Best for low level light with no flash

[sean8373]

Hello all,

I am desperate for some impartial advice!! I am a private investigataor and I am after a reasonably priced camera that can take low level light shots. I have had the following cameras recommended by other P.I 's but could really do with some guidance. The light will more often than not be street light with the subject going at walking pace.


Canon EOS 400D, 20D, 300D or Nikon D40 D50

many thanks in advance for your help.


Sean

[Eastree]

The 20D has the same sensor as mine, a 30D. The noise becomes a bit excessive at ISO 1600, and worse from there. I hear the newer models have better low light performance, so I'd recommend 50D, or wait for the 60D to come out (or wait for the 60D so the price of the 50D drops)

But honestly, you may also be better off finding a used 5D since a full frame sensor will have better low light performance, for its ability to collect more photons per pixel.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by Eastree

The 20D has the same sensor as mine, a 30D. The noise becomes a bit excessive at ISO 1600, and worse from there. I hear the newer models have better low light performance, so I'd recommend 50D, or wait for the 60D to come out (or wait for the 60D so the price of the 50D drops)

But honestly, you may also be better off finding a used 5D since a full frame sensor will have better low light performance, for its ability to collect more photons per pixel.

+1

the 7D is pretty nice too but you can probably find a used 5D for a lower price.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by sean8373

Hello all,
I am desperate for some impartial advice!! I am a private investigataor and I am after a reasonably priced camera that can take low level light shots. I have had the following cameras recommended by other P.I 's but could really do with some guidance. The light will more often than not be street light with the subject going at walking pace.

Right now, Pentax K-x is by far the best-priced camera with outstanding low-light ability.

If you can afford to point an obvious big lens at your subject, get the Tamron or Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 lens (the f/2.8 being very important for low light).

If you can't, the Pentax 70mm f/2.4 Limited won't give you as much telephoto reach but is very compact.

[sean8373]

Thanks guys - much appreciated!!

[gturner]

Lets not forget that you need FAST lenses that can help you gather the most available light

[sean8373]

what does that mean???? I'm a novice!!

[Eastree]

Originally Posted by sean8373

what does that mean???? I'm a novice!!

Lenses with lower f/ numbers. On zooms and telephoto primes, it's not often to find faster than f/2.8. On normal and wide primes, the aperture can be (affordably) made even wider.

[mattdm]

Originally Posted by sean8373

what does that mean???? I'm a novice!!

I think for your use, it pretty much equals an f/2.8 zoom. The lower the f/number, the more light it lets in. That's why I suggested the lenses I did. Tamron and Sigma are well-respected third-party lens makers -- they make lenses to fit the major camera brands. (You have to get lenses with a mount specific to the camera brand you bought and they can't be interchanged.)

You'll be better off getting a cheaper camera and better lenses, although be careful which cheap camera, because not all of them are great at high ISO. (This is why I suggest the K-x – it definitely is. The Nikon D5000 would be another good choice, but it's more expensive.)

You can pay more for the official big-brand-name lenses, but I don't think that's important for your use. (The third-party lenses are around $800.) Unless you need it to be weather-sealed... (I'm envisioning TV shows now....)

[sean8373]

LOL, thanks Matt, its not as interesting as any TV Show I'm sure!!! I am slowly getting to grips with iit and your help has been really useful to someone who doesn't know alot about cameras - thanks again.


Sean