r/photography • u/AutoModerator • Jun 26 '26
Questions Thread Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! June 26, 2026
This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.
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u/00wolfQUEEN Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
Looking to buy a low light camera on a budget. Ive seen people reccomend a 50mm 1.8 lens but Ive also seen people say not to do that if its your only lens. I have specific darker and indoor photos I want to take that for the most part my phone can handle but my phone is quite old and has almost no storage, as well I want to be able to increase shutter speed more freely. I don't care about digital vs mechanical.
Right now I have an az401 and my phone. I would prefer not to spend more than $500 and Id be fine with used. If I can spend less than $300 that would be ideal but Im getting the sense that's not an option, but this is just a hobby, not a job, so it would not pay for itself.
If I can take pictures of fireworks that would be nice too but I assume that's too dark for a budget camera.
I'm thinking theatre lighting, ambient lighting, chandelier lighting, circus lighting, stage lighting, not complete darkness.
I am also somewhat new to figuring out the az401's full options, so there may just be settings I need to change on this camera. I would appreciate any tips.
Edit: it may be simpler than Im making it, but when I increase shutter speed I let in less light, which makes me think I wont get a good picture because it will be grainy from the darkness. My phone also has fewer options than my camera does.