What is the best low light non-DSLR camera?

[Benandbobbi]

A friend wanted a recomemndation for shooting indoors in a gym but didn't want to drop the cash for a DSLR. I had no idea what to recommend. Can anyone help? He needs to shoot indoor sports for his kids---typical dark gym stuff. Any recommendations are appreciated. He wants to spend under $800 USD.

[RhoXS]

Success capturing high quality low light digital photographs has a lot to do with the sensor size. Bigger sensors have more surface area to capture light. Therefore, bigger sensors are more light sensitive and less noisey.

Better non-SLR digital cams, such as the G6 & G7, have a sensor size of 7.18 x 5.32 mm (minimum ISO 50). An SLR, such as my Nikon D70, has a 23.7 x 15.6 mm (minimum ISO 200) sensor; 10X the surface area of the G6/G7 sensor. Even at ISO 1600, noise is minimal.

Aside from light sensitivity, niether my non-SLR G3 or G6 can auto focus sufficiently fast for sport photography. The G6 is much better than the G3 but both have trouble focusing if there is any consequential relative movement between the camera and subject. My SLR Nikon D70, on the other hand, can auto focus almost instantly under most conditions.

I noticed that a new Nikon D40x SLR with lens is selling for $750.00 (B&H). I am sure Canon has a competitive product. SLR and non-SLR cameras are very different machines with very different capabilities. IMO, if you are looking to take low light action photographs, you are much more likely to have a high success rate with a SLR device. The Nikon D40x meets your <$800.00 criteria and, if it is anything like my D70, you cannot go wrong.

[sando]

Fuji F30 (I think)

It's phenomenol at iso800 + 1600 for a compact

[deltroid]

Fuji F30 (I think)

It's phenomenol at iso800 + 1600 for a compact

+1 The Fuji F31 I believe is the newest release, and maintains it's highest rating in regards to handling noise. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilmf31fd/

[say_cheese]

A P&S just wont do the job. It's just does not have the capability. For his budget I would highly recommend the XT/XTi (or Nikon D40) and a fast lens, even the 50mm/1.8, next would be 430EX speedlite.

[EORI]

A P&S just wont do the job. It's just does not have the capability. For his budget I would highly recommend the XT/XTi (or Nikon D40) and a fast lens, even the 50mm/1.8, next would be 430EX speedlite.

Agreed. The slow lens speed and shutter lag make the p&s a no-go. Combination of the XT and 85 f/1.8 can be had for under $800.