Whats the best camera to take pictures in an auditorium or theatre. my son is in alot of plays & I want to?

Question

to take pictures of him on stage but they all come out black.

Answer 1

If you are not terribly far from the stage, consider using a flash. I have a Metz 45 that can light the stage from the last row of a 1,000 seat auditorium. I know 'cause I've done it. There are many flash units that will reach 50-60 feet, which ought to cover most situations - as long as you are allowed to use flash for these productions.

If not, you kind of have a problem. You need an SLR most likely, and a "fast" lens, like f/2.8 or better, like f/1.8 or f/1.4, so you can use the available stage lighting.

Whether you get a film or digital camera is a whole other question and that depends on your tastes and budget.

Answer 2

I'd recommend an SLR or DSLR with a longer lens (300mm or so), depending on where you are sitting. I always got there extra early when my daughters were performing (plays, ballet, tap, etc) and found a front row seat. The next best, was an aisle seat near the front. For those, I was able to use lenses under 200mm.

From the front of the audience, you could use a flash, but it really affects the performers. If you can use a high enough ISO film or set your digital to a high enough ISO, then you can use the stage lighting.

There are point & shoot digitals with very long zooms. I'd suggest a 4x or more, but only in digital zoom. Digital zoom gets you closer without degrading the pictures. Optical zoom compromises your image with each magnification.

Look also at Panasonic, Kodak, Fuji, Canon, & Nikon cameras with the longer zoom range. Here are some review sites for you.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/WB/WB.HTM?view=dp_long
Check out the "10x-12x super zooms" here.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

I hope this is helpful.

p.s. I've recorded every moment of my two daughters on stage and haven't missed one. On the other hand, with the pictures, we ALL can relive the memories.

Answer 3

A digital SLR would be the best choice, but I'd bet that's not what you're looking for.

Instead, look for a point and shoot camera with a superzoom lens and good, high ISO sensitivity for low-light shooting.

Thus, I would recommend the Fujifilm S6000fd, which has a good lens on it and good low light shooting capability, plus face detection. However, use a tripod with this camera in the auditorium, to help keep the camera steady. Select a high ISO like ISO 800. This should work fine for your shooting.

link:
http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Finepix-S6000fd-Wide-Angle-Stabilization/dp/B000GFWFY8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-0694135-9686507?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1190692223&sr=8-1

Another camera to consider: The Canon S5 IS, which has image stabilization.

The reason your shots come out all black: you're using a flash and you're too far away. The flash does nothing at all because it's not powerful enough, so all you get is black. Ironically, if you used a tripod and supressed the flash, you'd get something on your photos.

message me if you need more information.

Answer 4

George Y has it totally backwards. Digital "zoom" degrades your image. Optical zoom doesn't.

Answer 5

if u watch everything of your child through a lens u miss a lot of their childhood.
im just saying. i know this isnt what u want to hear