Long Exposure, Morning time ISO blues

[jjd1986]

For whatever reason, there is an intolerable amount of noise in this photo. I'm REALLY wondering why because I had my ISO set to 200, on a tripod for only 5 seconds.
Maybe it has something to do with the white balance, maybe that's a stupid thing to say. Somebody must be able to help me out.

I hope the noise is see-able with this file....

ExposureTime - 5 seconds
FNumber - 5.60
FocalLength - 23.00 mm

ISO Setting - 200
Image Quality - RAW
White Balance - AUTO
White Balance RB - 710
Flash Used - Not fired
Light Type - NATURAL

[JMarro]

Interesting shot... I like it, but id like to see it a bit more sharp whether that require post production or not. The noise is most likely caused from such a long exposure although 5 seconds isn't really that long. The noise isn't that noticeable at the size posted though.

[n_mazur]

What are you using for a camera?

[JFSanders]

There is a article on the signal to noise ratio and it's effects on sensors in this months "Digital Photo Pro" magazine. Just a excerpt from it. The noise level goes up in areas that are dark due to the snr drop. As in the noise level is more apparent because there is less signal. All sensors have a "noise floor" and all have a base level. Normally this is overcome by the signal but in dark photographs there is less signal to overpower the noise. My suggestion is to move your histogram toward the right and by doing so clipping off the noise at the dark end. You can do this a couple of ways. Working the capture from RAW is the easiest. There are books on low light/available light photography. The one I have is dated before the digital revolution but the processes are the same within reason.

[jjd1986]

Originally Posted by n_mazur

What are you using for a camera?

I am using a Nikon D40. Ya, I am a beginner sorta guy.

[jjd1986]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

My suggestion is to move your histogram toward the right and by doing so clipping off the noise at the dark end.

Ya know, i've actually heard that before.
Thanks for the suggestion. i look at finding those books.

[JFSanders]

I am a D40 guy as well. Great camera. Ken Rockwell has a bunch of good information on his website for the D40 as he loves the camera.

[jjd1986]

Originally Posted by JFSanders

I am a D40 guy as well. Great camera. Ken Rockwell has a bunch of good information on his website for the D40 as he loves the camera.

Cool, Thanks dude!

I appreciate your help. I will keep all this in mind later on.