Nice shot!
How far was it from camera to library entrance door? Were you zoomed out to 85mm or at an intermediate setting?
Thanks again...Mark

Bob, thanks for the reply. I have given some thought to pulling out my old Canon T-90, Vivitar 70-210 f2.8, and trying some of this new P3200 BW film, but today it is so digital. Can't even find film in Annapolis! What digital setup did you use for your night shots?

I am a private investigator with experience since high school (class of '67), shooting Canon, Olympus, Minox, etc film cameras. For past 5 years, I have used Lumix cameras, most recently the DMC-TZ4, which has a nice f2.8 zoom lens. My question is this:
1. Which camera and lens combo would you use for the following conditions?
a. Target distance: up to 100 yards
b. Time: could be daytime or night (think of the goodnight kiss on the front porch with distant streetlight or porchlight or walking.to car in motel parking lot).
c. Maximum time from seeing target until target is out of sight averages 3-8 seconds, so can't waste time focusing/zooming, etc.
d. Generally, distance to target will be known in advance, and most shots will be taken from inside a parked vehicle which has 35% tinted side windows.

I'm thinking a D750 body, but have also been looking at the A7RIII. Would prefer to spend under $2,000 on the lens, as I have no other need for a tele.

I will also be using the body for other photography, such as food in a restaurant, products in a studio, commercial portraits, and exteriors of commercial establishments, thought nite shots are my bread and butter.

I like tilt screen; must have an EVF 'cause we don't want that screen lighting me up at night; must have some type of VR, OS, or IS, since we will be shooting hand held at night at high ISO and relatively low shutter speed (never over 1/250, and usuallyuch slower). Prefer dual slot, don't need more than 5 or 6fps (this ain't a sport, yet), wifi would be nice too.

Question 2.: am leaning full frame, but open to your suggestions, based on YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. New Nikon P1000 with zoom to 2400mm or 3000mm (125x) is nice, but can it do what I want on such a small sensor? Any reason DX is better than FX, other then weght/price?

Looking for those very few professional private investigators who are also accomplished photographers to weigh in here. Am getting ready to drive to B&H next month to cure my g.a.s. attack! Money is not a major consideration, though I am not wasteful. Would go D850, but don't see a need for that many MPs.

Photos don't need high res, just need to be recognizable for positive id in court. Many thanks to all of you in advance... I love UHH and have learned a lot in the past month or research, both here, on utube, and the various sites on the internet.
Mark

That is an insect. Looks like a flying ant or termite. :-)

Great link.... THANKS for Sharing!!!

Why are you assuming I am trying to insult somebody?

Maybe because:
1. they were too lazy to apply for one of the numerous scholarship and grants that go unused every year; or
2. they were too lazy to look for a real job;
3. they were too stupid to get either 1, or 2 supra.

Probably would have been a better shot if he had a Sam Adams instead of a miller lite!!

Soooo, let's assume he is using a full frame D750, and he wants to photograph the upper torso of a cheating husband who is exiting his girlfriend's house at night. The street is dimly lit and all he needs is to prove Joe is kissing Betty.

He can't afford a superzoom, but he has a 200mm and a teleconverter, say a 1.4x. He is taking the shot from inside his car, so as to not be obvious in this residential area. No room for a big tripod, but he has a gorilla pod attached to the steering wheel. All he needs is a photo where subjects are recognized and photo is admissable in court.

Can he get a decent photo at 100 yards or does he have to get close, say 75, or even 50 yards? He doesn't have to fill the viewfinder, as he can crop his 27 megapixel FF image. What can he get with what he has?

If there are any investigators with experience.taking such photos, let't hear from you. The formulas are making my head hurt.

Thanks!!! I look forward to hearing from those who have photographed people in these conditions.

Repleo's smart ass remark contributed nothing, and created nothing but ill will.

It's amazing that such a technically simple photo can have such a profound impact on our views of society... and how prejudiced we can be. Y'all assumed this is a loser in America. How do you know iti s in America? This could just as well be in Europe. Think about your preconceived notions, and how your images are impacted. Great societal commentary photo.... but which society?