Digicams that do well in low-light situations ...

[kuk]

I'm in the market for a new digicam, since my old floppy disk 0.6MP Sony Mavica isn't cutting anymore.
One of the gripes that I have with this camera is it's horrible performance at low light situations. Things that are clearly visible to the naked eye disapear in these photos.

I'm looking for a 2.0 to 3.2MP camera, and preferably one that can handle dark scenes. Any thoughts?

 

[hurrikaane]

First off you'd do better askin this question over at dpreview

That being said, all digicams have problems in low light. Generally it's the more expensive ones that can do an adequate job (my Sony 717 was OK). Not sure you'll find one in that MP range that can do low-light well... best you can do is find one that has an AF assist lamp.

 

[Mem]

best you can do is find one that has an AF assist lamp.

Canon A70 comes to mind,

link .

 

[kuk]

Originally posted by: Mem

best you can do is find one that has an AF assist lamp.

Canon A70 comes to mind,

link .

Is the A60 the same as the A70, except for the sensor?

 

[Mem]

Is the A60 the same as the A70, except for the sensor?

Same camera more or less,except A60 is 2MP while A70 is 3MP camera,both have AF assist lamp.

 

[Sid59]

low light with or without flash. with flash, you might wanna read up on the types of flash each camera uses. im no expert on this one but i know that the different onboard flash is different with each brand.

 

[corkyg]

The best low light results I have seen are the Olympus C-4040Z or successor - it has a f/1.8 very fast lens. I have gotten super low light results with my Canon D60 using a Canon f/1.4 50mm lens. Aside from the lens speed, noise is often a problem in low light situations. The D60's CMOS sensor gets around that nicely.

 

[hurrikaane]

Yes, DSLR's tend to do well in low-light

 

[Dewey]

Right now you pay good money for the cameras that perform well in low light. In a couple of years it will probably we "standard" but right now you will find the best low light performers are DSLR and more costly.
Check out dpreview.com

 

[Smithyoffline]

Ok I guess these other people are trying to spend you money. I am also guessing you don't want a camera that is really expensive just for some really good night shots, just a camera that is pretty good in low light. I have the perfect camera for this low light situation. I have just purchased a new camera (fuji finepix a205, 2mp, 1600x1200 max resolution, nice 8x10 inch prints, 3 x optical zoom) I have taken many pictures in different lighting conditions and it seems to me that to the naked eye there is not much difference in quality from sunny to pitch black. I would strongly suggest to get this camera, also its a bargain for what you get, and its perfect quality for me!

 

[ZL1]

Originally posted by: Smithyoffline
to the naked eye there is not much difference in quality from sunny to pitch black

there are different naked eyes out there

kuk Ive been searching for a camera myself, for the last couple months actually, I just cant make up my mind
Ive read a bunch of reviews and seen alot of sample pictures and I would recommend speding a bit more but making sure you get a nice camera (I also started with the idea of speding $200 but later noticed that the $200 cameras dont do too well and I'll be dissapointed if I buy one)
I would recommend the canon a70, its a pretty decent camera and it will last for a while
the olympus 4000 series are also nice, but they are more expensive and you'll end up speding even more on cards (since it uses more expensive xD cards) however you do get even better quality


D

 

[vegetation]

Any decent camera that can adjust the shutter speed to at least 2 seconds should give you decent results.. Might want to invest in a tripod as well, else you'll get a blurry pic.

 

[Nocturnal]

Get a camera that has adjustable shutter speeds and a tripod, you're good as gold.

 

[kuk]

Wow, thanks for the input guys.

Smithyoffline I've found a pretty tempting deal on a A205 here, even better than the Canon A60. Would it be possible for you to post (or e-mail me) some sample pics from your camera?

ZL1The problem that I have on spending more is that every dollar is multiplied by three at our current exchange rate. A harmless U$100 ends up being a significant expense that I can't really afford. Still, I like the 2MP A60, which is basically the same as the 3.2MP A70 ...

Nocturnal Since this camera is to take to friends' houses, shows, parties and general daily stuff, a tripod would be kind of troublesome.

 

[LordJezo]

A60 works great in low light. I have used it myself during night time situations and the pictures came out very well. For what you are looking to do with a camera you wont go wrong with it. It's point and shoot.. can't get any simpler. Once you become more experienced with it you can start to use many of the advanced features.

The A60 and 70 are exactly the same, besides megapixles. 2 is all you need. PM user: Nativesunshine if you want some samle pics we took with her camera during a carnivale one night.

 

[ZL1]

Originally posted by: kuk
Wow, thanks for the input guys.

Smithyoffline I've found a pretty tempting deal on a A205 here, even better than the Canon A60. Would it be possible for you to post (or e-mail me) some sample pics from your camera?

ZL1The problem that I have on spending more is that every dollar is multiplied by three at our current exchange rate. A harmless U$100 ends up being a significant expense that I can't really afford. Still, I like the 2MP A60, which is basically the same as the 3.2MP A70 ...

Nocturnal Since this camera is to take to friends' houses, shows, parties and general daily stuff, a tripod would be kind of troublesome.

Hi

I understand, well you can always try and find a used Canon A40, very nice for the price (a friend has one)

by the way what does your name mean in all those languages ?


D

 

[Smithyoffline]

I will send a sample picture taken by the fuji A205 camera tonight. Either that or look on www.fujifilm.com they are sample pictures there that are very accurate to the quality of the pictures.

 

[ZL1]

A60 Sample pics and review
A40 Smaple pics and review


stick with canon, its a quality item that will last



D

 

[aka1nas]

Also the A70 shot at 2MP ought to give you a little better light sensitivity(In the form of less noise at a given level of light) than the A60 at full resolution. This may or may not be noticeable however. If you can find anyone with one or both cameras I'd would try them out in low light and see if they are adequate for your needs.