Taking pictures out the window of a Plane? what settings?

[EricKonieczny]

I am leaving for a trip to NYC for a week and I am flying in and out of LaGuardia Airport at night. I have reserved window seats for this reason.

I have two cameras, a 20D and my Sony 717. I know you can take pictures out the window, but do you think I should just use my 717 since it is smaller or go ahead and pull out the 20D for higher ISO and better manual use.

Also for anyone who has done this? what setttings do you recommmend? Any other suggestions to get the best shots?

Thanks.

[Jon]

At night? Which one has the better ISO/aperture combination? I'd guess the 20D at high ISO. I use my DSLRs by preference anyhow.

[ssim]

I would use the 20D, depending of course on what lens you are going to use on it. With luck your window seat will be on the side of the aircraft that will have the sun at your back. Shooting through the plexiglass windows into the sun tend to gives you alot of flare and reflections.

I would just use your normal settings. I normally shoot AV and then adjust the f-stop and ISO to keep the shutter speed up.

This is a quick example of a recent one of mine. It was shot with the 1DMKII. Taken over the city of Ottawa.
http://www.pbase.com/ssim/image/33934412.jpg

[robertwgross]

Eric, first of all, you probably know that many airliner windows are crappy. They have been scrubbed so many times that they are full of scratches. So, don't expect to find a good window.

If possible, know the flight pattern of the airliner. If you know that it takes off and banks to the right, then you might want to be sitting on a window seat on that "downhill side". A seat aft of the wings may be better.

Make damn sure that you have the flash disabled. It won't do any good to have the flash going, and it is distracting as hell to the rest of the passengers. Some pilot might be distracted, but he'll likely be looking forward.

---Bob Gross---

[Claire]

I have no clue about settings, but I've taken shots through plane windows with my P&S. They came out surprisingly well. Still, it's all up to luck if the window's somewhat clean and with few scratches.

[chucksberg]

Remember the rules for using electronic equipment during takeoffs and landings.

Ask the pilot if he will take a picture or 2 for you. He's the one with clean windows and a view.

[sdommin]

Chucksberg is right - you shouldn't be using "electronic devices" in an airplane below 10,000 feet. Having said that, I'll admit to sneaking a picture or two just after takeoff a few times in daylight. If you're flying in and out at night, your only hope is to use the highest ISO you can (which would mean your 20D, I guess).

[johnnybfan]

Hey guys, I may be wrong about this but cameras don't count as a digital device because they do not transmit actual radio signals. I have never had a problem taking pictures at any altitude.The flight attendants have told me that it's ok to click away at will. Have a great trip!

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

The windows are scratched pretty good, but with your point of focus being so far out this will remove most of the scratches from your view. Unless the window is totally opaque.

I have some shots of I took over Alaska last year, on my way to China, that are great. Not sized for here, but may post later.

Shoot as you would normally, 20D in RAW, and you can fix exposure later if required. Position your lens to remove any glare over your shoulder. Do not use hood, unless it is a short one, as it puts you back from the window and will allow scratches more definition.

Enjoy your trip and get lots of pictures.

[chucksberg]

Almost every Airline website I visit says either cameras or video cameras have restricted useage at takeoff and landings. Also most p&s cameras do videw now.

Cameras do emit radio signals. Every Item that uses a microprosser, emits rf.

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/travelinfo/ontheplane/electronicequipment/default.htm#restricteduse