Best Point & Shoot camera for night/low light shots?

[DisneyGirlie]

First off, I sincerely apologize for this thread because I know there are already others similar.
But, in your opinion what is the best point and shoot digital camera for low light, fireworks, night parades, etc?
I know that a p&s digi cam doesn't compare to a SLR, but I'm just curious how I can get somewhat decent shots.
I'm in the market for a new digital camera and I'm willing to practice with it to acquire "skills."

I've been looking at the canon powershot SD700 IS and maybe some models from sony.
any other advice?
Thanks guys!

 

[YEKCIM]

Edit: I just remembered that you'd asked this question in another thread and that my original response here was simply a rehash of my reply to your question in the other thread.

Look at some reviews on www.steves-digicams.com and compare sample images, especially high-ISO ones.

Maybe someone else can offer some other suggestions.



~YEKCIM

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Thanks bunches!
I'm going to that site right now.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Most Sony's are not that great at Low light . I had a N1 and DN had a few of the T models.

I sold my N1 and picked up a Panasonic DMC-FX3 it's a great all around P&S.

They have a few other models that are a bit bigger with more Zoom but this one worked great for us at WDW in DEC. I did take a Small tripod (verysmall) to sit on a table for the fireworks and do a few timer shots.

Good luck we had a hard time finding one that fit our needs .

 

[DisneyGirlie]

I can totally relate with having a hard time looking for a good camera.
Honestly, I've been looking since October.
I'm going to go take a look at some panasonics now!
basically anything anyone suggests I'm going to give a shot because i'm kind of desperate. I just want a good camera.
is that too much to ask?

 

[JR6ooo4]

many p&s cams will take a good picture in low light, as long as nothing in the frame is moving.... Otherwise it will be blurry. Of course the cam has to be still, like on a tripod or any other stable surface.

The struggle, and the reason some are willing to pay (a) thousand(s) $, is to get enough light onto the sensor to make a fast shutter speed.

When reading reviews look for low light quality and also the ability to focus quickly in low light.

Mikeeee

 

[DisneyGirlie]

awesome!
Thanks again!

 

[YEKCIM]

I'll suggest again that you give Fujifilm a serious look see. They are above average in the high-ISO P&S category.

~YEKCIM

 

[DisneyGirlie]

I surely will.
I sincerely appreicate all the help guys!

 

[Groucho]

One of the biggest problem with low light photos with PnS cameras is the noise levels. Noise is caused by trying to squeeze too many megapixels out of a sensor.

Look for a PnS with the biggest sensor - I believe 1/1.8" is the biggest, most are 1/2.5" - and don't go overboard with the megapixels.

Fujis generally do well as I think they often have larger sensors and also some special "Super CCD" tricks to keep the noise levels down as the ISO levels go up.

But carrying a little pocket tripod will help tremendously on any PnS as you can keep the ISO levels down and take a longer exposure. It won't help with moving things like Spectromagic but it'll take a huge difference for static objects like the castle.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Hi!
I know you said 1/2.5 was average, but is it okay, does it produce pretty good pictures?
I compared 2 models of cameras. 1 had 1/2.5 CCD and one had 1/1.8 The one with the 1/1.8 was like $100 more.
worth it?

 

[2angelsinheaven]

I have a Kodak z760, and I think it takes decent shots. Good enough for me. I'll post some examples of Wishes I took last week later tonight.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

thanks 2angelsinheaven!
i think examples are the best ways to see.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Here are some examples of what I got with my Kodak Z760, I purchased it back in 2005 for about $175 or so. It's a 6.1mp, 3x opitical zoom (wish I had more), and it can be upgraded with better lenses. These were taken with a tripod, no flash, on fireworks mode. I thought I had Wishes pictures but these are actually from Magic, Music and Mayhem from the Pirates and Princesses Party at the Magic Kingdom. I think they turned out pretty good for a P/S. I didn't do any editing on those, just added a digital frame.

If you click on the little photo in my siggie you can see some more photos I've taken with it.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

Here's a few from my first time using the camera at WDW this was the pana FX3.

.

,

 

[Groucho]

Hi!
I know you said 1/2.5 was average, but is it okay, does it produce pretty good pictures?
I compared 2 models of cameras. 1 had 1/2.5 CCD and one had 1/1.8 The one with the 1/1.8 was like $100 more.
worth it?

It really depends on the whole camera - it's worth looking at some reviews and especially to compare sample photos, especially at full size if they offer them.

All else being equal, though, the bigger sensor (I believe it's about 50% bigger) will make for a sharper photo with less noise.

 

[YEKCIM]

it's worth looking at some reviews and especially to compare sample photos, especially at full size if they offer them.

I wholeheartedly agree, and suggest Steve's as an excellent site to compare photos, as he uses, in many cases, the same subjects (human and otherwise) in his reviews. Makes it much easier to compare camera to camera, and you can download the full size file, to print and compare.

I spent a fair amount of time on that site before purchasing my S5200 a year ago and, more recently, in preparation for the move to dSLR.

Since low light capability is a major factor to you (same here), be sure you compare ISO 400 and up comparison photos, and look for both noise (grain) and the level of detail. Some cameras have pretty agressive noise reduction in-camera and, while it *does* reduce noise, it also kills a good deal of detail in the process. Just something to be aware of.

~YEKCIM

 

[DisneyGirlie]

I cannot tell you how helpful all of you have been!
Thanks so much!

 

[YEKCIM]

I cannot tell you how helpful all of you have been!
Thanks so much!

Let us know what you decide.

~YEKCIM

 

[allie5]

You might want to have a look at the Canon Ixus range. I have the 850IS and here are a few shots I took in Dec. It handles night scenes pretty well for a P&S compact.

You can get a bit of noise, but any basic photo editing program can take care of the worst of it. The only picture that I had to despeckle above was the bottom one (Wishes).