From time to time I shoot indoor theatrical or musical performances where the use of flash would be inappropriate… and probably get me ejected from the theatre! From what I understand, many people like to photograph these subjects with primes (for their wider apertures) or with wide aperture zooms. I have successfully shot such subjects with the former, but I don’t own the latter.
Newer DSLRs that have image stabilization and can produce good low-noise images at higher ISO values let us push the limits of natural light photography in these situations.
This example was shot with my EF 24-105mm f/4 IS zoom on a tripod and with image stabilization. (I leave the ballhead somewhat loose and sometimes use the tripod as a monopod.) I can often shoot in the 1/25 to 1/60 of a second shutter speed range and get good results as long as my subjects aren’t moving too fast.
I picked up a new camera body last night. While part of me is fascinated by the technology, another part remembers that it is really about the photographs and not about the camera. Soooo… I’m going to resist the temptation to rattle on about the new gear. :-)
… I have a suggestion for Canon in re the “big” 20D/30D/40D question. (You know, the one causing untold neverending shuddupshuddupSHUDDUP existential anguish all over every Canon forum on the ‘net….)
The suggestion: drop it.
That’s right. Drop it altogether. Why does Canon need a camera in between the XTi (400D) and the 5D, anyway? Answer: maybe it doesn’t.
(Follow the link to read the rest of his post.)
I don’t have any idea when it might happen – this year? next? later? – but I think that the 30D segment camera is going to get squeezed before long. With an increasingly competent 400D below it and the likelihood that full frame camera costs will decline, I don’t think there will be much room left for such a camera.
I’d be one happy camper if Canon managed to get the price of a full frame body down to about the $2000 list price region. Real prices would drift below that before long and few (but there would be a few) would prefer a crop sensor 30D-type body at $1200 to a 5D variant at $1800… and a good number of those “few” might be happy with a less expensive 400D-type camera.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him.
G Dan Mitchell is a California photographer and visual opportunist. His book, “California’s Fall Color: A Photographer’s Guide to Autumn in the Sierra” (Heyday Books) is available directly from him.
Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.
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