Night Shots

[nickcordano]

what is the best camera out there for night shots?

[tamlin]

Night-time or low-light photography is less to do with equipment and more to do with technique. You should be able to take low-light shots with just about any decent camera. Have a look at this thread: http://forums.biorust.com/general-di...html#post40693 (Need help with night time shot's)

[Gjbphp]

I agree with Tamilin, it's not so much the quality of the camera, but rather things like a good tripod and / or flash if you are working with that. Just remember that even a big flash is effective at most to around 10meters.

And if you don't already have a camera, you can get one with a self timer, then you won't be needing accessories like remote release buttons, etc. Also make sure you get a camera with manaul focus ability as I am yet to come across a camera (irrespective of the price) that can reliably autofocus on night scenes.

[notjustgraphics]

I think by definition, nightshots are taken without using flash.. instead the ambient light is captured to make an exposure. At night, this can take very long exposure times... 30 seconds or even more.

So absolutely a good tripod is worth it's weight in gold.

I do think lenses can play a big role in night photography because anytime light passes through matter (glass or plastic) it changes... Better quality lenses can decrease the amount of impact that change has on the overall image.

For those with P&S cameras, a tiny aperture (opening) and a small lens is going to distort your image considerably.. so in this respect, i do think equipment matters.

That said, you may be very happy with the images your camera produces at night... it depends on the application:

For example, Michael Kenna ( Michael Kenna Photography ) is an accomplished night photographer who's style could be mimic'd with most point and shoots. (Technically only.. In terms of composition, Michael Kenna's images are superb.)

Whereas Tom Paiva ( Tom Paiva Photography ) has a more journalistic style and sharpness is definitely forefront in his imagery. High quality lenses are a must to produce images of this caliber. I really enjoy Tom's images.

So again, as in almost every element of design (if not life) there is no true 'one' answer.

Mike.

[tamlin]

I agree with all you say, Mike, but I suppose the point I was trying to make (in my own ham-fisted way) was that there isn't one type/make of camera that is specifically good for night shots - in fact, unless you're doing something ultra-specific (underwater photography, microphotography, astrophotography, high-speed photography etc), any decent quality camera should be able to fulfil your requirements for any type of shot providing your technique is sound.

[notjustgraphics]

Originally Posted by tamlin

there isn't one type/make of camera that is specifically good for night shots - in fact, unless you're doing something ultra-specific (underwater photography, microphotography, astrophotography, high-speed photography etc), any decent quality camera should be able to fulfil your requirements for any type of shot providing your technique is sound.

I completely agree!

Mike.

[jenamcdowell]

get a low aperature lens like a 50mm 1.4 that is one i use a lot for low light

[binarystar320]

I use the same one and it works great for me.