Night time shots .....

[firemanx]

for a new photographer what is a good camera to use for night time photos? More for taking pictures of buildings (ie: MK, Spaceship Earth)

 

[Marty Joe]

I'm with you, Firemanx. I would like to learn to take night/dusk shots. I have a Canon Elan 7e and I'm kicking around going digital. I've been told that it is nearly impossible to take night shots without a tripod and Ine burned a lot of film to prove it... but dragging around a tripod with all the other disney stuff would be a challange.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

the cheapest way? get a Manfrotto MODO Maxi (around US$79) for point and shoot cameras.

the more expensive way without using a tripod? Get a Canon dSLR, set it to ISO1600.

The most expensive way is getting the a Canon dSLR, set it to ISO 400, use Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS, Shutter Priority at 1/8 second (hand held).

 

[jann1033]

I'm with you, Firemanx. I would like to learn to take night/dusk shots. I have a Canon Elan 7e and I'm kicking around going digital. I've been told that it is nearly impossible to take night shots without a tripod and Ine burned a lot of film to prove it... but dragging around a tripod with all the other disney stuff would be a challange.

that's what lockers are for ... at least until husband gets cargo shorts with pockets large enough for a tripod.....after taking shots of fireworks that look like snakes on to much caffine, i'm determined not to take the lazy way out next time

 

[Shutterbug]

This is another reason I rent a car when I go to WDW. I can use it as a base of operations. Like for keeping tripods in it until I need it.

Manfrotto is a good tripod. I myself have the Manfrotto 728B Digi Tripod

 

[firemanx]

anyone got any more camera suggestions

 

[Kelly Grannell]

with the risk sounding like a broken record, S2 IS is the best value ($300) for the time being. Or a Pentax dSLR (starting from $500 including kit lens).

 

[Andrew Bichard]

it is nearly impossible to take night shots without a tripod and Iv'e burned a lot of film to prove it... but dragging around a tripod with all the other disney stuff would be a challange.

I use a cheap 'no-name' mini tripod that has a G-clamp for fixing to chairs, handrails, etc plus three tiny legs that screw into the bottom so you can stand it on a table or trash can. A bean-bag can also be used to support the camera. If you don't have a cable release, use the self timer.

Andrew

 

[handicap18]

Its not necessarily which camera to use to take night shots, but what additional accessories you have to go with it. Most digital P&S cameras will let you change your own settings. In other words, get off the program modes (all those little icon's on the dial) and set it to M or S or A (I believe canon's are M, Tv and Av). This allows you to set your own Shutter speed and/or Aperture.

The most important accessory is a tripod. I would also recommend a remote shutter release if the camera works with one (not all do), or at least use the self timer to help avoid the camera shaking when you press the button to take a picture.

You can pick up tripods on line for very inexpensive money. There are what they call 'travel' tripods. Ones that close up to about 13-15 inches, but when opened will be about 42-48 inches high. 13-15 inches will fit in a normal sized backpack. There are also tiny pocket type tripods which are also called 'table top'. They are only about 6 inches or so and can be set up on a trash can, table, ground, anything solid. They go for about $10-15.

I picked up a 43 1/2 inch tripod that closes down to 13 1/2 inches off amazon.com for about $20. It fits in my backpack and is very light weight. I'll use it at Disney for night shots and will probably also keep it in my car.

You can also spend a little under a thousand dollars and get a dSLR (NIKON, canon, pentax, minolta) with a prime lens that will open up to f/1.8 or 1.4. (Nikon D50 body, $599 and Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens $120) Crank up the ISO to 1600, lean against a post, hold your breath and snap the picture. But I'd go with the tripod.