Digital low light performance, whats' the problem?

Question

I'm looking for a new digital still camera as well as a camcorder. The one consistent thing I read in various reviews are complaints about bad low-light performance; noisy, dark images. Why is this such a problem and how come no one has done anything about it and cornered the market? Where are digitals lacking that film isn't? Also, any reccomendations for models in the sub $1000 category are appreciated. ;-)

Answer 1

First, remember that film photography is a chemical reaction to light that has been refined over 100 years. Digital photography quality is tied to sensor technology (sensors and image processing chips/programming). The better sensors/processors become, the better our photos will be. That said, the main challenge today is to make a small sensor that will capture enough light in darkness to resolve a clean image. In a pocket sized camera, that's still difficult even by today's technology. Digital SLRs have larger sensors and are recognized as having better low light performance. Low light performance has been improving on some models faster than others (Product design focus maybe?). Fuji's F series (the F20 and F30 come to mind)have been notably recognized for better than average low light performance. Shop around and read reviews-most reviewers test low light performance-all camera are not created equal (even from the same manufacturer!).

Answer 2

The problem has been solved. The solution is available but you're not going to be able to buy it for less than $1000. Its called an SLR.

Point and shoot digital cameras have a lot of limitations imposed on them because they are a mass market consumer item. Most consumers are happy with mediocre performance at a mediocre price. If you want Cadillac features and performance - buy a Cadillac.

The same could be said of camcorders. Top end features are available in top end camcorders at top end prices.

Although many people will focus on the sensor as being a big part of the problem, that is not true. The biggest part of the problem in low light photography and videography is the lens. "Fast" glass - the wide aperture variety - is expensive. For example a 200-500mm F4 zoom for an SLR might cost $1000. The same lens at F1.2 is in the range of $5000-10000.

Now compare those type of lens with the small chunk of plastic in most point and shooters. To expect perfection or even a modest performance in low lght conditions isn't reasonable.

However, if you have a few modest tools, like a tripod, and a little self tutoring, you can make magic. Academy award winning feature films have been shot on equipment that would make most film buffs reel. Award winning photographs have been taken with all sorts of home made contraptions. Afterall, photography isn't about technology, its about you!

Answer 3

Many compact digital cameras have a problem with noise in dark or low-light images. Probably the worst offender is Panasonic, who continue to bring out cameras with unacceptable noise in their images. So avoid them.
The best compact for low-light photography would have to be the Fujifilm F30. It can handle ISO of 800-1600, (handheld, no flash).
Most other cameras can only produce good to reasonable quality photos at ISO 100-200 or some, 400.

A digital SLR is another option. It has a much better handling of high ISO. But it will cost you...plus the lenses are quite expensive.

Answer 4

HI there,
the problem is the wave part of the light. As an electro-magnetic wave, it will have a composition of electric and magnetic fields, placed at 90º from one another. JUst check some physics books on that point.
Then, sensor are made with tiny electronic receptors (like photo-diodes) with variable gain. If you set the camera to standard gain, you will not have problems, but if you increase sensitivity you will detect the field for "your" point with disturbance from the points around it...
The more gain you have, the more possibilities to capture wrong data.
This effect is much stronger as sensor dots are made smaller (in compact cameras) and is limited in big-sensor SLR. So, if you go for compact, you will probably get better low-light pictures with a 6Mp than a new 10Mp...
Of course, you have all that about noise reduction. These are software solutions inside the cam which will detect unevenness in dark patterns, and wil try to correct it. BUt you might miss real detail.
My reccomendation: Panasonic DMC FZ7 for medium size

Answer 5

if you're looking to get a camera that's in the price range you've used before, find something that has either image stabilization of some sort, or a strong flash that will wash a bigger area. your colors will be bleached, but that will capture the band. if you want high-quality, flashless pics, your pricerange will soar, and so will the size of your camera, and, as you know, the bigger the camera, the worse for clubbing it is. hope you can find one!

Answer 6

The problem, in most cases, doesn't lie on the cameras, but on the photographers wanna be.
Whether it is your case, or not, one should learn a bit more about photography and cameras before spending much money.
Good luck!

Answer 7

the problem is the cost
go to cnet.com for reviews and prices