Night ISO

[reemas]

For shooting a long exposure shot (where speed isn't an issue) is it better to use ISO 100 on the Canon 20D, or 200-400?

I'm trying to get the highest quality image with the least amount of noise. Also is the noise reduction feature worth turning on?

[JaertX]

ISO=Gain (think amplifier)

So use as low as you need.

And for the second question, depends on how long your exposure is.

[reemas]

anywhere from 1 second to 20 seconds

[JaertX]

yeah, turn it on. As far as I know, it's only removing hot pixels, so no worries.

if you're shooting really long...like 15 minutes+, it's a pain because your NR works for that much time after the initial exposure ends. major pain.

anyway, good luck!

[Tdragone]

ISO 100 25 sec:

http://www.pbase.com/tdragone/image/56142215.jpg

[Tdragone]

Iso 100 30 minutes:
http://www.pbase.com/tdragone/image/59735583.jpg

[reemas]

nice shots!

[primoz]

Use lowest one you can. Higher iso means hotter sensor, which leads to more hot pixels. And you definitely don't want to shoot iso400 and above for long exposures (1+min). No idea about noise reduction. Personally I don't like it since it just takes too long, but if someone will tell it's usefull, I would believe it.

[Nikolas]

iso 100
10 seconds
http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~smeegles/Stuff/surreal2.jpg

30 secs

http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~smeegles/Stuff/Moonlightoverwater/crane.jpg

[pup]

love that excavator shot :]

[SonyaL]

I have to ask on the building shot of the freeway were you on an overpass if so how did you get to stay there around here they would arrest you for sitting there?

I would love to try some of these in downtown Houston, Texas.


Sonya

[Nikolas]

Thanks :)
Was taken under a full moon with some lighting from a street light to the left of the machine.
Forgot to mention the second shot was with a the czj flektogon 35mm at f8.

[Nikolas]

I have to ask on the building shot of the freeway were you on an overpass if so how did you get to stay there around here they would arrest you for sitting there?

I would love to try some of these in downtown Houston, Texas.


Sonya

Why would anyone be arrested for standing on a bridge with a camera and tripod taking pictures?

[SonyaL]

I thought it was an overpass not a bridge. Here they would not be arrested for standing on a bridge if its a walking one and not one you can drive on Texas is very pick and Houstons worse.


Sonya

[Tdragone]

My shots were taken from a bridge. It's in a public park overlooking downtown. There is vehicle traffic; but is also used as a pedistrian pathway to/from the park (Balboa Park).

San Diego is a large military city; and we have felt the effects of 9/11 here; but no one has ever said a word to me that wan't pleasant or inquiring about the lens or camera or settings I'm using.

Hope it helps. As an aside; I've taken some of the advice of others in the Glamour forum (Where I can't post yet; but learn a lot) and have a small album with me of different types of pix I have taken; including nighttime photos in case I'm questioned/bothered.