Camera Suggestions

[Thunder Monkey]

Hey all i was wondering if anyone knew of any good cameras that will do well in low light as well as normal and be able to take great action shots as well. any and all info and suggestions are appreciated thnks.

 

[safetymom]

Do you have a budget? Are you looking for a pocket camera or DSLR?

 

[Thunder Monkey]

a dlsr camera that wont completely break the bank but i will have some wiggle room with taxes coming in

 

[Quicklabs]

and therefore how well the camera will do in low light and with action.
Can you give us a price range?

 

[Thunder Monkey]

the wife says around 600 lol

 

[Quicklabs]

I really don't know anything about specific camera brands except for Nikon. I just happen to like those. All the major camera brands, Canon, Pentax, make fine cameras.

The Nikon 3100 for example comes with an all purpose lens. B&H has that kit for $450. It's not particularly fast, but you'd get very nice daytime shots with that. The 5100 is a step up from there. If you use a tripod, you can also get decent nighttime, non action shots with those. For that you'd need something like the Nikon - AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 Lens as a faster all purpose lens. That lens goes for about 190.

You'll want to see how different cameras feel in your hand. Some "fit" better than others. Try them out!

You might also want to to check out the used camera market. Some folks tend to trade up as soon as the latest and greatest is out and some nice used stuff can be had for considerably less than you'd buy new. Maybe you can find a nice used D90 or something like that there. (Many Disney photographers still use D90s, but what do they use to help get those nice crisp shots--that's right--a tripod).

Be prepared: those DSLRs add a lot of weight during the course of the day compared to the Point and Shoot variety. There's quite a learning curve to them as well, but you will reap rewards for the time and patience expended.

I'd strongly suggest a hop on over to the Photography board. There's a ton of great information there.

Remember, no matter what camera you're using 90% of a great photograph happens before the shutter is pressed!

 

[jcb]

I agree with Quicklabs.

I wonder what you mean by "do well in low light as well as normal and be able to take great action shots."

To maximize your low light capacity (and take photos of Madam Leota, for example) and get very good quality photos, you probably need to spend $2000 for a full frame (Nikon D600) and get a 1.4 or 1.8 lens. I'm sure it can be done with a lower cost camera and lens but it is more difficult.

This leads me to my question. What is it you want to photograph? Many less expensive cameras will do quite well in "low light" situations (such as fireworks) if the camera is on a tri-pod.

The D3100 is within your budget and for $600 it comes with two pretty decent (but not "fast") lenses. DW has one and it works well for her. The D5100 would also be within your budget if you didn't want the second lens.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

The low light for example pirates ride low light and I have two kids I would like to photograph and they don't sit still lol which is why I need the action shots

 

[Quicklabs]

..of your active kids. But I hate to break it to you that POTC will require a much more expensive kit than what you are thinking about. You'll need a camera that can handle a high ISO speed as well as a lens in the 1.8 or even better 1.4 range. Remember, on Pirates, the boat is moving and the animatronics are moving. You'll need a fast shutter speed to stop the action there. It's a tricky situation even with a very expensive camera and lens.

The low light for example pirates ride low light and I have two kids I would like to photograph and they don't sit still lol which is why I need the action shots

 

[jcb]

The low light for example pirates ride low light and I have two kids I would like to photograph and they don't sit still lol which is why I need the action shots

Check out this post http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42212297&postcount=6 at this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2777275 for help on low light in Pirates. I agree that the kit lens on the D5100 or D3100 isn't likely to cut it.

But as the post shows, if you can find a previously owned camera in good shape (I order used from Adorama or BH Photo a good bit) and get a fast (1.8 lens) you might be able to get photos like the one above.

At some point you start to run into the law every photographer encounters. How much money are you willing to pay just to get a low light shot at Disney World or on an Alaskan cruise etc. Now, a good camera will serve you well regardless so if you are like me, you find ways to justify it.

 

[k5jm]

For low light, Get a Canon T4i and a Sigma 30mm F1.4 lens. That is about the only way you are going to get "good low light" pics without spending more than $2000. You need a really fast lens to make-up for the crop sensor. The "Nifty 50" will also help without breaking the bank. (50mm lens for about $100"

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/918894-REG/sigma_30mm_f_1_4_dc_hsm.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html

These were taken with my 7D (similar sensor to the T41) and the Sigma 30mm F1.4

(Obligatory Madame Leota shot)

There is a great thread on the photography board about taking pics in low light without a flash.

 

[k5jm]

(I really should read Jack's posts before I start typing. He said everything I said but with the Nikon slant). ;-)

 

[jcb]

(I really should read Jack's posts before I start typing. He said everything I said but with the Nikon slant). ;-)

But you had the cool pictures.

 

[OKW Lover]

Back to the Nikon slant...I've had both the 3100 and the 5100. Both were fine. Gave the 3100 to my daughter when I got the 5100. Am planning on getting the 5200 in a few months. The reason I went to the 5100 was the swivel screen on the back. It makes it possible to take those shots holding the camera above your head or the down-low shots without having to get down on the ground.

Now to the non-demoninational slant...If you are going for a DSLR either Cannon or Nikon will do just fine. You may want to go to a store and actually hold one of each in you hands and go with whichever feels more comfortable in your hands. Check how easily your finger falls on the shutter release and how it feels when you hold it up to your eye to shoot.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

For low light, Get a Canon T4i and a Sigma 30mm F1.4 lens. That is about the only way you are going to get "good low light" pics without spending more than $2000. You need a really fast lens to make-up for the crop sensor. The "Nifty 50" will also help without breaking the bank. (50mm lens for about $100"

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/918894-REG/sigma_30mm_f_1_4_dc_hsm.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-USA/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html

These were taken with my 7D (similar sensor to the T41) and the Sigma 30mm F1.4

(Obligatory Madame Leota shot)

There is a great thread on the photography board about taking pics in low light without a flash.

these are great shots and the type of photos i would like to be able to take, and if you guys havent guessed already i know squat about cameras so all this advice is helping a great deal, just wanted to say thank you

 

[OKW Lover]

these are great shots and the type of photos i would like to be able to take, and if you guys havent guessed already i know squat about cameras so all this advice is helping a great deal, just wanted to say thank you

Remember that equipment isn't the only factor in getting great shots. Its the skill behind the camera that produces the best ones. When you decide on a new camera, plan on spending a lot of time learning about the basics of exposure, depth of field and photo (scene) composition. Shoot a bunch of stuff just to see what works and what doesn't. Using the camera's "Program" mode doesn't work for all pictures - your job is to decide when/where to override it.

 

[k5jm]

Jeff is exactly right. My camera stays in Manual or Aperture Priority mode.

 

[k5jm]

...and you cam learn a ton by looking at the picture settings from others pics.

Here is the data from this pic - http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmholland2/7691246234/meta/in/set-72157630781923690

Exif data

Camera Canon EOS 7D
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/1.4
Focal Length 30 mm
ISO Speed 6400
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
X-Resolution 72 dpi
Y-Resolution 72 dpi
Coded Character Set UTF8
Object Name IMG_8777
Viewing Conditions Illuminant Type D50
Measurement Observer CIE 1931
Measurement Flare 0.999%
Measurement Illuminant D65
Orientation Horizontal (normal)
Software QuickTime 7.7.1
Date and Time (Modified) 2012:08:01 00:28:20
Exposure Program Manual
Date and Time (Original) 2012:07:31 19:26:23
Date and Time (Digitized) 2012:07:31 19:26:23
Max Aperture Value 1.6
Metering Mode Multi-segment
Color Space sRGB
XMPToolkit XMP Core 5.1.2
Creator Tool QuickTime 7.7.1
Title IMG_8777

http://www.flickr.com/photos/janjasinski/8544973091/meta/in/explore-2013-03-10

 

[Golf4food]

Just so the Nikon and Canon fan boys don't have all the fun, don't ignore other brands. Pentax makes some very good entry level cameras with good low light performance that are more affordable than your typical Canikon, they have in-body vibration reduction, and are generally smaller and lighter in your hands, which makes for an easier day in the parks - the extra pound or two can add up fast.