Night shots in Vegas

cbrdave1311 · Dec 8, 2004

I have a Nikon D70 and was wonering what the best setting would be to get lights at night in Vegas?

Ant · Dec 9, 2004

The P setting should be fine but you'll definitely need a tripod.

Don't use auto because it will then pop the flash, which will not only be useless but will fool the camera into thinking it's got more light than it has.

You could also try one of the automatic scene modes. I think the D70 has a night scene mode. I have a D70 too but I've never used any of those automatic scene modes so I'm not familiar with them. Whichever setting you choose though a tripod is a must.

Oh and BTW if you're interested in camera shops don't use any on the strip...they're a rip-off. There's an excellent camera shop called 'Casey's cameras' on Tropicana avenue.

Fullpower · Dec 9, 2004

as referenced in the owners manual: try the night landscape mode. tripod or improvised steady rest is recommended.

cbrdave1311 · Dec 9, 2004

Thanks I have been trying different settings. I will practice on Christmas lights. Will the flash ruin nightshots? Just got the camera and going to vegas in January. Nothing to practice on around here its pretty ugly.

celery · Dec 9, 2004

Hope you like people in you shots cause taking pictures on the strip is seriously difficult.

I live in vegas, and the best ways to take pictures of the city are from high up and away from the tourist traffic.

I'd reccommend the top of the stratosphere or the roof parking on various casinos.

You definately don't need a flash in vegas. Vegas simply has a lot of lights. And red rock is fairly bland to photograph. We have kind of pale blue/grey blue skies and usually crappy looking air from the pollution.

Yeah, if you can't tell, I don't like living here. Oh well, have to make due.

cbrdave1311 · Dec 11, 2004

Why do you hate vegas? Too busy for me! Dont know how old you are but what are the good clubs to got to? CAN YOU BRING YOUR CAMERA IN THE CLUBS? That would be cool.

Oh yeah! Crappy come visit Ohio. The grass is always greener on the other side!

celery · Dec 12, 2004

I'm 22, and I have no clue about the rules regarding photography in clubs.

And besides that, I don't know which clubs are the hot ones. I don't really go to clubs as they're full of tourists. In fact, I stay away from the strip as much as possible.

walter23 · Dec 12, 2004

cbrdave1311 said:
I have a Nikon D70 and was wonering what the best setting would be to get lights at night in Vegas?

Try something like 2 seconds, ISO 200, f/5.6

If that doesn't work, muck with the exposure time a bit until you get it right.. anywhere between 0.5 seconds and 10 seconds depending on the light levels. You coul d probably get away with handheld exposure times (like 1/60th) if you set your camera to ISO 800 or ISO 1600 and use a fast f/1.8 or f/2 lens, like the 50mm f/1.8

cbrdave1311 · Dec 12, 2004

I went to the library and got a book but it does not cover night shots well. Thanks for the advice I am going to write it down and put it in my camera bag. Will the 1600 speed make the photo grainy?

DocFrankenstein · Dec 12, 2004

Noisy rather

craig · Dec 12, 2004

Freemont st is the cool part of Vegas to us. I think if you kept your ISO at 200 you will be happier with the results. Also try using the tungsten white balance. A tripod is a must. It will be a tricky lighting situation so try lots of different combinations.

Shooting inside a casino strictly prohibited. When playing cards keep your hands on the table.