GrandmaG wrote:
For this play, I sat in the front row and used a Nikon D500 with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. I was quite pleased with the results. However, even in quiet mode, my granddaughter on stage could hear the camera. I may try my Sony a7iii next time with a Sigma 50-100/1.8 lens because that camera is COMPLETELY silent.
As far as Nikon's go, unless you can afford or rent the D5, the best lowlight cameras are the D500 and the D7500. The D7500 is the least expensive if you were going to purchase. Use a lowlight lens in conjuction with one of them and you should have no problem. To decrease the noise, I would suggest that you focus manually. If you are going to focus manually you don't need the D500. Go with the D7500.
Don't be afraid to crank up the ISO on the D7500. Experiment. ISO 3000 or 6000 should not give you significantly noticeable noice. If the lens you use as well as the shutter speed allows you go lower, all the better.