Digital camera night pics advice needed

[DisFam95]

I recently bought the Canon Dig Rebel XT (great price of $750 after rebate thanks to my internet savvy friend)! I bought the camera for it's speed. My 3yr old would be out of the room before my Kodak Easyshare 6490 would be up and running and between shots.

I can take good pics and good at framing the subject etc but not sure about the manual settings for night time. I pretty much have only used it on auto. Is there a trick for that? Some pics I see on here seem to have an infinite focus too..how is that done? I know the f-stop is the aperture opening but not sure what numbers are best for what?

Can anyone offer a super quick tutorial or guide me to some online camera site?

I finally have good pics of my children with this camera. It's worth the price. I can snap off 5-10 shots of the kids whenever. I could do this w/ the film SLR but hated the waste of bad poses w/ the film. I did the math on how much film and developing I do and it made so much sense to invest in this camera. So anyone thinking about it and afraid of the cost..it's worth it..and do some homework on where to buy it. Don;t pay 1000 at Best Buy etc.

Thanks!

 

[TriMom]

Your thread inspired me to go searching for web deals for the Digital Rebel. And start my pleading for one once again. (PLEEEEEASE!!!!) I have a 35mm Rebel, so I only need the body, and I miss using the SLR! I mostly use my Cybershot now, and while I like digital I really want the SLR (Again, PLEEEEEASE!!!)

Here is a link you might find useful for camera tips:
http://ir.webphotoschool.com/

HTH!

 

[rocket9]

Hi,

I've just had a pretty similiar conversation over on the Photography board in this thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=995561

In response to one of your specific q's... A larger F-stop number (say f8.0) means a more closed aperature, which also means a longer exposure time will be needed to get enough light to the ccd, which also produces a much greater depth of field with everything in better focus. I generally like the results with a higher f-stop whenever I can.

If that doesn't help, please let me know, I like taking night pictures in the park, and think I've had some good success (insert gratuitous plug for my pictures site at http://disney.rocket9.net/ ).

Bernie

 

[DisFam95]

Thanks!

I originally thought I would just get the body since I too have the 35mm Rebel but I was surprised with the minimal price difference of the full kit. And since I still like to use my 35mm I want to keep that lense and not have to open the cameras so much to expose it more to dust etc.

I got mine through butterflyphoto.com but check cnet.com and they will give you a comparison of who has the cheapest price.

Go for it. It's a great camera!

 

[DisFam95]

Bernie..thanks. I did look at your site. Great shots and some good explanation on your tips section! I should have practiced over Christmas w/ all the lights. That's the good thing abot digital..delete..delete..delete!

 

[Got Quattro?]

To take night shots, you could just use a tri-pod and go on full automatic settings.

But, read you cameras manual. You will want to change the ISO setting to 800 or 1600 (greatre light sesitiviy). Doing this can help iliminate the need for long expose times. Therefor you can take some good night shots without using a tripod all the time.

Read your manual. Pick one concept a night, read it, learn it, and take pictures with that concept. (ie, exposure, ISo, film advance ect ect). In about a week to 10 days you should be able to use any setting with your camera.