Digital Camera that takes good night pics?

[froggy33]

I currently have a sony cybershot(no anti-shake), and it's not that bad, but not great either (good very well be the operator - any hints on how to steady shots/get good night shots are welcome).
I am looking for a regular digital camera (not DSLR) priced $400 or less that can take really good steady shots, low light shots, and night shots.
With my sony unless it is beautiful and bright everything is blurry. I am currently looking at a Nikon (maybe the coolpix S10 - but that is just from looking around online). Thanks for your help!
Picture examples would be helpful as well!

 

[JR6ooo4]

I currently have a sony cybershot(no anti-shake), and it's not that bad, but not great either (good very well be the operator - any hints on how to steady shots/get good night shots are welcome).
I am looking for a regular digital camera (not DSLR) priced $400 or less that can take really good steady shots, low light shots, and night shots.
With my sony unless it is beautiful and bright everything is blurry. I am currently looking at a Nikon (maybe the coolpix S10 - but that is just from looking around online). Thanks for your help!
Picture examples would be helpful as well!

Yep! That is the porblem, even with cameras that cost over $1000.
If it is dark the shutter stays open longer and chances are you will move the cameera some. Creating camera shake. Best remedied with a tripod and timer shutter realease (so you do not shake the camera when realeasing the button)

if you do not want to use a tripod or monopod, then use a railing or trash can or even a car hood.

that will get you clear pictures........ unless your subject is moving. In which case you can spend another $1000 and get better low light results. But not magical. It is still blurry on rides, etc...

Mikeeee

 

[jann1033]

have you considered the canon S2 or 3 IS models..they have image stabilization and i know the s2 at least takes great pics ( check out dan murphy or makinorlando 's pics...i think they both have the s2, can't think who has an s3) plus they have 12x zoom and some nice auto modes and manual modes...not pocket sized but not huge either

other than that, what the above post said about tripod etc is excellent advice

 

[JR6ooo4]

have you considered the canon S2 or 3 IS models..they have image stabilization and i know the s2 at least takes great pics ( check out dan murphy or makinorlando 's pics...i think they both have the s2, can't think who has an s3) plus they have 12x zoom and some nice auto modes and manual modes...not pocket sized but not huge either

other than that, what the above post said about tripod etc is excellent advice

I agree with what the above post said as well (Hi Jann).
I have the rebel xt and two $600 lenses. But I often take DW's S2 alone. Last time was when I escorted SIL and her three kids to Chicago's Shed Aquarium. the IS realy helped in the low light aquarium settings. But those fish never sit still. So I get a sharp background and blurry fish.
But the reptiles!!!! they never move so those pics were nice.


Mikeeee

 

[manning]

I haven't had one in my hand but I have heard that Fuji is noted for clean night shots.

 

[budbeerlady]

Even with my Canon s3 I had to put the camera on the bridge railing to get my best night shots of Illumitaions, other wise they came out blurry. I am hoping to find a small tripod on sale this summer.