Looking for low light digital camera

[JBug]

My girlfriend is looking for a new digital camera, she already has a Canon A80. She wants to upgrade to something better, that has more mega pixels and takes better pictures in low light situations ie concerts. If anyone has a suggestion or two, we are more then willing to listen.
Thanks.
Josh

[cyclohexane]

Welcome to the Camel.

Lowlight photography... what's your budget? I have yet to find a compact or prosumer non-SLR that works well in lowlight (both high ISO performance and AF). If I was doing concerts, I'd have a DSLR with fast glass.

[JBug]

Thanks for the welcome, I was expecting to be boinked on the head with a telephoto lens as an initiation.
Anywho...
We are looking for something in the $350 range. The point and shoot camera is less bulky then a DSLR.
We have been comparing different cameras at DPReview, the Olympus SP 350 has caught our eye other then that...

[WyneM]

This websight might be of interest; http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

If she is Happy with the cannon she now has the Cannon S3 IS would give her a good range of optical zoom ( 36-432 mm (f/2.7 at wide angle and f/3.5 at telephoto) and an ISO range of 60 to 800. The Cannon image stabilisation would also be good for low level light situations.

WayneM

[Reese]

Originally Posted by WyneM

This websight might be of interest; http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

I've been looking for a good SLR camera and joined this forum in hopes of getting to know alot more about cameras. I'm realizing most of what everyone says goes over my head though, hehe. I definately have tons more to learn about cameras! But I quickly looked over the site you suggested WyneM and can't wait to start researching on each of the cameras listed! Thanks alot!* * *Katie

[JBug]

I've been looking for a good SLR camera and joined this forum in hopes of getting to know alot more about cameras. I'm realizing most of what everyone says goes over my head though, hehe. I definately have tons more to learn about cameras! But I quickly looked over the site you suggested WyneM and can't wait to start researching on each of the cameras listed! Thanks alot! Smiley Katie

May I suggest checking out http://www.dpreview.com There you can do side-by-side comparisons. The biggest suggestion that anyone will tell you is to go hold the camera in your hand. If it doesn't feel right, find one that does feels right and then see if it has what you are looking for.
Happy hunting.
Josh

[badpickev]

take a look at the fuji F30 or F31 if its available. usable 1600 and possable 3200 iso

[Reese]

Originally Posted by JBug

May I suggest checking out http://www.dpreview.com There you can do side-by-side comparisons. The biggest suggestion that anyone will tell you is to go hold the camera in your hand. If it doesn't feel right, find one that does feels right and then see if it has what you are looking for.
Happy hunting.
Josh

Ooohhh, thanks!!!

[JBug]

I held the Canon A640 and the S3 in my hands today, I like the feel of the S3 but the little lady likes the 640 (which is closer to what she already has the A80). IMO I would go for the S3 but I think she has her mind set on the 640.

Reese.
Did you find dpreview helpful?

[Reese]

Originally Posted by JBug

Reese.
Did you find dpreview helpful?

I was on that site all day Thursday! I got behind in my school so i don't know if it's a good thing you told me about dpreview or not lol. But yeah I really like it and it's helped out alot. Thanks!

[JBug]

Glad to hear that I was able to keep you from your school work and that you found the site helpful.
My job here is done.

[spystyle]

I realize this thread is old but ...

'low light digital camera?'
No one said anything about a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 ?

If I was looking for a good low light camera I'd buy just about any dSLR with a 50mm f/1.8 lens. If I had more bux I'd buy one with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. Those lenses are real 'light eaters' and made for low light.

The 1.8 lens cost about $80 and the 1.4 lens cost about $250.

A compatible older dSLR 'body' could be like $200. So, total would be about $300 for a 1.8 rig or $450 for a 1.4 rig.

Cheers, Craig