I have found that you may NOT be able to record in low light without Nightshot. All I can suggest is that you try your camcorder under different light conditions BEFORE you try to get "that perfect" shot.
My camcorder, (I have a Sony miniDV DCR TRV-30), will not record well in light below 7 lux (the amount of light thrown off by seven candles from a distance of one foot). Many camcorders are rated for much lower light requirements and this won't be an issue for them. For some reason, some of the new DV camcorders with megapixel capacity, require alot of light to process the picture.
Other suggestions:
-Get a spare battery (longer life, but heavier), and an external battery charger (either A/C or D/C car) so that you can have one charging in the room or car while you use the other to record.
-Use the LCD display as little as possible without crimping your enjoyment. The more you use the large display, the faster your battery drains.
-Understand the different exposure settings. If you choose a low light setting and use the camera in bright light, you will wash out the picture. ViceVersa, don't use the daylight setting in low light.
-If you have a camera that takes digital snapshots on a seperate media from the tape (ie, Sony memorystick), get as large a memory module as you can reasonably afford. You can take snapshots on the digital chip and not use up the tape, the pics are easier to find (you don't have to scan the entire tape to find a particular shot), it doesn't have a motor to run that uses up more power, plus you can download the pictures to your computer. I have a 128MB stick which allows me to take about 400 pics before I need another.
-Buy a clear lens filter to protect your expensive lens from dirt, salt, and sand. It is onlt a couple of bucks and if you scratch it, you can always buy another at any camera shop.
-Consider a neutral filter in order to reduce the glare on the lens in bright light, or over water.
Bob
