digital camera for low light/sporting events

by kmerriam2002 Feb 9, 2010 2:31AM PST

I am looking for an upgrade to my $100 point and shoot digital camera. My son is a gymnast and I would like to take some nice action shots at his competitions.

We are not allowed to use a flash while the competitions are in progress, so I want something that is decent in low light without a flash, preferably something without the crazy "shutter delay" that I get with my current cheapo camera.

I would also like a decent zoom with some basic video features as well. I am looking for something in the $400-600 range.

I dont know anything about photography, so I am not really interested in a digital DLR camera (from what I read about them, they are a bit more complicated than I would like). They also cost more than what I want to spend.

Thanks in advance.

Discussion is locked

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Sorry

by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 9, 2010 3:34AM PST

For that price range, you won't find anything that'll give you nice action shots, indoors, and without the flash. I could give a recommendation for a cheap DSLR and a cheap lens that could do some of the slower moving gymnastics, but it won't have video and it won't zoom at all, because it's a fixed focal length.

If the gymnastics is stationary, like the rings or pommel horse, the you could look at something like the Canon S90 or Canon G11. They might just do the job, but if there is any moving then it won't cut it.

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thanks

by kmerriam2002 Feb 9, 2010 3:59AM PST

Thanks - I am not looking for fast action shots, just to be able to take some nice pictures of him out there from far away without a flash. From what I have been reading, the Canon S90 or G11 are the way to go (just like you said). Getting that recommendation helps me know that I am on the right track.

As far as entry digital SLRs, what would you recommend for this purpose. I would be willing to give up the video, but not the zoom. I might be willing to pay more for the right camera.

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here's the thing

by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 9, 2010 6:15AM PST

If you go with a DSLR, you need a large aperture lens to go along with it. The cheapest way is to buy a prime lens/fixed focal length/has no zoom. If you bought a large aperture zoom lens then you're looking at least $500 for a short zoom lens or over $700 if you want something that zooms farther than the average 2x zoom point and shoot. The money for the body won't hurt as much as the price for the lens.

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D-SLR for indoor sports

by hjfok Feb 9, 2010 11:03AM PST

A good reliable setup is going to cost some money. You need a fast prime or zoom lens. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS costs $1800 to $2000, whereas the 200mm f/2.8L costs $770. The 70-200mm f/4L may be okay if it is well lit, but may not be as reliable in dimmer lighting, this costs $640. The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 costs about $800, which is probably the most cost effective one out of all these.

The Canon T1i costs about $750 with a kit lens 18-55mm that you can use with flash to take group photos of your kid's team. It also has HD video but you need to pre-focus or do manual focus. A notch higher up is the Canon 50D, with faster performance at about $1000 but without video.

So you will likely be looking at minimum $1600 for a solid reliable entry level setup (Canon T1i w/ kit lens 18-55mm and Sigma 70-200mm f/2., and can easily run higher. It is also much more bulky and heavier than a compact camera, but it will certainly easily snap some good action photos. D-SLR is not difficult to use, just need to learn some easy basics and practice a lot.

digital camera for low light/sporting events

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