[Christopher M.W.T]

I took it at 200 ISO, 30sec F2.8 at 17mm shot in Raw and converted to jpeg with no retouching.

I'd like some commentary as to what I did wrong with the photo in terms of shooting and post.

To me the photo straight out is noisy but i'm sure its more my usage and settings than the camera.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/3726497398_388204ce48_o.jpg (full size)

Flickr: More detail about NIGHTTEST (exif data)

Love some help thanks.

[Mike Cash]

Hard to tell what (if anything) you did wrong because it is hard to tell what the heck you were trying to do in that shot. Can't tell what you missed if we can't figure out what you were aiming at.

[Christopher M.W.T]

I was trying to capture the stars and dark sky.

[Steak76]

What are the light coloured bits? Try re-shooting with them/it out of the frame - either move the camera, or zoom in (couldn't see in the exif if you had a zoom or a prime?)

Also, try a smaller aperture and longer exposure, if you've got a remote.

[PinarelloOnly]

With a 30 sec. exposure your camera is rotating with the earth.

Or maybe you want stars streaking like that?

[Christopher M.W.T]

What are the light coloured bits? Try re-shooting with them/it out of the frame - either move the camera, or zoom in (couldn't see in the exif if you had a zoom or a prime?)

Also, try a smaller aperture and longer exposure, if you've got a remote.

17-70mm Sigma zoom.

[Christopher M.W.T]

With a 30 sec. exposure the earth is rotating and your camera isn't.
Or maybe you want stars streaking like that?

I want the stars to streak.

My concern is it does seem quite noisy at 100 iso, hence why i'm wondering what i'm doing wrong.

[Ash]

Doesn't seem like the right approach.
ISO 100 captures don't guarantee noise free images if you have to 'push' them to correct major underexposure (which it seems you have).

You'll need to read up a little more on how to create star trails - long exposures via B mode and a shutter release cable (for minutes, even hours, rather than seconds), smaller aperture with accurate focusing, higher ISO (according to location - very hard in cities due to interfering street lights) and a lot of patience.

[Christopher M.W.T]

Doesn't seem like the right approach.
ISO 100 captures don't guarantee noise free images if you have to 'push' them to correct major underexposure (which it seems you have).

You'll need to read up a little more on how to create star trails - long exposures via B mode and a shutter release cable (for minutes, even hours, rather than seconds), smaller aperture with accurate focusing, higher ISO (according to location - very hard in cities due to interfering street lights) and a lot of patience.

Cheers

I'm at this point experimenting trying to understand and learn my camera.

Then whats the approach if I want to capture a decent snapshot of the sky without trails.

[Christopher M.W.T]

I should note that I'm in the worst location to experiment to, Melbourne just outside the CBD, but it's the best I have to work with until I return to Geelong in a months time.

[PinarelloOnly]

Looking at the exif data your brightness and contrast is too high. I think that is a big part of your noise problem.

[Christopher M.W.T]

Looking at the exif data your brightness and contrast is too high. I think that is a big part of your noise problem.

Then how do I adjust this?

I've left the factory camera settings as is.

[wildlifephotog]

Were the lights on in the apartment or house where this was taken?

You have to try to eliminate as much light as possible. Use a lens hood to help with stray side lights.

[Christopher M.W.T]

Were the lights on in the apartment or house where this was taken?

You have to try to eliminate as much light as possible. Use a lens hood to help with stray side lights.

Taken on the balconvy with the camera facing up.

[wildlifephotog]

You still have to kill the interior lights. They are bouncing off the balcony like a reflector in a studio. This will multiply the LP and kill contrast.