Night photography

[ch_512]

Hello everybody, new guy here with a question or 2. First which is the best camera (specifically point and shoot) for taking pictures at night? I’ve been thinking of picking up the S3. But I saw the display at Circuit City, and noticed how it had lots of trouble focusing while completely zoomed in. I understand that the zoom may have problems locking in under low light conditions, but does the camera work well at night in general? I guess a tripod would help, but I’m referring to snapping pics of those things that may not be there by the time the pod is set up.

Thanks

[JTL]

All cameras have difficultly with low-light focusing. It is a matter of physics...

Typically, the larger the sensor, the better the low-light performance. If night shots are your thing, my advice would be to look at DSLRs. Not to say that with some skill and the right circumstances you can't take a good low-light photo using a non-DSLR. But for consistent results where you are in control a have the most flexibility...DSLR...

[nism]

yah JTL is right
can't beat DSLRs in night time photography

i own an s3
and here is what ive taken at night (it's not much)-both ISO 80
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/492/img0442a7rr.jpg
this was without tripod at full telephoto
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/6535/img0761a0qu.jpg
using slow shutter speed