We're visiting Russia and Scandinavia in May (on Grandeur of the Seas) and would like some advice about photography. I have a fairly basic APS camera. No flash photography is allowed inside the Hermitage museum and I can set my camera so that flash does not go off. If I use 800 film, will I get some decent shots? Anyone with firsthand advice, I'd really appreciate any advice. Would a digital camera be better?

I cannot speak for the Hermitage, but I have had great success taking pictures in the Louvre, d'Orsay and Metropolitan Museum of Art using 800 film without flash.

likewise i have had very good luck with pictures in museums without a flash...have never used 800, but 400 is great and so is 200 if there is "some" lite....this would not include pictures of whole rooms in a palace, but would include a picture of a painting or sculpture if some lite is present....it helps to be able to contril the speed and f stop if you have that available...point and shoots are disappointing, even if they are convenient and easy to carry...its all i use now, but i keep threatening to go back to my older standard 33mm version

You will have good luck with either a digital or regular camera in the Hermitage, you pay extra for camera permit. Most of the rooms have good lighting, watch out for reflections from glass. Take lots of film with you.

Following up on my earlier comment, if you want to see what the results are of using 800 film in a point-and-shoot camera at the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and Les Invalides in Paris, check out some of my photographs on:<BR>http://www.traveurope.net/fodorite/fodor.htm<BR>Then, click on &quot;Howard's Paris Pictures&quot;<BR>Then, clink on the following:<BR>Through the Arch<BR>Venus<BR>Michelangelo<BR>Musee D'Orsay<BR>Les Invalides

Thanks to all, especially HowardR....your photos are amazing! Gives me hope! I am amazed that within 10 minutes of posting this I had 4 responses. What a great board and what great people!

Check your camera to see if it has a tripod socket. If it does, they sell tiny...about 4 inch long...tripods with bendable legs that work well on these little cameras. You can usually find a ledge or a chair or bench to set your camera on to take the picture.<BR><BR>Attach your tripod...they weigh next to nothing...turn your flash off, and take your shot using the self timer. You should have good results.<BR><BR>I have a little tutorial about how I use small point &amp; shoot cameras that may help you get the most out of yours. If you'd like to read it, go here:<BR><BR>http://www.jimtardio.com/olympus-epic.html<BR><BR>I use a small 35mm camera, but the same suggestions apply to an APS like yours. Your 800 film should be fine. I'd wager that 400 would work just as well.<BR><BR>have a great trip.<BR><BR>

I will reiterate what others are saying. I used a Nikon Coolpix 950 at the Hermitage sans flash and had great results during the daytime hours (May, approaching White Nights). As mentioned, be sure to get your camera permit. Some may find it tempting to try and 'save' a few dollars, but this is one of only a few ways they have to raise funds to preserve an unbelievable collection and maintain an incredible venue.

In Aug 2001 used Canon Elph LT260 with 800 APS film -- are not &quot;pro&quot; photographers. Some pictures were taken by DH, but I also snatched the camera to take quick shots (very very much the point &amp; shot person). All came out great as vacation memories which is our only reason for taking photos. You will certainly get decent pictures &amp; if you are good at composition of your photos many will be exceptional. Enjoy! Do remember Mona Winks advice: select your &quot;areas of interest&quot;; like the Louvre seeing all is not a day's event.

Dawnprincess, a few tips about taking pictures in a museum:<BR>1. The interior of the building itself offers many photo ops. (This was certainly true of the Louvre and, to a lesser degree, the d'Orsay. And, I've got to believe the Hermitage will offer the same opportunities.)<BR>2. Be patient...and considerate of others. If there's a crowd around a piece of art that you want to photograph, just wait a few minutes until the crowd has moved...unless, of course, you want that crowd in your picture.<BR>3. Don't expect the photographs you take of paintings to be &quot;award-winners.&quot; If you're like me, you taking them solely as reminder of the artwork that impressed you and that you want to remember. (For me, this was especially true in the d'Orsay, as I am a huge lover of the Impressionists. Sure, I could have bought postcards in many cases, but with photography as my #1 hobby, I wanted the photos to truly reflect my experience.)<BR>4. As usual, Jim Tardio has given excellent advice above . However, while it's nice to have tripod, it's not absolutely necessary. <BR>PS: To show the variety of my successful experiences of using 800 film, check out my photo of the Eiffel Tower at night on the previously mentioned website. That was taken without a tripod.

Once again, many thanks to all of you for such good advice. We'll only be in St. Petersburg for a day and a half and will be participating in the ship's shore excursion. Our time in the Hermitage is limited and will focus on the Gala Rooms of the Winter Palace and just a few of the painting collections. Since the rooms are my main interest, this suits me fine. Thanks againn for all your help!<BR><BR>Nancy

Photos of the Hermitage as well as river trip from St Petersburg to Rostov are at: http://www.imagestation.com/members/wu687