I am looking for a camera that will perform well in low light settings. Also, I need a camera to photograph documents, will this camera fit the bill?
801685
Any camera can photograph documents. As far as low light settings, the K5 does fairly well for it's price range. It depends also on what lens you use. It's best to use a lens with a wide open aperture, at least starting with a 3.5. I'm guessing you are a beginner, so I won't go into the technical details. I've used my little Pentax KX (my first DSLR) in a large room that was lit by about 50-100 candles and I used a 50 mm 1.7 lens (an old film lens) and had great success with it. I still have the KX, but shoot with the K5 as my main camera.
801686
This camera is excellent, and can certainly handle low light by setting the sensitivity to higher ISO's (or through the use of faster lenses). However, like most cameras and sensors, the use of higher ISO's will introduce "graininess" in the images. Sort of analogous to higher speed films in the old film days. Photographing documents is possible with most any camera, however, the quality of the images are dependent on the quality of the lenses. Depending on the document to be recorded, it may be necessary to invest in a macro lens. In essence, the camera body itself has little impact on the ability to photograph documents. Hope this is helpful.
801687
This camera is excellent, and can certainly handle low light by setting the sensitivity to higher ISO's (or through the use of faster lenses). However, like most cameras and sensors, the use of higher ISO's will introduce "graininess" in the images. Sort of analogous to higher speed films in the old film days. Photographing documents is possible with most any camera, however, the quality of the images are dependent on the quality of the lenses. Depending on the document to be recorded, it may be necessary to invest in a macro lens. In essence, the camera body itself has little impact on the ability to photograph documents. Hope this is helpful. This camera is excellent, and can certainly handle low light by setting the sensitivity to higher ISO's (or through the use of faster lenses). However, like most cameras and sensors, the use of higher ISO's will introduce "graininess" in the images. Sort of analogous to higher speed films in the old film days. Photographing documents is possible with most any camera, however, the quality of the images are dependent on the quality of the lenses. Depending on the document to be recorded, it may be necessary to invest in a macro lens. In essence, the camera body itself has little... » Read More This camera is excellent, and can certainly handle low light by setting the sensitivity to higher ISO's (or through the use of faster lenses). However, like most cameras and sensors, the use of higher ISO's will introduce "graininess" in the images. Sort of analogous to higher speed films in the old film days. Photographing documents is possible with most any camera, however, the quality of the images are dependent on the quality of the lenses. Depending on the document to be recorded, it may be necessary to invest in a macro lens. In essence, the camera body itself has little impact on the ability to photograph documents. Hope this is helpful. « Show Less
801688
This is an excellent camera. I have been using it since it was first launched. It can definitely handle low light, however I would recommend a fast lens. That will be the key to keeping the the dreaded noise out of your pictures with higher ISO. Aa far as documents. I would definitely think this would be a great camera to use. I would invest in a tripod though and possibly a macro lens.
801689
The K-5 does very well in low light settings. It renders images very well and precisely. I have done low-light action and stills with the camera and have had excellent results with my K-5. I have seen some reviews that state the K-5II does even better than the K-5 in low light and in sharpness, but others state that they are about the same. I have two K-5s and am very happy with the results they have produced. Producing low noise images in low light is one of its standout features that distinguishes it from its' predecessor the K-20D. The K-5 is one of the highest ranked cameras on the market and is an outstanding tool. The K-5 does very well in low light settings. It renders images very well and precisely. I have done low-light action and stills with the camera and have had excellent results with my K-5. I have seen some reviews that state the K-5II does even better than the K-5 in low light and in sharpness, but others state that they are about the same. I have two K-5s and am very happy with the results they have produced. Producing low noise images in low light is one of its standout features that distinguishes it from its' predecessor the K-20D. The K-5 is one of the highest ranked cameras on the... » Read More The K-5 does very well in low light settings. It renders images very well and precisely. I have done low-light action and stills with the camera and have had excellent results with my K-5. I have seen some reviews that state the K-5II does even better than the K-5 in low light and in sharpness, but others state that they are about the same. I have two K-5s and am very happy with the results they have produced. Producing low noise images in low light is one of its standout features that distinguishes it from its' predecessor the K-20D. The K-5 is one of the highest ranked cameras on the market and is an outstanding tool. « Show Less
801690
Absolutely this camera perform very well even in low light settings. You can take very smooth and high quality photograps by using it. I purchased it with one of my professional friends' advice about phohotography.
801691
The Pentax K-5 performs excellently in low light. I work with it in bulb-mode almost as well as a film camera. Documents will need more light for a good read, but the K-5 with a tripod and/or flash will do a very good job for the cost.
1513224
Best for low light is a Digital SLR camera, or to go film based. They have the highest ISO ratings with the lowest actual noise when using those modes. Beware specs, as some ISO modes are simply unusable. The Digital SLRs use a bigger sensor which means less electrical noise and more light actually falling on each pixel as each pixel isn't as small as the small point and shoots. Also you can connect lenses that gather more light. You can even connect a telescope if you want. In fact this is waht many do for astrophotography (star) photography. I could go on... Personally I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT and love it. And I love taking night shots of cites. The latest low priced DSLR Canon is the Rebel XTi.
2265610
The camera works well in just about any light. It has many settings and features that help with this. We actually have 2 of them now, the oldest being 2 years old. They both have been trouble free and take great pictures. We did, however, take a photography class to help us learn how to use the options and and get great photos. I hope this helps.
1659715
I bought 4 and carry one use one on my office and have a spare and gave one as a gift excellent camera! it is worth what you pay. I almost never use the flash and they are used mostly in my office for skin and wound pics. Excellent camera. I'm not a pro but I think it shoots ok in low light. I use Auto 99% of the time with flash turned off. Good luck.
788646
For low light it will do for sure. I do beluce for sone action too, but not to much. Photographing groups pf friend together i had no problems lime "phantons" ir shades of people moving. It is not a pro camera but a long step from regular ines. If you know how to operate in manual yoy will be able to do it.My experience is only on automatic mode.
288759
I've been very satisfied with the few low light photos I've taken so far by giving a little thought to setting up the shot and paying attention to the focus box in auto mode. I'm sure there are some override settings that would enhance low light shots but I haven't felt the need to use them yet.
653983
Yes, I have been very impressed with the low light pictures. The only complaint I have is you can't force the flash on in auto if you want some fill in light. However, you can force the flash on in other modes.
2205904
I have not taken shots of documents specifically, but lots of low light/no flash photos for candid shots and it (the K-5) works great. I have been very happy with it.
288758
It is an excellent camera and performs well for me in all light conditions. Buy it you will be impressed.
1134639
I returned tha camera. It has a fantastic zoom and handles beautifully but it's not too effective in low light at anything more than 50mm
653985
This camera takes good pictures in low light. for a point and shoot it is wonderful. If your Light is really low, I recommend a more expensive camera. The Canon Rebel series is a better camera, the draw backs more expensive, larger, heaver, more equiptment to carry, bigger camera bag and far more complicated. payoff, top of the line pics.The sx260 HD is light, easy to use, stores in you pocket and is ready right away. Its low light respones is good and it has a 20x optical zoom. Quite an amazing camera.
671656
This camera is great in low light if you use the flash. Without the flash the photo will come out a little dark. Trust me; you'll love this camera :)
288757
Depends on definition of "Low" light. Inside buildings with artificial/natural light, works very well. In darkened areas where you think you might need a flash, it will still take very good pictures. The camera does give you a red warning if the light is too low to be acceptable with out flash.
2205902
yes. this is a good camera in low light.I used sensitivity up to 6400 and I got good noise all the way through
1608676
thank u for this info, but i have a question which compact camera will be good quality especially in the low light conditions?maybe the sony H20, the fuji F70, panasonic fz38, canon sx20
1143738
low light recording is good as long as you do not zoom. The bigger the aperture of the lens the better quality of the picture
567353
I have the Sony. (Took 3 thousand photos and video on an international trip). It is mostly fine, but there are 2 complaints with which I agree on the message boards. 1. Blue purple tint and glare from the lens coating in bright sunlight. 2. In general, not perfectly sharp pictures usually. (I have 5 year old Kodak 5mp that is often more sharp). The good...amazing motion stabilization. 'Able to take photos in almost any light condition without the flash!! I also have some good photos from moving vehicles. Very compact and no protruding lens or lens motor. Quick startup. HD movie is ok also. Acceptable battery life. FYI. There are assorted complaints about the Canons also. I have now read enough not to expect perfect photos from ANY point and shoot, but like you, I hate to drag around that Nikon. (You might try one of the new cameras with a bit larger sensor, like 4 3rds).