The "BEST" is a very difficult question to answer. Canon cameras are known to have a very AF speeds. And lenses also matter. For non-DSLR, I would say it is very difficult to get one with a good low light AF.http://budding-nature-photographer.blogspot.com/..

Dipukp wrote:.

The "BEST" is a very difficult question to answer. Canon cameras areknown to have a very AF speeds. And lenses also matter..

To get the best AF performance from Canon DSLRs, use a lens of f/2.8 or faster. All the current models, even the 400D, have a special high precision AF sensor which comes into effect when there is an f/2.8 lens on the camera. But even without this Canon's AF is excellent...

Any of the pro dSLRs from Nikon (D2 series, D200) or Canon (1DS and EOS 5d series) will work the best. But you WILL need to use the matching pro-grade lenses, and it WILL cost you money. A lot of money. As far as the lower grade cameras go, I've been reasonably happy with my Fuji S9500, but it's not particularly fast in low light focussing situations - there are no doubt faster and better around now. If you're shooting candids, you need fast handling, as well as fast focussing, or you'll miss the shot. If you're serious about this, prepare to spend up big.Rob.

Everyone, everywhere, has to do everything for a first time. There is no failure in failure, only in failing to learn...

Thank you for your help. I'm sorry my question was a little vague but I tried to define my requirements by mentioning speed to attain focus and the accuracy of the focus. I was aware that the speed of the lens was an issue but didn't realise that Canon cameras had this special facility with lenses of f2.8 and faster..

Unfortunately I have an emotional block when it comes to Canon. Don't ask me to explain it because I don't understand it myself; I just know I wouldn't be happy with a Canon. Funny old world this branding business isn't it!.

I saw a review which said that the Ricoh GX100 had an additional autofocus sensor which could pick up both horizontal and vertical points and that this helped enormously in low light. But I can't remember where I saw it and the review on this site was quite critical of it's low light focus speed. Maybe I dreamt it..

Back to DSLRs: What about the Nikon D40x and D80 for this type of work?.

I want to buy both a compact and a DSLR by the way...

The D2X blows away the D200 in low light (I own both)..

I've also used my D2X and a Canon MKIIn side by side and feel they have similar AF performance in all lighting conditions.And, the D2H has the same AF system as the D2X, so I would add that to the list...

David821 wrote:.

Which is the best DSLR and which is the best non DSLR for low lightfocus speed and accuracy. The cameras will be used for indoor candidshoots..

The best DSLR is whichever one you have with a flash mounted that has IR AF assist light. If you want to keep that natural light ambiance, a way to turn off the flash itself is also essential. I don't know about Nikon, but all Canon except the lowest level (300D/350D/400D) have a custom function that enables IR assist but disables flash..

Seen in a fortune cookie:Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed..

That is moving. Also IR assist has a limited range..

I agree with the above recommendation for a Nikon D2 for low light AF, then Canon 1D, then it's a toss up with the 30D, 5D and D200..

I have a 30D and find the low light AF very good even with an F4 lens, much better than the Pentax K10 or Olympus E series..

Gene..

R Valentino wrote:.

That is moving. Also IR assist has a limited range..

None of which is typically a problem with indoor candid shots..

Seen in a fortune cookie:Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed..

Thank you. I have learned a lot already. Looks like more research to be done..

When it comes to compacts what about the Ricoh GX100; does it really have this additional sensor? ...

DenverBryan wrote:.

The D2X blows away the D200 in low light (I own both)..

True, but the D200 is no slouch, especially given the MUCH smaller price point... (Wish I could justify a D2x...).

Rob.

Everyone, everywhere, has to do everything for a first time. There is no failure in failure, only in failing to learn...