The dynamic range of the Pentax K70 is just another example of the excellence of this APS-C sensor camera. Using the Pentax DA 18-135mm WR lens, I took the K70 into a little small town alley near my home just before dusk. You can watch my Youtube video below, or view the images in the gallery as well.

Shooting only handheld, I was able to get some very unique, colorful night photos with 3200 and 6400 ISO, and typically shooting at 1/60 or even as low as 1/40, with the lens wide open on the aperture (f/3.5 or f/4).

While there is noticeable noise in the sky portion of the images, which can be avoided using a tripod and low 100 ISO, I find that for social media, and other non-print or non-professional needs, this works fine. I enjoy the exploring and moving around more than standing still with a tripod. Though I've used a tripod extensively over the years with great results, I tend to prefer to be on the move lately. But you have to have a camera that can handle that, like the Pentax K70.

One of the selling points of the Ricoh GR III compact APS-C camera is the IBIS system (In-Body Image Stabilization), which is claimed to allow the user to handhold up to one second. I put this to the test in this night video, where I'm able to show the long-exposure by using passing cars in a small town, creating light-trails on Main Street.

This was a spur of the moment attempt, but I was very pleased with the results. Having thought through the process, I would have used the 2-second delay shutter to make sure to minimize camera shake even more while holding it in my hands instead of using a tripod. I also only went down to .8 seconds (next step is one full second), as again, I hadn't thought about going as low as possible, it was just an attempt at the time to get a decent light-trail.

The Ricoh GR III captures neon signs at night very well, but keeping the ISO down to a minimum is very important. The higher the ISO, the more light noise you will get in your shadows and blacks. While the Ricoh GR III does a great job with these shadows, it sometimes needs your help to keep the noise down.

In this video, I drive around Indianapolis' southside and photograph businesses with neon signs in hopes of making some interesting night images. I also explain the settings I'm using, and why I'm using them. I'm in the middle of experimentation of night photography with my Ricoh GR III, so check back weekly for more videos like this. However, you do not need to own a Ricoh GR III for these settings to work with your camera.