How to get a smooth waterfall effect using a dSLR?

You will need:

  • Tripod (You will seriously need a GOOD tripod)
  • dSLR
  • ND Filter or Polarizer (Optional)

My Setup/Settings

  • Stable Tripod
    Impossible to shoot handheld, or with a lousy tripod.
  • Mode: Av – Aperture Priority
  • Focus: Auto Focus
  • Aperture: Smallest aperture your lens will allow.
  • Shutter Speed: Let the camera determine this. At least 1/2 seconds or slower to get a smooth effect. The longer the better.
  • ISO: Lowest possible
    Mine will go down to ISO100.
  • Image Stabilizer: Off
    Discussed at Stable Tripod + Image Stabilizer (IS) = Blur
  • Lens: Up to you
  • Lens Accessories: ND Filter or Polarizer if the surrounding is too bright.

Samples:

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Canon Rebel XSi, Canon EF-S 18-55, f/5.6, 1/250s, ISO200
This is probably what you get when you shoot in auto.

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Canon Rebel XSi, Canon EF-S 18-55, f/36, 1/3s, ISO100

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Canon Rebel XSi, Canon EF-S 18-55, f/22, 1/2s, ISO100, Polarizer

It was a very sunny bright day which makes it harder to achieve smooth waterfall effect.