How do I adjust manual settings to get better pictures in low light or at night?

-- Robert J. Davies (igaveit2u2@msn.com), February 24, 2002

Answers

Such a broad question, can you be a little more specific of what type of photos you will take at night (action sports, portraits, with or with out flash?).

-- Jake F. (JakeF@nowhere.net), February 24, 2002.

you put it on manual mode. that is "M" on the control dial. then you use the weel next to the shutter release to control the shutter speed and the thumb weel to control the apeture. easy.

-- Jeff Nakayama (moonduck22@hotmail.com), February 25, 2002.

The best quick solution, in my mind, is to use partial or spot metering (not the default, zone evaluative) and expose for a midtone. Then try a slow shutter speed like 1/60 for handheld shots with minimum aperture.

The partial or spot metering will allow bright lights in the background to "burn out" (overexpose). If you use the evaluative, the camera will be fooled by them and your shots will be too dark.

-- Preston Merchant (merchant@speakeasy.org), February 26, 2002.

First of all use slide film. Print film developers will likely use a machine that will adjust the exposure to 18% gray. Then just use your meter and then underexpose by 2 to 2.5 stops. Experiment first so you know what to expect. I've had excellent results with this method.

-- Victor (Catmanman@aol.com), February 26, 2002.