How do I take good outdoor pictures at nighttime?

[rimbo]

Hi, just found this forum tonight. I have been using an A40 Powershot for a few weeks now and was wondering how to take good night time pictures of say Christmas lights outdoors. What settings do I need to change on the camera? 8)

[Klaus DK]

I recommend A (aperturepriority) for most shots. Let your camera decide how fast a shutter. If the pic comes out too light (blown highlights) you must compensate i.e with +1 on the light.

If you go to my latest nighshot from London - you will be able to read the EXIF data - and copy the technique. BTW I used iso400 for this shot - less will work fine though.
Always put on solid ground or tripod. NEVER freehanded.

http://www.pbase.com/image/7846895&exif=Y

And feel free to look around. There's several nightshots under
the LOACATIONS GALLERY.