I'm new to photography, what kind of camera is the best for high speed low light shots, (train photography)?

Question

I would like to know what kind of camera to buy, so I can become a rail photographer.

Answer 1

A DLSR, either Nikon or Canon. The more you spend, the better the camera. You'll also need good lenses, too.

A point and shoot camera will not offer you the functionality you need.

Answer 2

Here's what Ian Lawrence has to say about it:
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My standard equipment for train spotting tours consists of two film bodies (at the present an EOS 33 and EOS 100), my trusty 50mm f1.8 mark I, a 70-80 f4 L zoom, and a Pentax Takumar 35mm f4 mounted on an EOS adapter. I also carry a polarizer for the shorter lenses and a 1.4x tc. One body is supposed to be a backup but I’ll usually shoot with both, one paired with the 50mm and the other with the telephoto zoom. Most participants on tours have a similar setup, usually with something like a 28-70mm zoom instead of my fixed 50mm. Using two cameras reduces lens changes and prevents dust and dirt getting inside the camera. Digital photographers usually only have one camera, probably due to the higher price of digital bodies.
I use Fuji 400 ASA film. Considering the subject matter, trains can move pretty fast, you need to be able to freeze the action. Many photographers persevere with 50 or 100 ASA, because fast film is supposed to be so grainy. Maybe they are right, but I've seen many photos made by photographers I respect, with lack of depth of field or with motion blur due to using unsuitably slow shutter speeds. I'll gladly trade a reduced maximum enlargement size for guaranteed depth of field and lack of motion blur. Modern 400 ASA negative film can easily be enlarged to 20x30cm, the largest I ever need. My films are scanned for any post processing needed.
What about a tripod? Well I don’t always take one, because it isn't all that useful. I'll tell you why later. You should also always carry something to eat and drink in your bag, as the days are built around the photographic possibilities and not to predetermined mealtimes. You are outdoors as long as the light is good. If the train runs late you may be up in the hills a lot longer than you expected. A flashlight is also a necessity, so you don't fall in a hole finding your way back after those great sunset shots!
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See the link for the full article.
If you decide to get a digital SLR, the Nikon D50 or the Canon 350D (a.k.a. Rebel XT) would be your best choice for under $700.
For under $1700, get the Nikon D200 or the Canon 30D. Add a few hundred on top of that for lenses and memory cards.

Answer 3

I've been happy with the Fujifilm Finepix F10. For the under $400 price range it's extremely good, with ISO settings up to 1600. For a higher price range, I agree with the posters who said a digital SLR is what you really want.

Answer 4

If you are looking for a Consumer Camera I would recomend any Camera with FujiFilm's RealPhoto Technology
http://www.fujifilmrpt.com/

If you are looking for a Digital SLR I would Recomend the FujiFilm S3 Pro:
http://www.fujifilmusa.com/JSP/fuji/epartners/proPhotoProductS3.jsp

Glad to be of service,
-Baldwin
Circuit City

Answer 5

I use a Nikon D200. Works great, I can capture 5 frames per second at 10.2 MP. Check it out or you can e-mail me if you would like samples from it.