BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Available Light in Photography

Photography Question 

Sarah
 

Low-Light Indoor Photography


I am getting ready to buy a DSLR camera. I am currently using a high optical zoom camera (Canon S3). I am having difficulty getting good exposures indoors without using flash. I am going to invest in a Canon or Nikon, and am debating between XT/XTI and Nikon D50. I have held both in the store and like both of them. Which camera works better in low-light situations with less noise? I am also planning on investing in the 50mm f/1.8 lens and a speedlight. Thanks for any help.


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January 25, 2007

 

Ibarionex R. Perello
  Both cameras are very good performers when it comes to shooting at low light at high ISOs. The biggest factor will be the lens. The 50 f/1.8 is definitely the lens to consider for the type of photography you are considering. If will provide you with much better results than the current camera with its slower lens. Don't hesitate to increase ISO as needed because that will be crucial to maintaining a fast enough shutter speed to ensure sharp results.


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January 25, 2007

 

Sarah
  Thank you for your response. Do you think it's better to get a 20D or 70D instead of the XT/XTI or D50? Is it better to go with "newer" models/technology. I've seen some good deals on the 20D and 70D. Thanks.


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January 25, 2007

 

Ibarionex R. Perello
  For the purposes of low-light shooting, any of these cameras would be good. Though older, the 20d and D70 are very good cameras. Unless, you see a features that you think will aid you in a particularly type of photography, I think you would be fine with the 20d or D70. New technology is always fun, but not always necessary for everyone's work.


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January 25, 2007

 

Darren K. Fisher
  I have the XT and have used the XTI both are great for what you are wanting to use them for. If I were you I would go ahead and take the step up to the XTI just for the larger LCD screen and extra pixles. I myself am very pleased with my XT and the lack of noise on my images. Also the XT and I am sure the XTI does as well, it has a noise reducer feature in camera.


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January 30, 2007

 

Mikael Orbratt
  I have a D70 and it performs very well in low light, with a high ISO. However, just like previous responses indicates any camera, Nikon or Canon, will make you happy. It's just a matter of how much you want to spend. Even the D40 is a very good camera (with ISO 3200!). Just look at the features and what you might need. I guess that it is more than just "low-light indoor photography" that you are looking for. Which lens(es) to go for is your next decision. Look for a nice kit, which will save you money and still give you a decent lens.

Good luck!


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January 30, 2007

 

Mikael Orbratt
  By the way, the D70 might be hard to find now as it is not in production any more, replaced by D80 or D50, depending on how much you want to spend.


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January 30, 2007

 

Lola Nunn
  Take a good look at the Canon 20D, 30D, and little brothers in the Rebel lines. The 20D & 30D offer a 3200 ISO and the dedicated lenses for thes lines all have image stabilization. I use them to shoot in chess tournament halls where flash is actively discouraged. I've been able to hand-hold as low as 1/15 sec.


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January 30, 2007

 
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