I believe I need to purchase a flash for the new camera with the new digital (although the lenses were). The flash we already have for the 35mm was not compatible. I was trying to take a picture of this wonderful desert sunset and was not happy with the results. At nightfall it is pitch black around here as lighting is limited (there are a number of observatories in Tucson and we actually have "light pollution" ordinances.... this makes for awesome star-filled skies but very, very dark conditions). Perhaps I can post the picture and you can advise me as to whether the flash would make a difference or perhaps it's the photographer's lack of skills which requires correction :rolleyes:
~Lisa

I don't think a flash would help with a sunset as it is too far away. Post your picture so we can see. I love taking pictures of sunsets.

As Jan said before,a flash couldn't help you,if its too dark you would need a tripod and exposures of 20-30 seconds of longer

I agree with everyone. You would need a tripod and a long exposure to get something good at night. Try to use the remote control or the self timer to avoid the shake :)

Olly

:) Thank you Jan, Douma & Olly! I am going back to the "drawing board" and will work on this shot. The good news is we do have a tripod and because we have these sunsets often enough, I will work on perfecting this shot. I want to get it right because it can be truly spectacular on some evenings.

Lisa, here are some links that might help you :)
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understandexposure.shtml
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/d60-night.shtml
If you live in the desert, night photography can be great as you do not get all the city light.

Olly

Lisa i want to ask you with what remote control your camera works? My Canon Eos D60 doesn't work with an uncord(spell?) control and the remote control that works well my camera isn't available at this time
Also when you want to take photos on "Bulb" you have to hold the button of the camera during the expose; or hold once and then release it when the expose would finish?
That is a problem to me, because,first my tripod is very light for a camera like that,and second if i hold the button with my finger the photo will turn out shaked for sure

Sophia, according to what I read, the bulb mode will keep the shutter open as long as you keep the shutter button depressed and apparently it is unlimited. Fortunately the optional remote switch can relieve you of having to hold the button down yourself ;) Take a look at the Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 from http://www.canoncompanystore.com/epages/annex.storefront?ProductDetail=2477A002AA
This is a remote switch with an 2.6ft cord and a self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer, and exposure-count setting feature.
The timer can be set anywhere from 1 second to 99 hours. A new dial enables you to easily enter the numeric settings with a single thumb. The LCD panel can also be illuminated. It has the new N-3 type connector, which locks with a simple push.

The rear of the Controller has a slot to store the camera's remote control socket cap.

Models:
EOS 20D, EOS 10D, 1D, D60, D30, D2000, 1v/1vHS, 3


With the Coolpix 5000, the bulb mode is limited to 5mn maximum. I don't know for the D70 as I haven't tried it yet.

Olly

Olly, i went to buy a Remote Switch or a Timer Remote Controller and they are both not available at this time ,the salesman(Canon agency) told me they don't know when Canon produce them again
I will search again,maybe i find one at another shop

I think they still produce them as they are available for sale on the Canon' site (the link I posted). Problem with that store is they only ship to the US.
Find a better store :)
I think it's expensive ($210) for what it does, but then I do not take long night photos very often :p

Oh Douma... I'm sorry I missed your question earlier... not that I would be much help. I do not have a remote timer yet and Olly answered your question so much better than I ever could. Sorry :rolleyes:

I did find this remote timer on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009XVA3/qid=1109198669/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl23/102-1918913-7780901?v=glance&s=photo&n=507846
I believe it says it's compatible with your camera.

This is the same one Olly mentioned (I think) but it is less expensive and Amazon does ship internationally. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing about the remote. I will let you know when I figure how I should use one :rolleyes: