Last night provided a good opportunity to head to downtown Des Moines with my new Panasonic Lumix LX5 to test out its night scene capability. The LX5 is billed as one of the most advanced point and shoot cameras available. Since its debut in August of this year it has been getting rave reviews. The LX5 is unique among many point and shoot models in that with the aid of a lens adapter you can use filters and additional lenses. The camera also has a hot shoe for attaching an external flash. Additionally it has aperture settings and a sensor that rival DSLRs but without the extreme cost and bulk. The built in lens will also go down to 24mm, alot wider than most cameras in its class. With the add on wide angle lens you can go down to 18mm. I can't wait to get out and shoot some new listings when my wide angle lens arrives.

The aperature and sensor allow for good clarity at low light levels without the use of additional lighting. Curious about its capability I read through the manual and grabbed the camera and a tripod and headed downtown and started shooting. I was pretty amazed at the results. It was alot of fun taking the photos. I met several people who were curious about what I was doing and who were palpably excited when they saw the results. I think I may have sold a few more LX5s for Panasonic! Fortunately the camera comes with a good developer software program called Silkypixs so the images can be worked to produce many interesting effects. The images are best enjoyed in my opinion by listening to the accompanying video, Downtown by Petula Clark....

Pedestrian Bridge over the Des Moines river south of Court Avenue

 Looking down East Locust Ave towards the state capitol

Court Avenue entertainment district

 12th St between Locust and Walnut Streets

Parking garage and fire station at SW 9th St. and Mulberry.

 Petula Clark sings Downtown!!

   

Contact Matt Grohe Realtor® RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts - 3125 Douglas Ave #205 Douglas Ave. Des Moines, IA , or call 515-988-3726 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive, Johnston, Urbandale, Ankeny, Waukee, Norwalk, Carlisle or surrounding areas.

Online at: http://www.MyIowaHome.com

 

10 Comments on Downtown Des Moines night scenes

DEC
10
2010
627,500 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Matt, these photos are beautiful.  That is a great camera.  I"ve never had much luck taking photos at night.  I have a Nikon with an extra wide angle lens.  Just haven't taken time to work the settings.
11:20pm • #1
Called Shot Master

Just what I was shopping for.  Awesome prints==nightitme.  Give yourself credit.  The eye is the 1st critic.
11:23pm • #2
137,121 Points Outside Blog

Great camera that captured the night shots beautifully. I'm a camera buff myself, love photography.
11:24pm • #3
DEC
11
2010
131,200 Points

Matt...great pictures! I was raised and graduated from high school in Des Moines years ago. It brings back wonderful memories. Thanks.
2:56am • #4
238,128 Points 6 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kay: Thanks. I never had much luck either until I got this camera!

Ross: Cheers. I was surprised at the results from what was my first night shoot.

Carla: Getting good shots that can be enjoyed long after the event is really satisfying.

Doyle: There's something really unique about Des Moines. Hope you're enjoying Austin.

 
9:05pm • #5

Matt these are great shots! Looks like you could get yourself a part-time job in the area and give some local photogs some competition! :-)
9:33pm • #6
1,210,622 Points 118 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Matt,

that was an excellent explanation about the camera, but when I scroll down to the photos, I was stunned. Gorgeous photos, and a terrific attest to the camera, and you, the man behind the lenses
11:59pm • #7
DEC
12
2010
1,210,622 Points 118 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Matt, I clicked the YouTube video, and really enjoyed the song. 1964, you surprised me a bit. I think it was way before you were born

Thanks for the gift of a great song, and so well going to your post, even if it is from the 60s.
12:03am • #8
DEC
17
2010
365,166 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Very cool photos Matt. Quite astounding for a point and shoot. Panasonic will be happy with you for such a great review.:-)
7:32pm • #9
DEC
18
2010
524,053 Points 6 Featured Posts

Youi have a good eye and goot aim to catch the shots right! Kudos to you
5:02am • #10

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