Need tips on a good LOW LIGHT digital camera!

[W5NIG]

Hey gang, not quite a 'hot topic' (heh) but I work in heating and air conditioning and have been looking for a decently low cost digital camera, either new or something that is available on the ebay used market, that does a GREAT job of taking pictures in very low light levels and has a sharp picture.

Lots of times I'm in an attic and need to get a shot of the insides of a unit for insurance purposes and trying to find a camera that can handle low light (sometimes just the little led light on my head) seems challenging. Don't trust the reviews out there so figured I would shoot for real people and some feedback!

Currently I have been using my i-phone and it does ok with some light but doesn't have the best image stabilazation. (and I don't like taking it up on work jobs and risk breaking/losing it)

All comments /pictures/ideas appreciated! Post back here or directly off to
mailto:w5nig@w5nig.com

thanks much!
Michael White de W5NIG

[w1vt]

I'd suggest using a camera with a good electronic flash instead of trying to take existing light photographs. A flash makes it much easier to figure out the proper colors. With exiting light, it is quite possible to get weird color effects you don't want. For example, florescent lighting can easily add a distinctly green tint.

[K8ERV]

Some thots:

I usually take such with both flash, and available light, and pick the better. A tripod or at least a monopod helps a lot.

Some cameras have an interesting mode that combines flash for close items, and a slow shutter to expose more distant objects. May be called "slow-synch". A tripod may be needed.

Check www.steves-digicams.com for a lot of good info, he may cover this. Don't know if he takes questions.

TOM K8ERV Montrose Colo

[ve2nsm]

Look for the specs on "sensitivity" some cameras have an adjustable "iso" setting also.

[N2RJ]

I'd recommend the Canon EOS 5D with a good f/2.8 L lens.

Even at ISO 3200 it takes really great pictures.

[W7WV]

Just keep in mind that with available light you have to really pay attention to the shadows.
Look for them before you shoot and remember that normally the light meter is averaging the light in your shot.
Those shadows will show up dark unless you use a fill flash.
Learning how to properly use a higher end camera and it's various lighting meter modes will teach you a lot also.
Been playing with cameras for nearly 55 years now, went digital about 10 years ago. No more film or processing. :D

[W3MIV]

Pack camera in dry ice about an hour before the shot. Wear gloves.

[kb9xn]

Sounds to me like you should be going to a real camera store and discuss your needs with one of the senior sales people. You dont need a million pixel camera unless your going to be making thirty by forty inch enlargements.
take a look at one of the low end Nikon or Canon digital cameras with a built in flash. They are small enough to fit in your shirt pocket.

[N5PAR]

My experience has been that most middle of the road digital cameras don't do extremely well in low light. The more expensive slr digitals are supposed to do well but you said you were looking for a reasonable price. I agree with some of the other post if it's just for basic pictures use a cheap digital with a flash.

[N2RJ]

I will add that most of the people using digicams for that type of work use the Sony cam with the built in floppy drive.

Dated, but gets the job done. So I agree that you should just get a cheap digicam like maybe a low end canon powershot or Casio Exilim (i have one) and use the flash.

[w7ibi]

It sounds like you will use this for work only and don't want to spend a lot.
For your purposes, any inexpensive small digital camera with a flash and auto focus will do. No additional lenses, no tripod, no extra flash unit.
See what Walmart or Target has, then go online and study reviews from users. No need to go to a top dollar camera store except to maybe ask a few more questions.