Minimum Shutter speed: SLR vs RF

[kshapero]

When using a 35 or 50mm lens, I find that 1/30 sec shutter speed is about as slow as I can go to get a good exposure with an SLR. On a RF 1/15 sec seems to be the bottom. I figure that Mirror slap and vibration on the SLR is what gives the RF the edge. How about you?

 

[Sparrow]

It's all down to mass, energy and inertia ... so it depends on the models in question

I would imagine a Bessa, with the counterbalanced vertical shutter, taped to a house-brick would be about the best

 

[BobYIL]

My experiences were similar too. However I remember few cases when I was able to lean my head onto a wall or something, 1/8 sec was the lower limit to get one acceptably sharp out of two, or with the 24/2.8 on a Nikon F, one out of three @1/4 sec.

 

[kshapero]

Yes, those tricks often help but in normal standing position, I can't do much better. Generally all things being equal, the RF makes a better low light rig. Of course the new digital mirror less rigs have a similar advantage. But that's another story. The newer SLT Sony SLR's push this even further, I would think.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Akiva

Yea, similar experience as you have. It is a commonly held belief that the mirror slap of an SLR is the cause and not knowing any better personally I go along with that. That changes radically when I add a VR lens to the SLR. With a VR lens I am on even or better footing than with a RF.

Bob

 

[Steve M.]

Depends on the camera. I've had SLR's with LOUD mirror slap, but it all occurred after the shutter had fired. The Nikon N80 SLR that I once owned had an extremely well damped mirror that was as quiet as nearly any rangefinder camera made. I'd be surprised if it exhibeted much shake because when I was outside sometimes I wasn't sure if it had even fired. No camera vibration at all.

 

[mdarnton]

I find that the real problem isn't the camera but my subjects. I can hold still for 1/whatever, but my subjects rarely do.

 

[BobYIL]

How about something like this? 😀

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gFJsfin35g&feature=relmfu

 

[Nikon Bob]

I find that the real problem isn't the camera but my subjects. I can hold still for 1/whatever, but my subjects rarely do.

Yea, that is so true and why I don't consider moving subjects only static ones when discussing min hand held shutter speeds. With moving subjects to try and freeze action you are at 1/125 or higher depending. Panning may also enter into it.

Bob