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General discussion

Low Light

by gto4fun Jun 7, 2005 7:42AM PDT

I have been reading the discussions here and have a question, can everybody tell me what they consider low light? Is it almost total darkness, the dance recital, or indoors without alot of sunlight?

I am looking for a camera that will be good in a gym under those mercury and sodium lights for things like volleyball and basketball games. So would I need to find something that is good in low light? I am considering the Sony and Cannon products but would be open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

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3 Posts
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I suspect it depends on the camera. My Nikon 4500 does not
by Kiddpeat Jun 7, 2005 11:56AM PDT

have an ISO adjustment, and its ISO is fixed at 400. My Canon 20D can go to ISO 3200 if necessary. What is low light to the Canon is close to pitch black for the Nikon.

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I can't speak for the others
by Kerberus1960 Jun 11, 2005 2:42AM PDT

But with the Sony HC90, you can actually shoot video in the dark! It uses IR Night Shot, which is similar to looking through Night Vision Goggles. In other words, you can walk into a closet, turn off the light and close the door, and what you can't see with the naked-eye is visible via IR. However, you should be warned, when shooting with IR the video will be black & white. I haven't had my HC90 very long, so I can't tell you when you have to switch from regular recording mode to Night Shot.

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low light
by drhiberd Jun 11, 2005 5:36AM PDT

Low light on these sites differ. I have seen a noticable difference in lighting when you are inside your house at night with one or two lamps on. Probably a 60watt bulb. Most consumer camcorders do not do well in this type of lighting.
I have the Sony HC90 and it is great in these types of situations.
The lighting you refer to would probably not be considered low light. Basketball and volleyball games are pretty well lit, so I don't think this would be a factor.
I have tried Canon and Panasonic, but neither of them comes close to the low light quality of my HC90.

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