DSLR for theater pictures ???

[RobinPoindexter]

I wish to purchase a DSLR, in order to shoot theater pictures.. ... low light, no flash, stage lights in distance, moving objects (well, people). I need to make a quick decision about which one to buy, as I one to return that has an expiration time for returning... Which or which several DSLRs that aren't over 1400 dollars would you recommend?

I'd prefer to buy one that comes with some type of lense, even if it's not a good one, and I do realize that I'd have to get the right lense for this particular need. It's just that I'd like to start out using the camera right away just for general pic's and so that I could get used to the camera itself before investing again in the appropriate lense for this scenario. But I would love to hear as well about which lense combinations with which camera would be most ideal for this scenario.

Also, one other consideration for me would be size and ease of manipulating. I do realize that I'm probably asking too much, but the less cumbersome the better when in a theater, given that we would want to do our best to limit the space I need. The easier it is for me to hold and manipulate, the more confident I will be.

Please share any and all suggestions, particularly specific cameras and/or lenses that you would recommend. Thanks very much~~~

[jamison55]

Hey Robin, welcome to the forum!

Since you will be shooting with available light you will need a good combination of fast lenses and good high ISO performance. Given your price range you have a couple of great options:

For a camera, sounds like the Canon Digital Rebel XT might just fit the bill. It is presently the best high ISO performer of the $1000 digicams, and is one of the lightest, and most compact as well. It seems to carry on Canon's tradition of excellent image quality, when the right lens is mounted on the front. For $1000, it comes with the 18-55mm kit lens which is just OK in terms of image quality.

So I've spent $1000 of your money, let's see how I can do with the other $400.
Available light needs fast glass so I'd recommend one of two options:

1) Tamron 28-75 f2.8 XR Di (one of the best consumer lenses out there)

-OR-

2) Canon 50 f1.8 and Canon 85 f1.8

Both of these lens options will cost you around $400.

The Tamron is a zoom so you get the convenience of all of the focal lenghts in one lens. It is very sharp for a zoom and relatively fast at f2.8.

The Canon primes are faster by 1.5 stops than the Tamron. They are both very sharp. Since they are primes, however, you will have to zoom with your feet.

If I were in your shoes, I'd probably pick the primes for the extra light gathering abilities. With theatre photography, you probably won't be moving around too much, so the value of the zoom diminishes when compared with the faster primes.

Happy shopping!

[speaklightly]

Robin and Jamison-

I have done my share of theater photography and would like to share a few observations if I might:

Seat Placement: Over the years, I have found that an aisle seat approximately six rows back seems to work out best, if you are dealing with a theater built since 1920. With an aisle seat you can move a bit more while panning and not bother folks as much. Yes, center seating is ideal but your elbows are hanging out and soon the folks to the right and left will be grimmacing at you. Usually the 4th to 6th rows will bring you level with the stage. If you go closer than that, you will be below the lip of the stage and shooting up at an angle virtually guaranteed to produce distortion.

ISO: Generally speaking I have found it best to set your dSLR to ISO 1600 and fire away. However, stage lighting does vary a great deal both in intensity and color, so always attempt to keep track of the stage lighting. At ISO 1600, even with an F 3.5 lens you can maintain a shutter speed of about 1/100th, give or take due to the lighting.

Lenses: Over the years, I have found that you need some reach, therefore the telephoto end of the lens should be between 120mm to 200mm.

Stopping Action: Develop an eye for those times where the ongoing movement stops for just an instant, but costumes are still swirling due to the previous movement. Keep in mind that there are indeed photos where you may want to clearly demonstrate movement, but a portion of the photo must be sharp and well defined.

Plan on Taking Lots of Shots: Theater Photography requires many exposures to get exactly the shot you are looking for, so use a large capacity chip and have well charged batteries.

Here is a sample photo for you, that offers a good example of movement in the lower torso, but shapness through the face and bust area.

Sarah Joyce

[jbcm]

I would go with either one.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/20d.html


or


http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/nikon_d70.html

[speaklightly]

jbcm-

Thanks for joining me on this thread. However, where oh where is Robin??

Sarah Joyce

[speaklightly]

Well,

Another 24 hours has passed. Our subject, "Theater Photography" is still on the table. Perhaps Robin has lost interest. This will be the last time that I will rescue this post and keep it on the front page.

Sarah Joyce