The lovers of the Kamo river

Compare night pics taken with the Pentax K100D

All pics taken with the Sigma 18-200, at 18mm, in almost complete darkness. The first (with ISO 3200) was hand-held, with the others I put the camera on a wall and used a 12 second self-timer.

3200 ISO

3200 ISO
1/8 second
F. 3.5
18mm
Fully automatic
Hand held

1600 ISO

1600 ISO
1/4 second
F. 3.5
18 mm
Fully automatic

800 ISO

800 ISO
0.5 seconds
F. 3.5
18mm
Full auto

400 ISO

400 ISO
1 second
F. 3.5
18 mm

200 ISO

200 ISO
2 seconds
F. 3.5
18 mm
Full auto

Here it is

A Jizo

A peaceful jizo in a mossy garden at Sanzen-in, a temple in Ohara, near Kyoto (Japan). Jizo is the bodhisattva (one who devotes his or her life to freeing others from suffering) who plunges fearlessly into any place or situation to help those in need. Jizo specializes in helping women, children, and those who travel, on both physical and spiritual paths, hence their presence in Japanese Zen temples. Jizo embodies the qualities of benevolence, determination, and unflagging optimism. Bodhisattvas are not worshipped, but are an inspiration to awaken to the qualities of an enlightened being that are inherent in everyone.

Air Force 1

This is the mark that an unfortunate bird left on my building's window.

Darker bird

Taken from my balcony.
I work at home today, because I can! :)

Kids and dog in the park

Down at the river

A view from my balcony

Exposure compensation?

The first photo has exposure compensation (I think -1), the second has no exposure compensation. Both suck but for different reasons. Other photos with exposure compensation are even uglier, with everything except the sky very dark.

What should I do to take better pictures?