Help! I need to buy a camera and I'm clueless

[MsLeFever]

I need to buy a digital camera to shoot theatre productions. It needs to stop action in low light and give me clear and crisp images. I'm willing to spend 7-8 hundred dollars but want to do it right.

A photographer friend recommended the Sony F717 which I can get for comparatively little $ on e-bay.

Any other suggestions here?

thanks so much!!!!

 

[ukcatfan]

You have a more demanding situation than you might realize. No p&s camera is going to meet your needs. You must get a DSLR. The body will probably run at least $500. Depending on the kind of theater shots you are going to take, you are most likely going to need a fast zoom as well (i.e. zoom with wide aperture / usu. f/2.8). If you can get close enough, a short focal length zoom will do and that lens goes for about $400-500. If not, then the lens alone is likely going to be about $1,000 or more. You might be able to keep it under $800, but that is not likely.

 

[MsLeFever]

thanks - any other ideas folks?

 

[tazdev3225]

I have a Sony DSC-H50. It isn't a DSLR but it is more advanced that a normal point and shoot. I have the older DSC-H5 which took some awesome shots in low light situations and the newer version has more built in options. You can also get 1 or 2 extra lenses for them. The Alpha series is a DSLR and may be more in line with what you want.

 

[fhirleighinn]

I agree that you will need something like a Dslr, you need to have the fast shutter speeds. Are these shots goint to be set shots or shots during a production itself? Set-up shots during a rehersal will give you more options.

Something like the Nikon d60 and 50mm f1.8 lens would be a good place to start, but it would most likely be lacking for shots during a performance. Then from there you could see what you needed for lenses. Body $630 and lens is about $130.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/542463-REG/Nikon_25438_D60_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

 

[bob100]

I would also agree you need a dSLR for what you described,sSome near-dSLR cameras can do low light but it takes skill with a tripod and settings. But I wouldn't buy the camera on eBay! read some of the other reviews, comments, recommendations, etc. on different dSLR cameras on forums such as www.dpreview.com/forums

 

[thomas998]

You might try a Sony a200... you should be able to find one for about 400-500 new... then decide what distance you will be and then decide on what 1 prime lens will give you the best shots.... you should be able to pick up a very good used fast prime lens on ebay that will work for the Sony.... remember that a Sony can use any minolta AF lens, those lenses are very good and usually cheaper than a Nikon or Canon lens.... I'm guessing you could get a good prime for less than 300... maybe as cheap as 150... which would fit within your budget. I don't think you'll be able to get a fast enough zoom lens to do what you want so don't kid yourself and talk yourself into thinking that its possible.

 

[ukcatfan]

The problem with a prime lens in that situation is that you are never going to be able to sit in the right spot every time. Also, it is unlikely that you are going to be able to wander around during a theater performance. That means that you are locked into the same distance and focal length for all of your shots during a set. That could lead to some real problems. For example, you will either get all close-ups or no good close-ups.

The problem with the D60 and 50mm f/1.8 is that the lens will not auto focus. Only the OP can say if that would be a problem to them though.

It would not hurt to throw in something like a K20D or D300 that has usable ISO 3200 (and possibly 6400), but that would definitely blow the budget.

 

[Frantasmic]

Perhaps something a bit unconventional.

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/5403/casio-exilim-pro-ex-f1.html

 

[fhirleighinn]

I forgot that you need lens with the motor to AF on the D60, In that case I would bump that up to a D80, which would not be that much more than your quoted budget.

 

[webshark3]

I forgot that you need lens with the motor to AF on the D60, In that case I would bump that up to a D80, which would not be that much more than your quoted budget.

Tamron has you covered. This is an incredible lens. Zoom and fast, and inexpensive (in lens terms). As long as you don't require f1.8.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0805/08051501tamron28-75.asp

 

[jenseib]

If you are taking pictures in low light, then you will really need a tripod to keep it steady and sharp as well.

It sounds like you really need to do more research. You defiantely need a DSLR in my opinion. And just the entry level ones coime in your price range. I have a Canon Rebel ,and do love it. I have the XTi, whihc just went down in price as they came out with a newer version.

 

[ukcatfan]

If you are taking pictures in low light, then you will really need a tripod to keep it steady and sharp as well.

Possibly, but maybe not. Because the shutter speed needs to stay fast enough to prevent subject blurring, the shutter speed will most likely be fast enough to take camera shake out of the equation. The exception would be if the focal length gets to the 200+ range, but even then I would prefer a monopod.

 

[Michele]

What about something like the Canon G9? Anyone have this that they can compare to a DSLR? It looks like it is approaching the DSLR capabilities for around $500.

 

[webshark3]

If you are taking pictures in low light, then you will really need a tripod to keep it steady and sharp as well.

I guess the answer is it depends. Disney tends to have "light" even when low-light (main street at night, etc.) Here's a shot with my 6mp Canon 300D and Tamron 28-75mm lens at ISO1600, f2.8.

Sorry about the size. Photobucket shrunk it. But it is very sharp. I'll find and re-post a large if anyone requests.

 

[webshark3]

What about something like the Canon G9? Anyone have this that they can compare to a DSLR? It looks like it is approaching the DSLR capabilities for around $500.

As long as lighting is good, I think the G9 is a great all around camera. But it's capabilities drop off quickly as ISO increases. In good light, it's starting to match what my 300D can do with the kit lens. Less Dynamic Range though.