New to the G9 world ... Going to Vegas, looking for help :o)

Hi Everyone ...

I'm new to this forum as well as to the G9 world ... My old 5 MP Sony finally crapped out after 6 years of use ... I've been wanting to learn more about advanced photography over the past couple years and I didn't want to step straight into a DSLR, so I thought this G9 would be great for me to use as an every day type camera but yet still learn how to become comfortable with some of the more advanced settings and practices ...

I picked the camera up yesterday at BB after I had them price match the current CC deal. I also picked up an 8 Gig card from New Egg that should be here tomorrow. I'm currently using the supplied card for learning and practicing ...

So, the wife and I will be going to Vegas next week and I'd like to get more familiar with this camera before we go and I'm doing lots of reading and experimenting.

The question that I have for you more experienced users is, can someone give me a few tips as to the settings that you've seen work best while photographing night time scenes (I've got to get a few good night-neon shots) as well as settings for inside casinos and outside during sunny days. I understand that these will vary given the exact conditions of the shot, but some great starting points would be much appreciated.

I'll be shooting from my hands, not with a tripod, so I assume that I should use some sort of stabilization setting as well ...

Thank all,
TIM

I didn't shoot any shots in Vegas proper but did use the G9 I picked up in Vegas out at the Valley of Fire and Red Rocks Canyon. I highly recommend both of these trips....VOF perhaps an hours away and Red Rocks is about 30 minutes....a nice break from the glitter....just so you know....VOF closes at sunset, RR at 5pm....

Have fun...

Nick

I'll be in Vegas this summer as well...Have fun.

Tim,

Here are a couple of suggestions. If you won't be using a tripod, look around for something stationary to set the camera on or brace it against - light pole, bench, slot machine,whatever. Myself, I would use Manual exposure, but if you're not comfortable with that, try one of the "Scene" settings, like Fireworks, or maybe just Program.

I'd stick with the lower ISOs, like 80 or 100.

Check your shots after shooting, zooming in as much as possible to check for sharp focus.

I'm sure others will chime in with other tips. Enjoy yourself. With and 8GB card, you should have plenty of storage to use.

Nick

Set the camera down on something firm or get a small tabletop tripod that be carried in a purse or pocket. I use an ultrapod, it's compact,has a velcro strap so it can attach to other opjects, plus it's inexpensive. As long as the camera is stable you can get some great shots with the G9. Learn to activate the 2 second self timer and use it trigger the shot this is to settle down any camera shake from pressing the shutter button.

http://www.pedcopods.com/products.htm

This is cool, cheap, and easy...

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1041948/1_image_stabilizer_for_any_camera_lose_the_tripod/

for a stable platform to sit the camera on why not buy or make a small "bean bag." It will conform to most surfaces and will be easy to carry. Great for sitting in an open car window should you decide to pull over and snap that once in a lifetime scenic.

Enjoy your camera.
--

'Money may buy you a fine dog, but only love can make it wag its tail.' - Kinky Friedman, musician.

The POD is a cool small beanbag with a tripod mount on it.

Works GREAT and is about $13

Have fun on the trip. As others have suggested, I would get some type of stabilizing tool. I can understand not wanting to lug a tripod, but in order to get the best possible night shots, they will need to be ISO 80 and without movement. We are probably talking 2-5 second exposures - way too long for hand held, even with IS.

Have a look at this item: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/239957-REG/Ultrapod_PD01020_Ultrapod_1_Black.html

I have one and it is almost always with me. I can place my rangefinder on it, as well as any point and shoot camera. Worth it's price the first time you use it.

With the G9, why not use Program mode? It will leave you to enjoy Vegas and focus on what you are shooting. When I used my G9 (now sold, but that is another story), I either used it in full Manual mode, or Program mode. When using Program mode, I typically kept it on Auto ISO. In Manual, I selected the ISO myself. Be sure to use ISO 80 when taking long exposure shots!

This is a good read on the G9: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/G9-Japan.shtml

Other than that, just ask. I am happy to help out. The G9 is an awesome camera. I think you will enjoy it - plus you can really grow into the camera.
--
Joe - Philadelphia, Pa
http://www.joecorvaia.com

If you are staying on the strip, another tip is to get out there early one morning right before sunrise to capture beautiful emerging light. People and cars will be mostly gone and you'll wind up with some great shots. You'll be able to walk and shoot from open areas that are usually clogged with cars during the day.

I tried this and got some good ones. And it had rained the night before, so the streets remained wet and it made for some interest.
--
5D and G9
Happy together.
My day job: http://www.techsign.com

Thanks everyone for the great comments and links, they are very much appreciated ...

Wish me luck !!!

I love neon signs, so I can help you out there. Shoot in RAW mode. Digital cameras, all of them, do a crappy job on colour when it comes to neon. The signs will look great, but the colour will be lousy. RAW gives you much more flexibility to get the colours right afterwards. Actually, there's really no good reason to not shoot in RAW all the time.
--
Bob
http://flickr.com/photos/bomobob/

Good Luck (from Brazil).

Don't forget to post some pics here..

I love using Raw, but sinse I love taking lots and lots of pictures, It's a pain to convert and corect all the pictures.. that's the reson I use Raw in a few pictures.

With the 8 Gig card, I plan to use the RAW + JPEG option ... I would think that I should still be able to take lots of shots ... Thanks again everyone !!!

Not a G9, but Robert Deutsch has some great night shots of Vegas with his A620 here:

http://www.pbase.com/phile/las_vegas&page=all

settings may be helpful.

Here's a link to a few pics taken with the then new A570 at PMA 2007:

Have fun!

Las Vegas is okay if you like all the lights and action....some great people shots also.

You may want to try and get to the Valley of Fire, about an hour north. Well worth the trip..

http://picasaweb.google.com/MadisonPhotography/NewAlbum12508958PM

Nick