(OT) Cameras in low light

[jvetterli-Rn4VEauK+AKRv+LV9MX5uipxlwaOVQ5f at public.gmane.org]

On Tue, Jan 06, 2009 at 01:13:29PM -0500, William Muriithi wrote:
> John,
> > Look for a large aperture -- this is usually indicated on the lens; it
> > will read something like "5.0-20.0mm 1:2.8-5.8" or "5.0-20.0mm
> > F2.8/5.8".  The "F-number" (or that ratio) indicates the aperture size
> > -- smaller numbers mean a larger aperture, and better performance in dim
> > light.
> Hmm, like an eye, in darkness the aperture widens. Would there be
> cameras with adjustable aperture?
> > If you're going to shoot scenes that aren't moving, look for a camera
> > that can handle long exposures (look at the camera's shutter speed in
> > the specifications -- the longer you can set the shutter speed, the
> > less light you need).  You need to use a tripod to do this, though.
> Ok, now I think I would rather have a camera that can not see in dark
> than one that will need me to be still during picture capturing. The
> whole goal of owning a digital camera is to take pictures
> spontaneously. Or from a moving vehicle without having the picture
> being blurred.

Uh-oh.  I think I may have misled you somewhere.

Almost all cameras, including cheap point-and-shoot cameras, are able to 
adjust both the aperture size and shutter speed.  Most, including cheap 
point-and-shoots, can make the adjustment automatically.  A camera that 
works in low light (even if you have to use a tripod) will work even 
better in daylight (without a tripod, even in a moving car).

HTH
JV
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