Cameras & Camcorders

[TanyaAlvaBVB]

So I have a Samsung TL240 and I'm pretty satisfied with the pictures. But the problem is that whenever I take videos at concerts or dark scenes, they always come out fuzzy if I don't use flash (which I don't like using at concerts). Also, if the band on stage has bright lights on, their faces turn really bright & white and when they have colored lights on, everything turns weird o_e. Along with that, the sound doesn't really turn out the way I really want it to be.

Overall, I'm looking for a good quality DSLR/SLR camera instead of a small camera.  My budget is under $800.
Oh and I'm also going to not only use this camera for videos, but for taking lots and lots of pictures. I'm one of those people who just adores photography almost as much as Nikki Sixx and Sammi Doll, but I'm not much of a 'pro' yet :l . So yeah. Please leave suggestions. Thank you so much.

[xl]

For outdoor concerts during the day, the TL240 would be sufficent.  This camera is useless at night.

• in low light, sensor size becomes a huge issue.  The fuzziness you describe is called "sensor noise"
• the weird spot light colors you're describing is called "white balance" issues.  Trying setting to "tungsten" or "incadescent".
• how far are you from the band?  Front row?
• What's wrong with the sound?  Too much crowd noise?  Are the microphones being overpowered?  Have you considered plugging a camcorder into their sound boards?
• you mentioned DSLR video.... are you planning for manual or auto focus?  Turn up your computer volume and click on this link to listen for autofocus and image stabilization noise.  It's like listening to finger nails on a chalkboard.  You will be fired so quickly.
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r3VcFueYw4&t=4s

For under $800, I recommend you research...

The Canon GX1 is a newly announced pocket shooter with a sensor similar to their cropped DSLR's.  It also has a hot shoe so you can plug in an external flash for added brightness.  Is the 4x zoom going to be a problem.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Canon+-+PowerShot+G1+X+14.3-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/4810725.p?i...

On the DSLR side, I like the entry level Nikon D3100.  The sensor is bigger than Canon DSLR's.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+D3100+14.2-Megapixel+DSLR+Camera+with+18-55mm+VR+Lens+-+Red/3099...

If you are getting paid for your work.... don't hold back.... The newly released D800 should give you incredible results.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nikon+-+D800+36.3-Megapixel+DSLR+Camera+(Body+Only)+-+Black/4827167.p?id...

If you don't need video, the bargain priced Nikon D700 has the largest photosites for low-light photography without a flash.

[TanyaAlvaBVB]

I think I may be going to buy the Nikon D3100. Thank you sooo much.!!!

[xl]

If you insist on a DSLR.... consider getting a f/1.8 lens if you cannot afford a f/2.8 zoom for low light photography.

The D3100 is an entry level camera, so it lacks an auto-focus motor with this lens.

• 85mm f/1.8 D

For a few dollars more.... visit a camera store and ask for the 85mm f/1.8 AF-S G.  This lens has the autofocus motor to work with the D3100.  You will be just over your $800 budget.