Originally posted by mellowyeahlow Am I the only one who finds that the K30 low light performance is really bad?
Probably. It's the same classic sensor as the K-5 era cameras, and they're all pretty well regarded in the APS-C world.
Originally posted by mellowyeahlow I get extreme amounts of noise starting at 32,000 ISO.
There's your problem then. I don't shoot about 1,600 on my K-30 normally, but will push to 3,200 if required to get the shot, and only higher if it's absolutely necessary.
Whilst the dial allows you to set higher ISO figures, they're close to worthless in reality.
Originally posted by mellowyeahlow Most indoor scenarios when I am looking to take photos, it always needs 32,000 ISO or more and can't get faster than 1/40.
Across the board there has been a big push for high Mega Pixel count cameras/sensors, often at the expense of noise/high ISO capabilities.
Agree there are times where you can't control the lighting, flash isn't allowed or isn't suitable, and where some decent ISO ability would be really handy.
Maintaining a fast shutter speed to freeze motion is not easy if you haven't got enough light to play with.
Originally posted by mellowyeahlow Anyone got some tips or tricks for shooting in low light without having to resort to the flash on the camera?
I'm assuming lens with high f-stop would help? But seems like anything with good f-stop is pricey.
What subject matter/location are you trying to shoot?
Do you have any control over lighting levels at all?
Can you shoot earlier in the day for instance, where applicable?
Shooting with a wide aperture / lower f values, say f1.8 - f4 for instance, opens up the lens and lets in as much light as possible.
It will reduce your depth of field though, so getting focus correct is very important at these wide apertures.
Keep your shutter speed as low as possible, to gather more light.
This doesn't work so well if there is any movement, unless you're going for that effect. Keep the camera steady if there is no movement in the shot, using a tripod or a monopod for support etc.
Yes basically after doing all you can on camera you will need to introduce some more light to play with, and flash seems the most obvious way to do this.
So, if it's suitable use the on camera flash or use one or more off camera flashes.
Wait and buy the new FF camera, as hopefully this will have better low ISO