Need a digital... suggestions?

SimpleComplexity · Jan 10, 2011

I want some sort of raw format and I don't care about video capabilities as I have an HD camcorder. My main concern is being able to take quality photos in low light situations. My mother has a nice SLR camera that won't take photos without flash in low light. It seems the shutter speed (?) is so slow that it either doesn't take the photo, or they come out blurry. I have a DMX lighting setup for my band and would like to take quality pictures with just the LED lights on and no flash from the camera. I would also like to take good live photos of a band on stage with no lights but the stage lighting.

I have been looking at a Nikon D5000... is that good for what I need? My budget is $1000 including a lens. I know nothing about lenses... but would like a suggestion. I like taking close ups and I like taking pictures in low light.

Thanks for the help!

deudeu · Jan 10, 2011

Any of the recent DSLRs produce usable results up to 1600 ISO. Above that the quality varies from one product to the other.

Here is a link to a comparison of the entry level DSLR at higher ISOs.

Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i Review: 28. Compared to (Higher ISO): Digital Photography Review

As you can see the Canon 550D and Pentax K-x behave pretty well at higher ISOs with the Nikon D5000 losing some details with the noise reduction.

You can find a K-x body only for less than 500 dollars. Then you have money to buy some fast glass. A 17-50 f2.8 is pretty versatile though probably a little on the short end for concert shots...

PopCulture · Jan 12, 2011

I'm also in need of a simple point and click. Just a small camera to capture family events. Does anyone know a great affordable model to look out for?

KmH · Jan 12, 2011

SimpleComplexity said:
I want some sort of raw format and I don't care about video capabilities as I have an HD camcorder. My main concern is being able to take quality photos in low light situations. My mother has a nice SLR camera that won't take photos without flash in low light. It seems the shutter speed (?) is so slow that it either doesn't take the photo, or they come out blurry. I have a DMX lighting setup for my band and would like to take quality pictures with just the LED lights on and no flash from the camera. I would also like to take good live photos of a band on stage with no lights but the stage lighting.

I have been looking at a Nikon D5000... is that good for what I need? My budget is $1000 including a lens. I know nothing about lenses... but would like a suggestion. I like taking close ups and I like taking pictures in low light.

Thanks for the help!

With the D5000, only $1000 for a bugdget, and the prohibition of using flash, you'll likely have the same issue your mom has. The D5000 is an entry-level dSLR.

For what it's worth, the quality of a photo is determined more by photographer skill, than the gear used.

You need to look at the Nikon D7000 or the much pricier D700 to get no flash, certain, low light performance.

deudeu · Jan 13, 2011

For the point and shoot camera check out the S95 from canon. The quality of the images this little thing can produce is surprising!

SimpleComplexity · Jan 13, 2011

Ok... so I have changed my mind and I now have my sights set on the D90. I'd really like to go for the D7000, but I don't think I'll have the funds for that.

PhillyPhoton · Jan 13, 2011

Im on the same boat, getting back into photography and new nothing about digital, have been researching the D90, went to best buy and they had one with a card so could take pics, easy to navigate, great reviews on line as far as iso, autofocus, etc , went on flicker and checked out the D90 group and the pics are amazing, now just need to figure out if Im going to get the kit lens, the bottom line is the camera is capable of producing excellent shots, its up to the person behind it not to get in its way