optics did not have adjustable apertures — at least not the adjustable openings you and I are used to. When the first adjustable diaphragms appeared, they allowed the photographer to change the lens opening to allow more or less light through the lens. The diaphragm contained a number of preset openings, which became known as f/stops or f/numbers. Smaller f/numbers actually indicate larger lens openings, while the smallest lens openings are represented with higher numerical f/stops. This system continues more or less today.

 

The thing that sets modern lenses apart from the older  adjustable  aperture lenses is that the older units use a  completely  manual  diaphragm. As you change the lens opening from say f/4 to f/11, the amount of light passing through the lens is  reduced  accordingly. That regulates the exposure properly, but it causes problems for focusing and composing. A SLR is designed to show you exactly what the lens sees. If you reduce the lens opening in a manual diaphragm lens, the image in the view finder becomes dimmer. In low light conditions it may be impossible to see anything through the viewfinder. Even in bright sunlight, a lens stopped down to f/22 or smaller is  difficult  to see through.  

 

Camera designers solved this problem by creating an automatic  diaphragm. This design has been more or less standard on SLR cameras for the last fifty years. With an auto diaphragm, the aperture remains wide open, no matter which lens opening is selected. You may select an f/stop of f/16, but the lens will remain  opened  to it’s maximum  aperture at all times. This provides the  brightest  possible image in the viewfinder.  

 

When you actually fire the shutter, a  mechanical  or electrical devise rapidly stops the lens down to the chosen aperture, creating the proper exposure. You don’t see this happening, because at the same time the camera is stopping down the lens, the viewing mirror is swinging up. As the mirror moves up to allow light to reach the sensor, the viewfinder turns black for an instant. It is during that time that the auto  diaphragm  goes to work and stops the lens down. As soon as the exposure is made, the  diaphragm  springs wide open again, presenting you with a bright viewfinder when the mirror returns.

 

Of course if the selected f/stop  corresponds  to the lens maximum aperture, nothing happens; the lens cannot be stopped down, so it  simply  remains wide open.  

 

Is this just some interesting photography trivia? Not at all. Even though all of your current lenses probably contain an automatic diaphragm, there are several reasons you should  familiarize  yourself with how a manual diaphragm works.  

 

1: Many teleconverters and lens mount adapters do not offer an automatic diaphragm. Thus when you use these adapters, your modern new dSLR reverts to a manual  diaphragm  camera.

 

2: There are numerous manual aperture lenses still on the market. Some of these are new, special purpose lenses, while others are older (but still  usable) optics. You need to understand just what using a manual diaphragm entails before investing in one.

 

3: Many new dSLR’s lack a proper depth of field preview option. When you stop a lens down, DOF grows wider, while opening the aperture up causes  DOF to appear shallower. Since an automatic  diaphragm  lens is always wide open, you cannot see  DOF in the viewfinder. Even if you have a lens that will stop down to f/32, you won’t see the effect in the viewfinder unless your camera allows you to switch to a manual  diaphragm  preview  mode.  

 

4: If you understand about how an automatic  diaphragm  works, you will understand why a DOF preview is worth having. This could influence your future camera buying decisions.

 

The automatic diaphragm, although it has been around for decades, is just as important to modern SLR  cameras as auto focus, auto exposure and image stabilization. Understanding how it works and why it is needed is crucial to getting the most out of your dLSR.

ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4 Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might ...

Monster Cable ML IWD600S 600-Watt In-Wall Dimming System $129.95 In-Wall Dimmer, Lights...

NEEWER® 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Digital Camera / Camcorder Video Light, LED Light for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic,SONY, Samsung and Olympus Digital SLR Cameras $38.28 This super lightweight 160-piece-LED video light can be used in video taking. either for lights setup or supplement, the light intensity can be changed to offer professional effects. Specification: Input: DC 7.2V~8.4V Maximum Power: 9.6 W Color Temperature: 5400K (3200K/filter) Average Service Life: 50000 hours Luminous flux: 660 lm Runtime: 70-90mins Size: 141x62x150 mm Weight: 430g (with pack...

X10 WS4777 3-WAY Remote Dimmer Switch $16.99 3-way light switch makes lights controllable using X10 transmitterDimmer feature allows proper lighting500 watts...

Litepanels LP Micro Compact LED Camera Light Kit Includes Gel Kit $198.00 Since the dawn of filmmaking, Hollywood cinematographers have understood the importance of a good eyelight-one that literally gives life to the face. Now in the era of HD resolution, it's even more important to fill in shadows on the face and bring the subject's eyes to life. Litepanels' lightweight yet powerful Micro Camera Light was created in response to the overwhelming popularity of the comp...

How best do I use my camera in poor light conditions?

Hi!!

I use a Canon Powershot A470, which is pretty much low end as far as professional photography is concerned. I’m not a professional photographer.
I’ve discovered with my camera, like many others that when a room is quite dark and you use the flash, sometimes it may make the picture even darker. See this sample pic I took pls: http://i39.tinypic.com/2i71wg9.jpg

However when I take the pic without the flash, the lighting is okay: http://i42.tinypic.com/259v7zd.jpg
But any slight movement and you have a blurred picture.

How do I adjust my camera (ISO, etc) so that the flash actually brightens the image even in dim light conditions?

Thanks a mil!!

I think you have the pictures confused. 259v7zd.jpg has a distinct shadow in the upper left which indicates to me that the flash was used. Notice there is no shadow there in 2i7wg9.jpg which tells me the flash wasn’t used. In 37 years of using a flash I’ve never had it make a picture darker.

For instruction of how to best set up your camera to use the flash consult the Owner’s Manual for your camera. Trust me, Canon wants you to take good pictures with your A470 so hopefully you’ll upgrade to one of their DSLR models. So they’ll fully explain how to get good pictures using the flash.

Monster Cable ML IWD600S 600-Watt In-Wall Dimming System $129.95 In-Wall Dimmer, Lights...

ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb - ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4 Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might ...

NEEWER® 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Digital Camera / Camcorder Video Light, LED Light for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic,SONY, Samsung and Olympus Digital SLR Cameras $38.28 This super lightweight 160-piece-LED video light can be used in video taking. either for lights setup or supplement, the light intensity can be changed to offer professional effects. Specification: Input: DC 7.2V~8.4V Maximum Power: 9.6 W Color Temperature: 5400K (3200K/filter) Average Service Life: 50000 hours Luminous flux: 660 lm Runtime: 70-90mins Size: 141x62x150 mm Weight: 430g (with pack...

X10 WS4777 3-WAY Remote Dimmer Switch $16.99 3-way light switch makes lights controllable using X10 transmitterDimmer feature allows proper lighting500 watts...

Litepanels LP Micro Compact LED Camera Light Kit Includes Gel Kit $198.00 Since the dawn of filmmaking, Hollywood cinematographers have understood the importance of a good eyelight-one that literally gives life to the face. Now in the era of HD resolution, it's even more important to fill in shadows on the face and bring the subject's eyes to life. Litepanels' lightweight yet powerful Micro Camera Light was created in response to the overwhelming popularity of the comp...

The Frugal Filmmaker: Dimmer Switch for $7.25

Vierti Dimmer by Lutron $197 The Lutron Vierti Dimmer can alter the ambience just by dimming the light within the range of your finger tip in accordance to the prevailing situation. The Vierti Dimmer features single touch dimmer and illuminated control bar. Lutron, located in Coopersburg, PA, is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial applications. The Lutron Vierti Dimmer is available with the following: Included Features:Single touch dimmer.LEDs glow.Illuminated control bar.Architectural-style wallplate.Options:LED Strip: Blue LED, Green LED, or White LED (shown).Wallplate Color: Almond, Black (shown), Brown, Gray, Ivory, Light Almond, Sienna, Taupe, or White.Shipping: This item ships within 24 hours.

Skylark Incandescent Light Dimmer by Lutron $22.8 The Lutron Skylark Incandescent Light Dimmer is a designer-style, high-quality light dimmer for standard applications. The Skylark Incan Dimmer accepts the Lutron Claro Wall Plate (sold separately). Located in Coopersburg, PA, Lutron is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial application. The Lutron Skylark Incandescent Light Dimmer is available with the following: Included Features: On/off switch.Slide dimmer. Maximum capacity of 600 watts. Single-pole (one switch controls one light) wiring for easy installation.Power failure memory.Options: Color: Ivory, Light Almond (shown), or White.Shipping: This item ships within 24 hours.

Ariadni Incandescent Light Dimmer by Lutron $19 The Lutron Ariadni Incandescent Light Dimmer features a traditional toggle switch and smooth linear-style dimmer. The Ariadni Incan Dimmer accepts tradtional-style opening wall plates, such as the Lutron Fassada Wall Plate (sold separately). Lutron, located in Coopersburg, PA, is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial applications. The Lutron Ariadni Incandescent Light Dimmer is available with the following: Included Features:Traditional toggle switch. Linear style dimmer. For incandescent lighting. Maximum capactiy 600 watts. Single-pole (one switch controls one light) wiring. Power failure memory.Options:Color: Ivory, Light Almond, or White (shown).Shipping: This item ships within 24 hours.

Ariadni Magnetic Low Voltage Light Dimmer by Lutron $40 The Ariadni Magnetic Low Voltage Light Dimmer by Lutron is for use with low-voltage lighting that uses a magnetic transformer. It features a traditional toggle switch and smooth linear-style dimmer for a traditional wallplate opening. Located in Coopersburg, PA, Lutron is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial application. The Ariadni Magnetic Low Voltage Light Dimmer by Lutron is available with the following options: Color: Ivory, Light-almond, or White (shown) The Ariadni Magnetic Low Voltage Light Dimmer by Lutron uses standard single-pole wiring (one switch for one light) for easy installation. Maximum capacity is 450 Watts. Power-failure memory. Accepts the Lutron Fassada Wall Plate (sold separately). The Fassada Wall Plate is traditional in style (small opening), is a perfect color match to the dimmer, and shows no visible mounting hardware. Shipping: This item usually ships within 24 hours.

Vierti Electric Low Voltage Dimmer by Lutron $316 The Lutron Vierti Electric Low Voltage Dimmer with an innovative design changes the mood of your room at a touch of the finger. Just touch it along the illuminated bar and the light will magically adjust itself to give you proper ambience. The Vierti Electric Low Voltage Dimmer features single touch dimmer and illuminated control bar. Lutron, located in Coopersburg, PA, is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial applications. The Lutron Vierti Electric Low Voltage Dimmer is available with the following: Included Features:Single touch dimmer.Illuminated control bar.Electronic low-voltage transformers.Options:LED Strip: Blue LED, Green LED, or White LED (shown).Wallplate Color: Almond, Black, Brown, Gray, Ivory, Light Almond, Sienna, Taupe, or White (shown).Shipping: This item ships within 24 hours.

Skylark Low Voltage Magnetic Light Dimmer by Lutron $55 The Skylark Low Voltage Magnetic Light Dimmer, by Lutron, is a designer-style, high quality light dimmer for use with magnetic transformers. Preset, or slide to on/off. Uses standard, single-pole wiring (one switch controls one light) for easy installation. Power failure memory. Located in Coopersburg, PA, Lutron is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial application. The Skylark Low Voltage Magnetic Light Dimmer, by Lutron, accepts the Claro Wall Plate, by Lutron. The wallplate features a designer (large) opening, a clean appearance with no visible screws and a perfect color match (sold seperately). To purchase the Claro Wall Plate, see below. The Skylark Low Voltage Magnetic Light Dimmer has a capacity of 450 watts and is available with the following options: Color: White, Light-almond (shown), or Ivory Shipping: This item usually ships within 24 hours.

Skylark Low Voltage Electronic Dimmer by Lutron $76 The Skylark Low Voltage Electronic Dimmer, by Lutron, is a designer-style, high quality light dimmer for use with electronic transformers. Preset, or slide to on/off. Uses standard, single-pole wiring (one switch controls one light) for easy installation. Power failure memory. Located in Coopersburg, PA, Lutron is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial application. The Skylark Low Voltage Electronic Dimmer, by Lutron, accepts the Claro Wall Plate, by Lutron. The wallplate features a designer (large) opening, a clean appearance with no visible screws and a perfect color match (sold seperately). To purchase the Claro Wall Plate, see below. The Skylark Low Voltage Electronic Dimmer carries a capacity of 300 watts and is available with the following options: Color: white, light-almond (shown), or ivory Shipping: This item usually ships within 24 hours.

Maestro Incandescent Smart Light Dimmer by Lutron $41.5 The Maestro Incandescent Smart Light Dimmer by Lutron is where microprocessor technology meets a standard light switch. One quick tap to activate preset dimmer for you-decide light levels; two taps for full brightness, or one, long tap to set 10-second delayed off. LEDs indicate light level and glow softly as a locator light. Designed for incandescent fixtures, this smart dimmer can be used for single-pole wiring installation (for one light controlled by one switch) or three-way wiring installation for a light controlled from more than one switch. To dim and switch a light from multiple locations, use Maestro accessory dimmers (Call customer service for more information). Power failure memory. Lutron, located in Coopersburg, PA, is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial application. The Maestro Incandescent Smart Light Dimmer by Lutron is designed to accept a designer-style (large opening), Claro Wall Plate by Lutron (sold separately) for a perfect color match. Maximum capacity 600 watts. The Maestro Incandescent Smart Light Dimmer by Lutron fits a standard junction box and is available with the following options: Color: White (shown), Light-almond, or Ivory Shipping: This item usually ships within 24 hours.

Maestro Low Voltage Electronic Light Dimmer by Lutron $168 The Lutron Maestro Low Voltage Electronic Light Dimmer is where microprocessor technology meets a standard light switch in variable touch-control dimming activation. The Maestro Electronic Dimmer is designed to accept a designer-style (large opening) wall plate such as the Lutron Claro Wall Plate (sold separately). Lutron, located in Coopersburg, PA, is a comprehensive resource for lighting control solutions for residential and commercial application. The Lutron Maestro Low Voltage Electronic Light Dimmer is available with the following: Included Features: Variable dimming levels. 10-second delayed off function. LED light-level indicators. Maximum capacity 600 watts. For use with electronic transformers. Single-pole (one light) or three-way wiring. Power failure memory.Options: Color: Ivory, Light Almond, or White (shown).Shipping: This item ships within 24 hours.

Costanza Grande Floor Lamp with Foot Dimmer by Luceplan $1665 The Luceplan Costanza Grande Floor Lamp with Foot Dimmer provides abundant, engaging illumination while adding an element of classic style to interior settings. The Costanza Grande Floor Lamp, first designed in 1986 by Paolo Rizzatto, features a telescopic stem and a foot dimmer. Luceplan, an Italian company, has a long history of pioneering research and development that brought to market many award winning lighting designs. Today, environmentally compatible light quality, beauty and effectiveness are taking Luceplan to new innovative heights. The Luceplan Costanza Grande Floor Lamp with Foot Dimmer is available with the following: Included Features:Polycarbonate shade.Aluminium body.Telescopic stem with height adjustability to 92.5 in.Foot dimmer switch.Designed by Paolo Rizzatto in 1986.Lighting:Three 100 Watt 120 Volt A21 Medium Base Incandescent lamps (not included).Shipping: This item usually ships within two business days. Expedited shipping may be available for an additional fee. Please call for more information. Dimensions: Item: Height Adjustable from 69 In. to 92.5 In., Diameter 27.6 In. Base: Width 14.2 In., Length 14.2 In.