What are the best digital camera settings for shooting an evening/nighttime cityscape? Thanks!?

Question

My Fujifilm S700 shows some noise when you get over ISO 400. I am wondering specifically, in Aperture Priority mode, what is a good Aperture setting? Thanks!

Answer 1

using a fast and wide lens won't reduce noise if you're using high ISO.

Just use slow exposure and a good tripod. I myself like to use either shutter priority or manual setting on my SLR.

Answer 2

First, you have to be able to keep the shutter open for several seconds. That means using manual control and setting the shutter to "B" or "T" - they mean the same. If your camera allows you to set long exposures, such as 15 seconds, you can use that.

Next you'll need a tripod and mechanical cable release. Some cameras have an "electric" cable release but it will not hold the shutter open unless you can physically set the shutter as high as 15 seconds. If you have to use "T" or "B", when the "electric" shutter release makes contact the shutter closes.

Perusing my trusty FotoSharp "Day & Night Exposure Calculator" (fotosharp.com) I'll choose scene # 14 - City Skyline In Distance.

ISO 100 f4 @ 8 seconds; f5.6 @ 15 seconds; f8 @ 30 seconds

ISO 200 f4 @ 4 seconds; f5.6 @ 8 seconds; f8 @ 15 seconds

If you have a 70-210mm zoom, you might like the effect created by composing at 70mm and then carefully zooming to 210mm during the exposure. Of course this will work with any zoom.

The times given above can also be used for "light trails". Find a vantage point away from extraneous light sources above a busy highway with the city skyline in the distance. Use the 15 second exposure. Headlights will be white streaks, taillights will be red streaks - and the city will be sharp and correctly exposed.

If you'd like to see examples just email me with your email addy and I'll send them.