Best low-light, least noise performing digital camera

[sygyzy]

I know that ultracompact camera's have problems in low light and with noise but I can't believe how bad it's gotten. I went from a SD400 to a SD800IS and I think my shots with the former were better, despite having half as many megapixels and no image stabilization. What are some industry favorites for small pocketable cameras that perform well in low light and don't produce noisy pictures?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[tfinch2]

Fuji F30/31, not sure if this is the newest model.

 

[sygyzy]

Hi,

Thanks for the tip. I remember reading about these. Do you know when the F31d replacement is coming out? I am really hoping for something with SD card support.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
Fuji F30/31, not sure if this is the newest model.

yep. that little camera is AMAZING at low light. It's not their latest model. Their latest model, F50, falls way short of the F31 in terms of image quality. So much so that the discontinued F31 is going for $400-500 on ebay. Im glad I bought the F31 when they were still around.

Also the F31 has a larger dynamic range than my S3.

Example
Two similar pic, one taken by my S3, other by my gf's F31.
Canon S3IS
Fuji F31
Notice how the sky is blown out on the S3 pic but F31 captures it. Both are metered similarly. I prefer Canon's color reproduction over Fuji's but the F31's larger dynamic range and lack of noise makes it a better camera.

 

[magomago]

WOW I didn't think the dynamic range was that much better :x I need to tell my family to take better care of the f31.

Ya people are starting to become aware that 7-12MP on a tiny camera isn't the most ideal situation..which is a good thing

 

[OdiN]

When you increase the pixel resolution and keep the same sensor size - you can often introduce more noise into shots. It gets tougher to make cameras with higher megapixels in small form factors - the general public just wants more and more MP - so that is what they get, but they get drawbacks to that as well.

 

[corkyg]

IOW, there is a relationship between sensor size and noise with a given pixel count. The bigger the sensor, the lower the noise. That is why a full-frame 35 format such as the Canon 1D, 1DS, or 5D will be less noisy at a given ISO than the rest of the line.

There are different types of "noise" as well. High speed film work involved what was called "graininess" in the final product. Digital images can have electronic noise such as white spots, but most users today classify "graininess" as noise.

There are many occasions where noise is not a problem because the usefulness of the image is high

 

[Neos]

If you want a digital that will perform well up to 800/1600 ISO, weighs just over a lb. with the the best kit lens on the market attached, has a dustbuster that works, live view, and the capacity to expand on - plus the ability to use as simply ..or as complicated as you might want ...look no further than an Olympus E410. May not be a point and shoot, but it is rreally small.

Before someone flames me for being partial, I admit it ...but most of us are to one degree or another!

Comments on the noise comments.
Very true that the bigger the sensor - the less the noise, but also the bigger the sensor - the bigger the cam/lens combo - if the lens is made to match the sensor. I for one do not mind a bit of film like noise in an image. Always lent a bit of extra to certain prints in the old days.
Less noise is always good, but I think sometimes we desire perfection so badly we venture toward sterility.
Just my 2c.

 

[sygyzy]

Originally posted by: Aharami


Example
Two similar pic, one taken by my S3, other by my gf's F31.
Canon S3IS
Fuji F31
Notice how the sky is blown out on the S3 pic but F31 captures it. Both are metered similarly. I prefer Canon's color reproduction over Fuji's but the F31's larger dynamic range and lack of noise makes it a better camera.

It's amazing that if you showed me your picture, I would say it's perfect fine and very nice. I wouldn't know better. But then you show me it compared to your girlfriend's and it's obvious which is better!