What camera for theatre?

[tcosy_uk]

Hi there, I work as a theatre designer, and am looking to buy a camera which would suit low light, so a good exposure i guess. Im a novis at camera's. I like SLR camera's but am unsure whether its what i really need to document my work. So basically im on a look out for a good quality camera that I can play with functions such as long exposers. can come compact cameras do this?
confused!
Any help welcome!
My budget is about ’…’‚‚£200 but am willing to invest in a good solid piece of kit.
thanks!

[JPope42]

Because of your budget, I'd probably look at a good used dslr body or one of the newer "entry level" dslrs. I shoot Nikon, so I can't really comment on other brands, but I hope someone will chime in. I think I would go for a good used Nikon D70 or maybe a new D40x. They are decent low light performers IF you can use a monopod or tripod, unlikely if you're in the audience, but good if you're offstage.

As to a lens, you can start out with the "kit" lens, but you eventually will want a longer focal length for theater. Nikon makes a new 16-85 vr (vibration reduction) lens. VR will help a bit with low light situations, but it's no substitute for a monopod.

Good luck & enjoy!

[Shaggydoo]

Jim has provided loads of good info. Since you're looking for good quality low-light/long exposure performance, dslr's are the way to go! All the camera's mentioned above will work very well for you. You may want to look at some of the older Canon dslr's,too. The Canon EOS 350D has an edge when it comes to low-noise image production over older Nikon models such as the D70.

[northbeach]

Jim, let me do a bit of translation here. The "kit" referenced is not a kit in the sense that we understand it here i.e. a slr camera that comes with a lens and is referred to as a kit, as opposed to a camera body and a lens bought as separate items. The "kit" here simply means the equipment.

Sheila.

[Wynngd]

Originally posted by shaggydoo
Jim has provided loads of good info. Since you're looking for good quality low-light/long exposure performance, dslr's are the way to go! All the camera's mentioned above will work very well for you. You may want to look at some of the older Canon dslr's,too. The Canon EOS 350D has an edge when it comes to low-noise image production over older Nikon models such as the D70.

I think Nikon D50 has a lot better Noise response at higher ISO against 350D and Nikon D70 and higher based on the review and photographic test done by www.dpreview.com. Since there are very limited supply for D50, D40 is the downgraded form of D50 but D40 is not that customizable compare to higher level of DSLRs...

But mostly SLRs got a better response at higher ISO. you can just invest in fast Lenses like 17-55m f1.8 and 70-200mm f2.8 Nikkor lenses so you can use faster shutter speed at low light condition. but the distance and focusing sometimes is kinda tricky.