Shutter Speed?

[int0xicatedxluv]

i have a setting on my new SD300 to set the Long Shutter to 1"-15"

I understand that the long shutter allows more light in when shooting in darker places, but what is the 1"-15" setting mean, and which would be better settings for shooting in the dark? Im a bit confused? would I want to bump it up closer to 15??

thanks!

[lostdoggy]

1 second to 15 seconds. 15 second is a very long time make sure you have a very heavy and strong tripod

[int0xicatedxluv]

Oh okay. so for instance, if I had it set at 15 seconds, that means ANY slight movement at all will cause a major blur??

[Curtis N]

Do you have an instruction manual for your camera? I know Canon's manuals aren't exactly literary masterworks, but they'll generally get you through the basics.

If there's something in the manual that confuses you, then there are lots of people here who can help at that point.

[montreal]

I recommend this book (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0028643879/qid=1119033461/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/104-6189338-6899162?v=glance&s=books&n=507846).

Take no offense about the title :p . I read it myself a few months ago (about the same time as I discovered this forum) and it sure helped me understand what everyone was talking about. Sometimes he repeats himself a lot but you can skip the parts you already understand or don't care about.

[int0xicatedxluv]

Do you have an instruction manual for your camera? I know Canon's manuals aren't exactly literary masterworks, but they'll generally get you through the basics.

If there's something in the manual that confuses you, then there are lots of people here who can help at that point.

Yeah I've actually read the manual, and it explains what the long shutter speed is for, but I didn't understand the 1-15 thing. I guess I have an understanding now that the 1-15 is the seconds aka the amount of time it will take for the shutter to go off? and it allows more light into the lense, but if you move or shake, you will end up with trails or blurs becuase the shutter is going so slowly?

not sure if I have that right, but...the damn manual DEFINETLY was no literary masterpiece. =[

[AjP]

here is 30" (sec) on heavy tripod

http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/data/1434/Night_Highway.jpg

[mdm]

try a shot at that setting, spin the wheel watch your settings. Experiment because it not going to cost you anything. I tried some shots the other night at 4 and 6 seconds. Fun pictures

[AjP]

agree, thanks God for digital cameras, we can experiment as much as we want now, can u guys imagine doing this with film....:eek:

[int0xicatedxluv]

Okay, and I would try these at nighttime correct?