P3D RE: what shutter speed

["David W. Kesner" <drdave@xxxxxxxxxx>]

In p3d digest 3120 Mark Dottle asks about exposures for 
Christmas lights.

I have had relatively good success using f11 at 8 seconds for 
"normal" lighting and maybe 5 seconds for those houses with 
40,000 watts or when there is a lot of reflection from snow. If you 
don't mind a bit of halo-ing the longer times work, but if you are 
trying to get crisp edges to the individual bulbs you will need to try 
the shorter times. I personally like a "soft" edge to the bulbs so go 
for the longer exposures.

But that was back when I was using a 2.8 Realist. Now that I have 
an RBT X3 I simply frame the shot, focus, choose an fstop, open 
the shutter and let the camera close when it is ready. Although I 
haven't tried this on Christmas lights I have done this on neon lights 
at the state fair (rides, midway, etc.) I am really impressed with the 
camera's light metering - it has been right on in all the shots. I have 
been waiting for some snow before I go out this year, but I might 
have to give up as all we are getting here is cold.

That's all for now,

David W. Kesner
Boise, Idaho, USA
drdave@xxxxxxxxxx


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