Low Light camera's at DVinfo.net

Adrian J. Hare · October 22nd, 2009, 05:13 AM

Just wondered about some opinions on what is the best Low light camera out there ?

I am shooting the XLH1a and just had and issue that cost me some expence because I could see though the view finder and found later that the play back was way to dark to see on screen.

I've heard difference of opinions about Canon's and Sony about low light, so I would like to get some camera models just to read up on for this very reason, of shooting in low light.

Thanks for your time

Perrone Ford · October 22nd, 2009, 05:35 AM

Bigger sensor = better in low light. Bigger, faster glass = better in low light. So go find a camera with a 35mm sonsor and at least a 72mm front element.

Tripp Woelfel · October 22nd, 2009, 06:18 AM

Perrone has it right. Bigger sensors and better glass will let more light through. On a more granular level, some cameras with similar sized sensors and similar glass to better in low light than others. I cannot make specific recommendations because I haven't researched it at all recently. You might want to search the list as this has been addressed at some length.

From what I recollect, Canon doesn't have the best low light reputation. But judicious use of the manual gain settings can help it wring the most out of what light is available.

Jeff Kellam · October 22nd, 2009, 09:16 AM

What price point camera?

Also, low light sensitivity is important, especially for live events, but not everything. It's just as important to light the scene properly. Even a $300K pro camera dosent shoot in the dark with any color reproduction, they just make it look that way. I just finished a halloween short, and the darkening was mostly camera settings and post.

Gustav Damave · October 22nd, 2009, 10:29 AM

Vincent Laforet’s Blog

October 22nd, 2009, 05:13 AM	#1
Adrian J. Hare Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Barrie, Ontario Posts: 62	Low Light camera's Just wondered about some opinions on what is the best Low light camera out there ? I am shooting the XLH1a and just had and issue that cost me some expence because I could see though the view finder and found later that the play back was way to dark to see on screen. I've heard difference of opinions about Canon's and Sony about low light, so I would like to get some camera models just to read up on for this very reason, of shooting in low light. Thanks for your time

October 22nd, 2009, 05:35 AM	#2
Perrone Ford Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 4,100	Bigger sensor = better in low light. Bigger, faster glass = better in low light. So go find a camera with a 35mm sonsor and at least a 72mm front element. __________________ DVX100, PMW-EX1, Canon 550D, FigRig, Dell Octocore, Avid MC4/5, MB Looks, RedCineX, Matrox MX02 mini, GTech RAID, Edirol R-4, Senn. G2 Evo, Countryman, Moles and Lowels.

October 22nd, 2009, 09:16 AM	#4
Jeff Kellam Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 656	What price point camera? Also, low light sensitivity is important, especially for live events, but not everything. It's just as important to light the scene properly. Even a $300K pro camera dosent shoot in the dark with any color reproduction, they just make it look that way. I just finished a halloween short, and the darkening was mostly camera settings and post. __________________ Panasonic HMC150/Canon A1/JVC HD1/Sony Vegas 8.0c

October 22nd, 2009, 10:29 AM	#5
Gustav Damave New Boot Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Yelm, WA Posts: 16	Canon 1D MKIV Vincent Laforet’s Blog

October 22nd, 2009, 06:18 AM	#3
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	Perrone has it right. Bigger sensors and better glass will let more light through. On a more granular level, some cameras with similar sized sensors and similar glass to better in low light than others. I cannot make specific recommendations because I haven't researched it at all recently. You might want to search the list as this has been addressed at some length. From what I recollect, Canon doesn't have the best low light reputation. But judicious use of the manual gain settings can help it wring the most out of what light is available.