Night pictures

EmoLip · May 23, 2007

The other night I was trying to take pictures of the moon. For some reason when I switched my camera to night mode, the shudder speed was extra slow. I switched it to automatic and I had the same deal. All my pictures were blurred. What do I do in order to take better night pictures? Any tips?

I am currently using a Canon Rebel XTi.

Thanks.

deadtoaster2 · May 23, 2007

Are you using a tripod? If not that is an absolute must to take good night photos.

EmoLip · May 23, 2007

We are looking into tripods soon. But is there any way to get around the slow shudder speed? Or is that the reason for the tripod?

Garbz · May 23, 2007

Taking a photo of the moon properly exposed is not a night shot. The moon is very bright and a fast shutter and ordinary aperture would suffice.

As for actual night shots (which would result in the moon looking more like the sun) the light levels are low, and therefore the shutter speed needs to be slowed down to allow more light to excite the light sensors or expose film.

The only way around it is to let more light in (not an option at this extreme level), or up the sensitivity (also not an option because of the high noise levels). A tripod or some other support for the camera is a must.