Help with Camera selection for sports photograph (Vanity)

[savagesusie]

I know that using the auto mode is very amaturish....l will try the appeture mode—got some time to experiment...and do want to change depth of field...

I do have a vibration reduction — VR—but don’t think it is a II. I always have that on, no matter which lens.

Thanks for info... Sue

[savagesusie]

Very beautiful detail. Wow!

[Errant]

Sony Alpha 100 DSLR, built-in flash and 18-200mm lens.

[Jayster]

http://jayster.com/

[Vendome]

Dang, I miss my dogs.

[Vendome]

Dang, I miss my dogs.

[savagesusie]

Thanks for info. I will try using the timer—I forgot about that trick...I think it is me moving the camera. I have gotten some very nice photos so far, but I am also ruining some. They just are not in sharp focus. I try to use the Prime lens the most but on tall buildings and when I am so far away, I can’t. I have been using the auto focus....I think I will experiment with manual controls. I do have time but will have to know what I am doing :( .

I just got a new MAC with photoshop, etc. I will have tons of fun I am sure messing around with my photos. It is nice to start out with nearly perfect ones though. I do like grainier pictures in some instances though, esp. in construction shots.

[mozarky2]

I shutter to think!

[PanzerKardinal]

Don’t worry about it.

Turn off the flash and kick up the ISO as high as you can and click away and have some fun.

The key is to plant yourself on the end line so you can be as close as possible to the action under the basket.

The next step up if you really want pro-level shots is pretty dramatic.

Here’s my usual load up when shooting sports.

2 x 1D MK III
1 x 5D
1 x 24-70 f/2.8
1 x 70-200 f/2.8IS
1 x 300 f/2.8IS if handholding
or
1 x 400 f/2.8IS if not.
5 x 32GB CF cards
1 x 580EX II flash
1 x Epson p5000
1 x monopod

All together this weighs about 60lbs. That’s why I don’t do football anymore. I’m too old to run up and down the field with 60lbs strapped on me. Give me a nice baseball game where I don’t have to move much.

Finally if I may make a suggestion. Want to try equipment out and not bust your budget so you can feed your child? Rent it.

Try www.borrowlenses.com. These guys are my friends and they have really good service.

[panaxanax]

WOW!!!

Need an apprentice to carry your equipment, set up tripods, lighting....whatever?

You’ve got a good job, my FRiend. Nice work.

Send job application immediately. Will work for food and I don’t eat much.

[Just Another Lurker]

Be sure to turn the VR off if you are using a tripod.

[jwparkerjr]

IMHO, as one who shoots for a living and has done so for a lot of years my suggestion is that whatever you get for the kid get it someplace where you can return it for a refund. What you are asking for, and the conditions you specify make it almost a certainty that you will not be happy with the results.

It's nearly impossible to get a 1/300th sec. shutter speed in the lighting of a high school gym, football field, or track.

The only way to avoid soft pictures is by having a good enough lens and fast enough shutter speed to handle the conditions. Neither is cheap and the two together can be pretty costly.

Mostly it depends on how much softness you are willing to settle for.

[SWAMPSNIPER]

No such thing as "outdated".

I've noticed that many people are just hit or miss on photography and never understand the basic principles. They never get the full benefits of any camera they have.

[Darnright]

>They never get the full benefits of any camera they have.<

It’s amazing how much better one’s photos can be if he or she simply sits down with a new camera and reads its manual from cover to cover.

Bryan Peterson’s book “Understanding Exposure” will open up whole new worlds to a person who wants to use something other than the “Auto” or “P” modes on that new DSLR. It’s the best $16.00 you can spend for a good tutorial on how to get more from your camera:

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003

[al_c]

I’ll second the vote for the Nikon 8100. I haven’t used one yet (Canon Rebel XTI user here), but it’s more than your typical pocket camera. This camera puts control back into the hands of the operator. Has some really nice features for a reasonable price.

[Jayster]

"It’s amazing how much better one’s photos can be if he or she simply sits down with a new camera and reads its manual from cover to cover."

I post quite a bit on Flickr and we are always getting newbs on there asking basic questions that can/could be answered by reading the Manual.

We state "RTFM" Read The F*#$% Manual

But......for the OP. Speaking of Flickr. If you do have any questions about a certain Camera Model that you might purchase or you have already purchased, please do get on Flickr and join groups that are specific to your camera, camera manufacturer, and lens choices. Even join a group on Sports Photography. Tons of info on there and PLEASE, *PLEASE* do a search on/in that group to see if your answer is already in there before posting.

[savagesusie]

Will do. Always had it on.

[new cruelty]

DPreview is great. Also check out Camera Labs. Gordon Laing has specifications and video reviews on a wide variety of cameras. I looked at both sites when looking for information on the Canon T1i and again when for looking at the Canon G12.