What is the best setting? Canon Xsi DSLR camera for low light indoor situations. But want vivid colors.?

canon dslr camera xsi image

Luis M

What is the best setting? Canon Xsi DSLR camera for low light indoor situations. But want vivid colors to come out. For example: At a club, very low light but want the vivid purple or red light to come out in the back ground. At the same time want my friends faces to come out. Ive seen this many times.
Please excuse the newbie question as im new at this. thanks

Answer
Successful low-light non-flash photography requires a fast lens - like a 50mm f1.4 as well as a higher ISO. If you're trying to use the 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 zoom that came with your camera you will be very frustrated - even if you use ISO 6400.

An f1.4 lens is 2-2/3 stops faster than f3.5 and 4 stops faster than f5.6. So what does this mean? I used the Exposure Calculator at http://www.robert-barrett.com/photo/exposure_calculator.html and chose his Scene "Home interior, average light" - which is likely much brighter than a club. The ISO/f-stop/shutter speed relation still holds however.

ISO 800
f1.4 @ 1/125 sec.
f3.5 @ 1/20 sec. - 2-2/3 stops
f5.6 @ 1/8 sec. - 4 stops

ISO 1600 + 1 stop
f1.4 @ 1/250 sec.
f3.5 @ 1/40 sec.
f5.6 @ 1/15 sec.

ISO 3200 + 2 stops
f1.4 @ 1/500 sec.
f3.5 @ 1/80 sec.
f5.6 @ 1/30 sec.

ISO 6400 +3 stops
f1.4 @ 1/1000 sec.
f3.5 @ 1/160 sec.
f5.6 @ 1/60 sec.

As you can easily see, a fast f1.4 lens is all but mandatory for what you want to do.

There are no "best settings" for any photography regardless of location.

I suggest buying a 50mm f1.4 lens, set your ISO to 1600 and shoot in Aperture Priority. You can see, in the viewfinder, the shutter speed selected by the camera. If it isn't at least 1/60 sec. then you'll have to use ISO 3200.

You should find this article, which appeared in the March 2009 issue of Shutterbug ( http://www.shutterbug.com ), helpful in dealing with excessive digital noise: "Noise Reduction Comes of Age" by Joe Farace.

What is the best digital SLR camera that is under a grand?

J

I have done a little research and the Canon Rebel Xsi looks like a good seller.

I am looking to purchase my first DSLR camera soon.

Thanks!

Answer
If you don't mind used cameras, I would recommend a used Canon 50D or Canon 40D. I recently got a 40D with a 28-135mm off of craigslist for $900. If you go for a level higher than the Rebels, you will find higher quality and a body that will last you much longer because of the magnesium frame.

Also, don't forget that while you may go through bodies, lenses are really what make amazing pictures. I HIGHLY recommend the Canon 50mm f/1.8. It is amazingly sharp and offers beautiful pictures. Plus it is only $90!

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