AboutSteve Pearson Expertise Try me for 35mm or darkroom issues. I am a professional photographer in Australia. I work solely in 35mm digital format, after 35 years of colour and monochrome film in many formats. I have darkroom experience and for many years belonged to my local camera club. I conduct photography workshops around the state on any and most subjects relating to photography and often judge photography exhibitions and competitions.
Experience I hold a Diploma of Applied Science in Forensic Investigation, with part of my studies involving photography. I spend most days with a camera and am into digital photography in a big way. I was given my first camera in 1965 and have not been without one since. I spent nearly 20 years as a forensic investigator with my state Police Force, and since retiring a couple of years ago have concentrated on commercial photography - especially weddings.
Question Hello,
I have a 8.0MP PowerShot Canon digital camera, and I would like to know how to take photographs in dark places. Such as Christmas light displays or fireworks. My photos always come out blurry to some degree, or overly dark. Are there different cameras with varying degrees of sensitivity to light, or is there a way to make mine better in the dark? Thanks.
Answer Hi James. The one thing you are going to need is a good and steady tripod. For your camera to take shots in the dark it needs to have the shutter open for longer than a normal daylight shot. Your photos come out blurry because of camera shake. All cameras have similar degrees of sensitivity to light. This is known as the ISO rating. If you want to do night shots, put your ISO at 1600 or so. You may still need a tripod, but the results won't be as good as if you do them at ISO200 or ISO400. All cameras have their limitations, some more than others. Your PowerShot is one of the more limited ones, especially when you compare it to say a Canon 300D or 350D. These are SLR cameras that have more controls that allow you to take low-light shots such as Christmas lights and fireworks. Hope this helps. Get back to me if you need more info. Cheers.
