Eos 1Ds for use in low light

[Craig]

I'm a film based theatrical photographer. I'm already digital in my printing process (Fuji Pictrography 3500 + Nikon Coolscan 4000) until recently digital camera's were not an option because I always shoot in low-light situations with heavy color saturation. I've been looking at the EOS 1Ds and I'm very impressed with the specs.

My question for you all is this-has anyone used this camera in low-light tungsten shooting environments? I would like to use the camera at the 800 or higher ISO.

Thanks in advance,

Craig

[philw]

[camera's what? ;-) ]

I only just got my 1ds but I saw your question. Last night I was walking to the pub and there was a hotel fire and I got a couple of shots off before my battery (left the spare at home, new batteries not yet conditioned) ran out and I had to go and buy some beer.

I shot RAW+JPEG but really you don't need the RAW unless you have the exposure wrong. Here's a 25% reduced/ slightly sharpened jpeg:

http://www.wigglesworld.btinternet.co.uk/misc/A19S9268_J.jpg

1/30 second, f5.6, 28-135 lens (my 24-70L hasn't turned up yet). The light is the floodlights plus the smoke from the fire. Not artistic, but I was just walking past, like you do.

Compared with my scanner (Canon 2700) and transparencies I'd rather have this any time. Compared with D30 1600 ISO this has much less noise.

I was talking over Xmas with a pro who uses his 1D for stills on movies; I guess he already does what you want.

Phil

[Craig]

Thanks Philw,
Bless your soul! That's what I need to know. I'm in Los Angeles, Ca and one of the major newspapers (The Los Angeles Times) is switching to the 1ds. Since they are geared towards newspaper reproduction-which is quite forgiving-and my work is geared not only towards newspaper but brochure and magazine work, I simply could not tell if the camera would work for me.

I just arraigned for my local photo shop to loan me one so I can see real world if this puppy will work for me.

I'll let you all know what I come up with.

BTW-Very cool photo!
Thanks again,
Craig

PS-What iso was the camera set at? Look at the lower portion of the fireman's left leg. I can't tell-do you see any "banding?" Is the noise level acceptable? Congratulations on the purchase of your new camera!

[philw]

ISO: Sorry, I forgot that rather important bit of information.... 1250. I used to hate the 1600 ISO of the D30, in fact I almost never shot it above ISO100 because of the noise. There's certainly noise in this shot, but in my opinion (and I'm biased because I just bought this thing) the noise here is much easier to live with.


I checked the original of the chap's left leg - I could post it but it's not really worth it. I can't see any sort of "banding" at all (although I've read posts here and there about that stuff). I can see noise, but it looks like regular random ("gaussian"?) stuff to me.

Please tell us how you get on. I haven't taken this thing into a studio yet, but I will, and I think it'll be good.

phil

[redbutt]

PS-What iso was the camera set at? Look at the lower portion of the fireman's left leg. I can't tell-do you see any "banding?" Is the noise level acceptable? Congratulations on the purchase of your new camera!

I think what you are seeing is the uniform. It looks as though the pants have two slightly reflective stripes around the lower section of the pants.

[philw]

> I think what you are seeing is the uniform. It looks as though the pants have two slightly reflective stripes around the lower section of the pants.

I think you're correct - they do have such a stripe. They were actually on strike yesterday, but they're back today.