This was shot using available light on a Canon 1DMKIIn with the 200mm f2.8L at a distance of about 15 metres. I usually aim for at least 1/4000s shutter speed for this kind of shot but the light was uninspiringly dull so I had to make do with 1/1250s at f2.8 and ISO 640. I fully exposed the shot (aka "expose to the right") to minimise noise and I shot in RAW to allow maximum potential to optimise the image during development in Camera Raw/Photoshop. But there is no magic settings recipe. The starting point for me is pre-visualising the image I want before I take a shot. By the time I have determined the composition, analysed the lighting, and decided on the perspective then the choices for the camera, lens, and exposure are pretty well determined. The camera is just a tool to help record the result. My own favourites page (enochdhu.pinkbike.com) might give you some ideas on what is possible and a DSLR is a great learning tool because you get instant feedback on exposures and can change settings to suit.

 Wow that was simplely the BEST reply i have ever got to an question on PB! yhe i have onaly jsut got my DSLR yeasterday so i am just learnign to use it and that really helped me set my settings cheers mate!