Quietest digital options?

[jaredangle]

So I ran into a situation when I absolutely, positively could not get away with using my D700 – doing a story on a local Buddhist temple. Had to pass up photos of the meditation and chants, just got photos around the garden and people milling about afterwards. Couldn't even skimp out and get web-only shots with my silenced iPhone – too grainy because the lights were off for meditation.

So what's the quietest digital p/s camera or interchangeable lens system?

The X100 with its APS-C sensor, leaf shutter and fast lens popped into my mind, and I can stomach the cost for these sort of things.

Then again, there's the Ricoh GXR with the 28mm and 50mm offerings.

Or perhaps the Sigma DP1 or DP2?

 

[rhl-oregon]

Ricoh recommendation

Ricoh recommendation

Less spendy (and more compact) than any of these is the Ricoh GRDIII (now that the GRDIV is out). Fixed 28/1.9, silent option, though limited to 1600 ISO. The IV should have 3200. It's my notebook/pocket camera

The GXR goes up to 3200, and can be silenced with the native lensors. If you use the A12/M mount, you may be able to use the electronic shutter; with M/LTM lenses, I've used only the regular shutter; it has a pronounced click.

 

[gavinlg]

X100 for sure. Practically silent, and a superb camera.

 

[nighstar]

Point & Shoot: Ricoh GRD IV

you can turn off every single sound (minus the noise that is made when the lens extends), making this camera utterly stealthy. on top of this, it is an all-around awesome camera if you can handle the 28mm FOV.

DSLR: Canon 5D Mark III

the silent mode of the Mark III is VERY quiet. not silent, but very quiet. if you use it in conjunction with Live View it's even quieter. for example, i was able to take several photos of this woman & her dog without her knowing when any other DSLR would have given me away immediately.

a video demonstrating the shutter sounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xASGZwTDdVw

 

[ChrisN]

If you have the chance, have a play with a Pentax K5. The shutter sound (volume) is similar to my Leica M4.

 

[thegman]

My brother's SD15 was not much louder than my M3, although high ISO is poor, so maybe not suitable for indoor use. Hight ISO looks OK in BW, but in colour, it's pretty rubbish.

 

[splitimageview]

Nothing is quieter than absolutely silent: x100

 

[Richard G]

X100. and a few other word but not ten.

 

[Frontman]

The Lumix LX5 is silent, you often can't tell that the camera has actually taken a shot, and it focuses very quickly, making it great for candid shots. I have recently started shooting with the X-Pro, which is quiet enough, but doesn't focus as quickly as my Lumix.

 

[jsrockit]

X100 for sure...but the Leica X1 as well.