helpful suggestions requested (Page 2): You know, I have been through training exercises in surveillance (military Intelligence). It is not easy with multiple people involved. One...

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

You know, I have been through training exercises in surveillance (military Intelligence). It is not easy with multiple people involved. One person with a camera and long lens will stick out like a sore thumb. The subject will pick up on that very quickly.

photoman43

If stealth is a requirement, a Nikon Coolpix P 950 might be what is needed--. Longer effective zoom, but a much smaller profile. Sensor is smaller than those in DSLRs. ISO capabilities may not be good enough for low light situations.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-coolpix-p950-review

The person might need both: Nikon D6 or D5 with long fast Nikon and the Coolpix.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

ecobin wrote:

Nikon D5 or D6 with f mount 400mm f/2.8 lens
https://www.adorama.com/us1581434.html?gclsrc=ds

This will provide superior low light quality & speed, but not at over 500 ft. For that distance he/she would need a rock steady tripod with an 800mm lens and a 2x tc. But that combo doesn't lend itself to low light. I could make it work but a novice will need to learn photography.

To the bodies you list, I would go with the Nikon 500 mm PF -- lightweight and hand-holdable. In clandestine work, it wouldn't be good to fool around setting up a tripod for use with a faster lens.

Bill May

understand the parameters these are experienced investigative personnel just need new equipment recommendations for their new venture. thanks for input.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

I use a combination approach that has worked for me in the past. Your wallet will dictate the camera and lens although I would suggest the smaller camera, like a P950. The key is post-processing. Photoshop can bring out a usable shot.
Taking stealth/security photos is usually, but not always, about not standing out like a sore thumb! Long lenses on big FF cameras stick out.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

kymarto wrote:

I would ditch the DSLR suggestions and go with the Canon R3, which has the best low light response of any existing digital FF camera. A couple of MF bodies do better, but then the rig with a long lens gets really ungainly. Mirrorless will allow much better viewing and focusing than a DSLR, since it shows the image as it will be shot instead of an image slightly darker than ambient conditions, as would a DSLR

....but I would also suggest the latest Olympus M4/3 high end body with the new-ish Olympus 150-400 f4.5 with some of the latest AI software and compatible processing hardware.......
For stealth you might want to think about a Sony RX10 m4.....
.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

ecobin wrote:

Nikon D5 or D6 with f mount 400mm f/2.8 lens
https://www.adorama.com/us1581434.html?gclsrc=ds

This will provide superior low light quality & speed, but not at over 500 ft. For that distance he/she would need a rock steady tripod with an 800mm lens and a 2x tc. But that combo doesn't lend itself to low light. I could make it work but a novice will need to learn photography.

Yeh, price is not an issue there. BTW, have you ever tried to hand hold that rig?

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Bill May wrote:

I have a client in the investigations business that is looking to purchase a camera body and telephoto lens that is suitable for low light surveillance work. cost is not the chief factor, speed and hand held ability plus clarity over a distance of 500 feet. Thanks in advance for your helpful suggestions. Client is in NY area.

Tell him to go to B&H and explain his goals to a salesperson. They know ALL the current options well, and can suggest some that will fit your friend's needs and budget. This can get very expensive!

Bill May

they are well aware of the potential expense but excellent suggestion that we will visit BnH in near future

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Bill May wrote:

they are well aware of the potential expense but excellent suggestion that we will visit BnH in near future

Another suggestion is to rent a system to try it before buying it. LensRentals.com and BorrowLenses.com are a couple of good sources. They rent bodies and lenses and accessories...

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

Bill May wrote:

I have a client in the investigations business that is looking to purchase a camera body and telephoto lens that is suitable for low light surveillance work. cost is not the chief factor, speed and hand held ability plus clarity over a distance of 500 feet. Thanks in advance for your helpful suggestions. Client is in NY area.

A D6 and a 300-800mm f5.6 but it will have to be tested on a car door or something. The combo will weigh 15lbs. But the zoom will be helpful and the constant aperture will also help.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Drbobcameraguy wrote:

A D6 and a 300-800mm f5.6 but it will have to be tested on a car door or something. The combo will weigh 15lbs. But the zoom will be helpful and the constant aperture will also help.

One thing to look at might be the Panasonic Lumix GH6 and the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F/4-6.3 with a monopod. The GH6 is equipped with 7 stops of image stabilization between the IBIS (in-body image stabilization) and the Power OIS in the lens. This means you can use lower shutter speeds and carry a rig that weighs much less... 29 oz. body plus 35 oz. lens... four pounds instead of 15 for the same coverage. It's under $4000 for the combo.

The fact that it is surveillance photography possibly negates the need for super low noise. It has a 100MP stills mode, and automatic dynamic range boost at high ISO. And since the GH6 is a fantastic video camera as well as a still camera, it can serve double duty. It's worth a look.

tcthome Loc: NJ

[quote=Bayou]Low light at 500 feet? That's a very tall order,

almost 2 football fields. Might need the camera set-up from a U2 Spy plane.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

[quote=tcthome]

Bayou wrote:

Low light at 500 feet? That's a very tall order,

almost 2 football fields. Might need the camera set-up from a U2 Spy plane.

But the noise would alert the suspect.

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

rlv567 wrote:

But the noise would alert the suspect.

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

That reminds me... for surveillance work, a mirrorless camera set to electronic shutter mode is the ticket. It can be COMPLETELY silent. And because it has no mirror to lock up, and an ELECTRONIC viewfinder, you can see things in the viewfinder while using the electronic shutter. Not only that, the electronic viewfinder circuitry adjusts the scene brightness so it is MUCH brighter than it is in reality.