Best Camera Settings for Car Photography

Camera settings are a very significant part of any kind of photography. To adjust camera settings, it is required to learn basic terms of photography for beginners. One can become skilled in photography, by learning effective camera settings for car photography that showcase mainly three basic things- Aperture, Shutter speed, and ISO.

Skilled photographers also need to have a good sense of lighting, angles, and background objects and locations.

Mastering camera settings cannot be achieved by any shortcut method but rather by continuous learning and practicing with your camera with great passion and dedication. I will discuss some methods and techniques based on Car conditions.

What are the three basic camera settings (camera settings for car photography )

For car photography, it is preferred to do it in sufficient daylight conditions unless otherwise required. Settings may differ based on daylight situation, background location, close or distant view, and static or dynamic condition of the vehicle. Go through the video below for an easy demonstration of three important settings-Aperture, Shutter speed, and ISO.

Also, it is suggested to use a camera with a higher FPS and a higher burst rate for capturing every stunning moment of car photography. 

Important checklist for camera

Before starting the photo shoot, one should check below a few things with the camera for car photography.

• Check the required accessories of the camera (SD card, Battery, Charger, Lens, cases)
• Check to take a lighter tripod with you for easy movement.
• Check if the camera battery is fully charged.
• Check the date and time settings in your camera
• Check the memory card in your camera. 
• Check if the memory card has sufficient spaces left.
• Check you have taken the right lenses for the camera.
• Check to ensure that you are familiar with the Aperture setting, ISO setting, shutter speed, and other necessary buttons in your camera. Learn from the brochure if you are a new user.

Camera settings for different situations

Now when you are ready with all the above things mentioned in the checklist, you can follow the below guidelines which are not limited to:

Static car condition: 

• For static car shooting with a blurry background, Use a wide aperture (f/5 to f/2.8) and a low ISO setting (100-200).
• For a static car with background scenery, Use a low aperture (f/8 or more) and a low ISO setting.
• Set the shutter speed to 1/60 or more.
• For several cars, use zoom lenses or telephoto lenses to focus from distance.

Running Car condition (camera settings for moving car photography ):

• For running cars, use another car preferably with the same speed to capture your shots.
• Do it preferably in day time for the availability of light and display.
• For rolling shots of cars, use a slow shutter speed (1/40) and increase it if required.
• May need some practice to get good-quality rolling shots.
• Don’t panic or break traffic rules and take safety measures for both cars.

Photos of parts and interior decoration: 

• Use a wide aperture setting (f/2.8) for item details and medium shutter speed for close shots of parts or the interior.
• Use normal ISO (100) but use ISO setting (300-600) for low light conditions.

Pictures of rally or competition:

• Use a zoom or telephoto lens (70-300 mm) to focus on subject areas.
• Use wide apertures for close shots and Low ISO settings.
• Use narrow apertures and higher shutter speed for car rally.

Making Car Videos:

• Need a camera for HD video or better such as 4K UHD.
• Need to make sure your SD card has enough space.
• Use a low aperture and higher shutter speed for car competition.
• Use a telephoto lens for the right focus from distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What settings should I use for car photography?

For static car shooting with a blurry background, Use a wide aperture (f/5 to f/2.8) and a low ISO setting (100-200). For a static car with background scenery, Use a low aperture (f/8 or more) and a low ISO setting. Take snapshots at a higher shutter speed like 1/60 s.

For low light situations or at-night snapshots, increase the ISO setting (300-600). You may use zoom lenses or telephoto lenses (70-200 mm) to focus from a distance to capture several cars in racing or competition. 

What are the 3 most important camera settings?

The three most important camera settings are Aperture, ISO, and Shutter speed. Most cameras have these three settings in place. Very nice and attractive snapshots can be taken by adjusting these three settings on the camera.

How can I make my car look good in pictures?

To look good in pictures, you need to explore a lot of photo shoots with your car at various outdoor locations like trees or the sea at the back. Take photos from different angles as mentioned in best angles for car Photography. Also, you need to take some rolling shots to showcase its beauty in motion.  

What is the best focal length for car photography?

The best focal length for the lens for car photography is 24-70 mm. With this lens, you can do most of the shootings whether in an indoor studio or outside locations. You can take very close shots as well as from some distance away from the car. Very eye-catching images can be captured with this lens by having proper adjustments of Aperture, ISO, and shutter speed.

Conclusion

So far I have discussed some essential camera settings for car photography based on the situation. To be skilled in this area, one has to put more effort and dedication into the right camera. So guys, if you have any specific questions on camera settings or comment on any part of this page, just leave a message below with your e-mail.