If you have an entry level camera such as the Canon Powershot SD1400IS
you will have some settings that will allow for an automated shot to be taken that will open the shutter for a longer than usual period of time that will allow you to achieve the long exposure effect. There may be a setting such as night mode or something like fireworks mode. These will all be automated settings and will allow minimal control over the long exposure image. This is however a small and lightweight camera which may allow you to get a shot that other cameras may not. With 14 mega-pixels and just $199 it is a good buy.
The next level camera to consider is the compact that has greater control over the settings such as the Canon S95
. These cameras will be at the upper level of the compact cameras so you can expect to pay a little more. This one is $399. This type of camera will allow control over the ISO settings, shutter speeds and maybe also the aperture. These are the settings that need to be adjusted to be able to achieve the long exposure effect to its best degree. Here are some example images
taken with this very camera. You will see that the camera has achieved the streaking lines and ghosting that is common in most long exposure photos. With the compact size it may also be able to achieve photos that a larger camera may not.
The digital SLR camera
is at the top level of cameras. This type of camera will allow the most flexibility when it comes to adjustment which is very important when taking long exposure photos. This is the Canon EOS 60D and will allow far greater adjustment than the smaller compact cameras. With 18 mega-pixels your image quality is very high. Long exposure images are commonly taken in low lighting situations so the higher the resolution the better. There is also a range of lenses
available to you so you are not stuck with the small limited range of the more compact cameras. There is quite literally limitless possibility with a camera like this and I highly recommend that if you are serious about taking long exposure images that you look at getting a digital SLR. This camera with a lens package is $1,199 and worth every cent. Here are some sample images taken with this camera.
Now if you are serious about long exposure photography and photography in general then you must have a tripod. This is the SLIK PRO 700DX
. It has a universal quick release camera mount and quick release legs to allow superior adjustment leaving you to concentrate more on your photography. The light weight construction and small size when the legs are stowed mean it can be taken with you without too much of a hassle. A tripod will allow your long exposure images to remain shake free and a solid and stable tripod such as this is a must have. This tripod is just $139.95. Cheaper less quality tripods will shake during a long exposure image and will cause you no end of problems.
Another essential accessory to consider is the remote control. Not all cameras will allow the addition of a remote control but if your camera will take it then a remote control is another must have. At around $10 to $30 it won't break the bank and will allow you to take shake free images as you can operate the camera without touching it. Some remote controls are wireless and others have a physical connection to the camera. Some cameras will also allow what is a shutter button extension which is essentially a universal way to allow the camera to be remote controlled. Again not all cameras will take a remote control so check with your manufacturer before purchase.
Now if you want to get serious about things then you will need a light meter. This will take some of the guess work out of taking your long exposure images. As the name suggests a light meter will tell you how much light is available and how to set your camera to best take advantage of this light. This is the Sekonic L-358
flash master light meter which is just $309. If you are taking long exposure images such as of fireworks then this can save you ruining the whole experience. With fireworks there is a limited window in which to get the ideal shot and a light meter like the tripod is essential.You can spend a little or a lot to be able to achieve long exposure photography but there are options available to you at all price points. Give it a go today.