Shutter Speeds

[Jon1001]

Hi everyone.

I am quite interested in 'light graffiti' using slow shutter speeds and have been trying it out recently. The problem is, my camera doesn't really have a long enough shutter speed (only 4 seconds). I was hoping to find advice on where I can find a camera with a good long shutter speed. I am certainly no professional and don't want to pay too much for a camera. I will probably look into getting a second hand one, but if you could recommend any makes/models that would be great. Thanks very much.

Jon

[DinoS]

most people look for a faster lens, but a slower one is probably the cheapest lens you can find.

or the sensible option is buying a ND filter which holds back light and makes the shutter speed longer

hth

mark

[DinoS]

sorry cokin P filters are meant to be pretty good

[Messiah Khan]

most people look for a faster lens, but a slower one is probably the cheapest lens you can find.

or the sensible option is buying a ND filter which holds back light and makes the shutter speed longer

hth

mark

But this isn't going to help if the maximum shutter speed is 4 seconds.

Jon, what sort of budget you talking about? You could probably pick a second hand DSLR for around £150-£200. There are quite a few different models, but you might want to have a look at the Canon 350D, Nikon D40, and then I should also mention Olympus and Pentax so as to not have my head bitten off.;) All (I think) DSLRs will allow you to go up to 30 second exposures + bulb which allows you to open the shutter for as long as you have your finger on the button.

[Roody262]

Canons powershot cameras such as the G5 G6 G7 and G9 offer all the functions of a D-SLR in a compact camera. My uncle has a G5 and he swears by it and i must say the results are impressive for a 5 megapixel compact camera. You can pick one up second hand on ebay for under 100 quid.

Dan

[Jon1001]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm actually not looking to buy something straight away but thought I would do a bit of research anyway, so I don't really know what my budget is yet. At the moment, I don't want to be spending too much over £100 but if I start doing more photography and feel it would be worth it in the long run, I might change my mind. I think the g5 looks pretty good as I am looking for something that isn't too bulky either. A friend also recommended a sony cybershot with a 30 sec shutter speed but the newer versions don't seem to have the long shutter speed.

[Marcel]

I would recommend something like a G5 too. It's a 'bridge' camera, in that it features very similar shooting features to DSLR's without the expense and requirement of expensive lenses etc.

Think of it as a compact camera with lots of creative controls (Including a shutter speed up to 30 seconds too IIRC).

[Jon1001]

I've been looking around a little more and found the Olympus e-410 (http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/dslr_E-410.htm). From my limited knowledge, the specs are good but has anyone used/seen one. Is it any good?