Low Light Handheld Photography Tips

Discuss everything including the optimal equipment, seasons, techniques and tips for capturing excellent photos.

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Matt
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Share those low-light, no tripod, shooting tips here.

A few to start:


Shoot JPG, rather than RAW. Modern camera built-in noise-reduction is far superior to PC software.

Run test shots to see if you are getting the desired shutter speeds. If not, up the ISO value.

Underexpose by 1/3 to 2/3 of a stop to get faster shutter speeds without upping the ISO value. Just up the exposure on the highlights in post processing if needed.

Lean up against anything you can when shooting. Rest your camera against any surface you can. Even the camera touching a solid surface, pole, or someone's shoulder can help stabilize it. If you have nothing, press the viewfinder up tightly against your eye.

Take a deep breath, shoot two shots when you exhale slowly. Pick the best of the two.

Make sure Image Stabilization is turned on and not in panning mode.
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Des219
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I am surprised that in camera noise reduction is better than PCs. I have had great results with Lightroom 4.
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Matt
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Posts: 13374
Joined: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:01 pm
Camera Model: Olympus OMD EM-1 m1, m2; Panasonic GM5, Osmo Pocket
Location: Rochester, NY
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Camera manufacturers know their sensors. They build the noise reduction to match what their sensors produce. Anything additional, is just... well, additional noise reduction on top of optimal.

For anyone who wants more, Topaz DeNoise is excellent.
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Des219
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That makes sense.
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