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Nighttime outdoor photos
Aug 28, 2011 15:15:13   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
I recently purchased a Canon Rebel XSi to take better travel photos. Though I've taken a class I haven't mastered nighttime photos. I'm traveling to Greece and the Greek Isles this week and would like to take beautiful shots at night. Any suggestions on the setting I should use? Thanks.

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Aug 29, 2011 06:51:48   #
Adubin Loc: Indialantic, Florida
 
The main thing you need is a good tripod and a cable shutter release to keep your camera from moving. This will give you a sharp image.

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Aug 29, 2011 07:39:55   #
jdtx Loc: SA, Tx.
 
ditto the above, you will need to probably manual focus, and use a long shutter speed, how long depending on what you want to do..good luck..

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Aug 29, 2011 12:30:49   #
Shaun Loc: Tucson, AZ
 
You can't beat a tripod but travelling with one can be a chore. Adorama sells a bean bag type of rest that has a threaded attachment for your camera that is much easier to carry and not as much of a problem at crowded tourist sites. Use your camera's self timer to release the shutter (the two second delay works great) Set the camera on AV f5.6 or 8.0). manually focus, use the self timer and then check the results. If it is too dark, use the exposure compensation to lighten it up 1/2 stop at a time. As long as the camera and bean bag are on a solid rest, you will be amazed at the results you will get. I have taken photos of the mountains behind my house with just starlight on them and it works great. Plan for some fairly long exposures (up to 30 seconds) so don't move the camera until the shutter closes. Use 100 ISO to keep the noise down. Good luck.

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Aug 29, 2011 18:38:44   #
ben mcintire
 
DO NOT FORGET LOCK MIRROR UP IF POSSIBLE

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Aug 29, 2011 21:59:55   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
Thanks, I've been ambivalent about taking my tripod, guess I'll have to reconsider!

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Aug 29, 2011 22:01:30   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
Thanks so much. I'll try to download some pics to share when I return.

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Aug 29, 2011 22:02:37   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
Thanks, I have 1 day before leaving so I'll shop around tomorrow for the tripod you've recommended. Much appreciation for the tips!

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Aug 29, 2011 22:05:06   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
I'm rather new at this and not familiar with that term, please elaborate, thanks.

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Aug 30, 2011 07:54:51   #
photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga
 
Which term?

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Aug 30, 2011 10:58:19   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
The term I'm not familiar with is "lock mirror up". Thanks.

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Aug 30, 2011 11:25:26   #
photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga
 
Ah, lock up mirror is a function of some cameras, usually the higher end versions.

One can set the camera to lock the mirror in place and then fire the shutter. It takes two actions from the shutter control device. Using this increase the sharpness of the image as there is no internal camera vibration.

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Aug 30, 2011 11:56:03   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
Thanks, I don't think my Canon Rebel xsi is a high end camera that has that function but I'll check.

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Aug 30, 2011 12:21:19   #
photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga
 
if it doesn't you can use your self timer as will give the camera time to settle before the shutter fires.

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Aug 30, 2011 12:59:27   #
shutterbug11 Loc: North Carolina
 
Sounds like a good alternative, thanks again!

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