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Here are a couple of images to demonstrate what reasonable results might be achieved, hand held, in very low lighting conditions.

Both shots were 1 second at f/8, 120mm.

Both shots are converted from NEF, using Capture. Post processing was minimal, light noise reduction in Capture at the "better quality" setting of 8 and 6 respectively, before conversion. No other noise reduction was applied. After conversion, a mild contrast and sharpening was applied after resizing for the web.

Nikon D70s ,Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR
1s f/8.0 at 120.0mm iso1600 hand held

a single 60 watt bulb used for illumination


Nikon D70s ,Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR
1s f/8.0 at 120.0mm iso1600 hand held

If a kitten wasn't sleeping on my arm at the moment, I'd write more, but I really love that second shot... absolutely gorgeous.

Nnnnsic wrote:If a kitten wasn't sleeping on my arm at the moment, I'd write more, but I really love that second shot... absolutely gorgeous.

Thanks, Leigh. I've been wanting to shoot that shot for some time. This isn't what I wanted to capture, but it's close. I think I'll have to do some serious bracketing to get the shot that I envision.

At those speeds I am respectful of your handholding ability and technique Kerry. Excellent control of noise in the images. I like the moodiness of the second. Great effort.
marco

G'day Kerry,
Shows the difference skill makes, 1 second hand-held You must have nerves of steel! Oh and the first thing I noticed though... That little statue on the mantle looks like an Akita... Still miss my old fella who passed away a few years ago... Big fat cuddly bear that loved everyone...

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

Andrew: The statue is indeed, an akita. I have a pair of the real things, approximately 250lbs of dogs. My female weighs over 130lbs. They are a great breed. I really wish I'd had a good camera when they were young and looked their best.