Digital cameras 101

[smurik]

I am fairly new to digicams and want to buy one to shoot concert photography. I have been looking at the new Canon IS3 but am not sure if it is best. I want to stay below $600 and I would be shooting lots of pics in low light with different colored lights added in- reds, blues, greens....sometimes dry ice is involved... the worst I think.

I hear a high ISO is necessary for concert photography...is that true? Any recommendations would be great!

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi smurik and welcome!

Unfortunately, there is no "best" camera. Each has it's strong and weak points so the key is to find one that best meets your overall needs.

The S3 has improved ISO performance over its predecessors. And it also has Image Stabilizaton which is particularly helpful when using a long zoom or shooting in low light. IS helps in other situations, not just low light.

Fujifilm cameras with their super CCDs are known having outstanding low light capabilities when shooting with high IS0 numbers up to ISO 800. Some of their cameras also offer ISO up to 3200! They do not, however, have image stabilization. You can take a look at some FujiFilm cameras here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Fujifilm/

Digital Single Reflex cameras excel in the high ISO department. But many do not want to carry around the bulk and, for some, the cost is prohibitive.

It's a tough choice but we are lucky to have so many. Decide on a camera that has the most features you need based on the type of photos you'll take most.

Related reading:

Photographinc concerts:
http://www.digicamhelp.com/learn/camera-questions-and-answers/photographing-concerts.htm


High ISO
http://www.digicamhelp.com/iso/high-iso.htm