Nikon Coolpix P80- night shot help

[NateNLogansDad]

I have a Nikon Coolpix P80 that I've had for a few months and have been fine with just the point and shoot method set to automatic. I am CLUELESS when it comes to cameras and have been EXTREMELY impressed by the shot's I've seen on this site. I know I will not get the same quality pics as a $2000 camera but I'd really love a few pointers for taking pics at night. Mainly I'm looking for fireworks shots, spectromagic type pictures and shots of the beach club from the water or boradwalk. ANY help would really be appriciated. Also, will these methods work inside some indoor type attractions?

 

[NateNLogansDad]

It is a 10 mp Digital wit an 18x zoom.

Besides automatic, it has M A S P settings whatever they are.


THANK YOU!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

anybody?

 

[fitzperry]

In general, nighttime shots require a slow shutter speed and, therefore, a tripod or something else to stabilize the camera. Does your camera have manual controls? If so, for fireworks, you might try starting with an aperture of f11 or f16, the lowest ISO possible, and a shutter speed of 2-4 seconds. If not, you probably have scene modes (maybe even specifically for fireworks and night landscapes) that you could try. The key is the tripod, because the shutter is going to be open long enough that there's no way you can hold the camera steady. You should also use the timer setting to trip the shutter (or use a remote shutter release if you can get one) because even pushing the button will cause some camera shake.

There are several threads on this board devoted to tips on shooting fireworks and other nighttime scenes. You might try searching for some of those for more info.

 

[KCmike]

I second the tripod. It is tough to get the "just right" picture with the point and shoots. Best bet is to set it to fireworks or nightshot and wait for when the fireworks are the brightest in the sky so the camera can get as much light as possible. Get as close as you can to say "castle" or "parade" as that will help too. I've shot with many different p&s cameras at WDW and Disneyland and you just have to keep shooting and get lucky. Get a big memory card. I've seen that camera in a local store, I think its what they call the superzooms now. It took great shots indoors at the store. There are some great ideas on amazon.com with customer comments about this camera......go all the way down to the end of the page.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Coolpix-Digital-Vibration-Reduction/dp/B00176BDD4

Just keep shooting. Good luck.

 

[annnewjerz]

I'll third the idea of a tripod. Most people with point and shoot cameras would probably hear the word tripod and freak out---after all, the convenience of the point and shoot is that it's lightweight, easy to slip in your pocket and in general I just don't think point and shoot + tripod works in most people's minds.

That being said, there are VERY small, lightweight, compact travel tripods that will work great with a point and shoot. One, for example, would be the gorillapod. They're relatively inexpensive and can easily be tossed in a larger purse or stroller for use at night when you would like to take those shots. The gorillapod can be set on top of a trashcan, wrapped around a lamppost or railing, etc. so it has the ability to be very versatile.

Good luck!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Guys, thanks I really appriciate it. Mike, the link was a real eye opener. I've just been using the automatic for all my shots without ever really tinkering with the settings. After seeing some of the pics from the trip reports and around the boards, I've been inspired. I'm not going to be 1/2 the pro as you guys on here but I'd love to get some shots of our trip in June that will make some people just say "Wow, you had an awesome time"