Going out for a meal with friends tonight (in a pub).

Taking my new Canon 400d and wondering if I should simply use the auto mode or increase the ISO to allow for the fact that it will be subdued light in a pub in the evening?

If I should increase the ISO - what to?

Thanks

Start off at 800 or 1000ASA and see if you can still get reasonable shutter speeds, ie. 1/30 or 1/60 or so. If you're down below 1/30 at max aperture then change to a higher 'film speed'. If you're above 1/125 you could get away with a lower film speed with consequent improvement in picture quality.

You'll probably find the light will vary greatly from one part of the pub to another. If it's too too dark then you'll have to use flash but (if the flash gun allows) try to bounce it off walls or ceiling rather than use it direct - looks very like natural light if you get it right.

how will i know if i am getting reasonable shutting speeds?

where does it tell me?

maybe id just be better using auto and flash if necessary?!

:huh: How long have you had your camera??? Have you read the manual? Do you take any notice of what the camera shows you and sounds like when you fire a shot?

When you take a pic in Auto mode (or any other mode if your 400D is anything like my Canon) the display in the bottom of the viewfinder will show you the shutter speed and aperture among other things. Apart from that listen to the camera as you shoot - if you get a nice quick 'kerchunk' as the mirror flips up and back again you're probably OK. If there's a noticeable delay between the 'ker' and the 'chunk' you're probably at 1/8 or slower.

I'd recommend you put it on Auto ( the green square on the dial ) till you feel confident to knock it over to manual.
Beside your going to be in a busy pub, few drinks and noisy, not a place to faffing about to be really honest.

Not had it long which is why I was asking!

Think I will leave it on auto as that will automatically adjust the ISO for me

How did it go? Did you manage to get any pics without dropping your camera in the soup??? :hihi: