XZ-1 - Low Light Questions

[Liz]

Low light shots are tricky with the XZ-1. Have you tried the "Low light" option on the camera? It does better than if you are using auto.

Also, you can manually set the ISO to 100 (usually best) or 200. However, that tends to keep the shutter speed too slow so you end up with soft/blurry pics.

I haven't tried manually setting the ISO as well as the shutter speed. I think you can set the ISO to 100 - then put in S mode and manually set the shutter.

Most people prefer RAW with this camera, but personally I don't have time to do much post-processing. I usually use PSE7 to edit my pics, normally just tweaking them. However, I don't do very large prints, etc, and 8x10 is my limit - you really have to pixel peep at that size to see much difference.

I haven't had much time to try out the XZ-1 so I'm not the expert here! But the above just might work.

Liz

[weilkevin]

I try to avoid Auto as much as possible with this camera. I'm attempting to learn as much as I can about the process and not just treat it like a simple point and shoot. Its more gratifying to me when I have more control over my images. With that said, I have tried Low Light mode and haven't been super happy with it. Unfortunately I don't have a ton of time for post processing either but if at some point I am forced to shoot low light, I would rather just take a ton of RAW images and process them when I do have time, than end up with poor quality JPEGs.

Thanks all for your input, its been enlightening

[Liz]

I try to avoid Auto as much as possible with this camera. I'm attempting to learn as much as I can about the process and not just treat it like a simple point and shoot. Its more gratifying to me when I have more control over my images. With that said, I have tried Low Light mode and haven't been super happy with it. Unfortunately I don't have a ton of time for post processing either but if at some point I am forced to shoot low light, I would rather just take a ton of RAW images and process them when I do have time, than end up with poor quality JPEGs.

Thanks all for your input, its been enlightening

Good for you! You are certainly on the right track and have the right attitude toward a rather challenging learning experience. I'm impressed with your willingness to learn in order to get the best that you can get.

RAW is definitely the way to go with this camera. It is capable of producing wonderful images, especially using RAW - and in the right hands.

I look forward to seeing what you can do in the future. :thumbsup:

Liz