sports photography

[lvideki]

Hi all-

I am not new to WC but am pretty new to the photography forum. I currenly have a Fuji S7000 which was great for the macro photography that I did alot of when I was a full time glass artist. Now my life has changed a bit, and although I still like to get creative with my photography, I find that most of my photos are now taken at my sons hockey games.

What digital SLR would you recommend for sports photography? Obviously the S7000 just doesn't cut it for action shots.

Thanks!

Leslie

[Windy]

Any of the SLR cameras will do the job as long as you have decent lenses. I think you will find that the general feeling around this forum is towards either the Nikon or Canon cameras however.
I agree that your Fuji does not have enough zoom for the job. It should however capture action well.

[Kallistos]

I use a Canon 350D with a sigma 55-200mm lens for football. It's not a great lens, but I get by with it. I am saving up for a something-300mm f/2.8, but that will set me back around £1000.

I suggest looking at the second hand DSLR that have just been superseeded (the 350D being one of them) since they take awesome pictures, and megapixels really aren't everything. Once you've managed to save money on the body, invest in a great lens, you honestly won't regret it. Look for a decent zoom at f/2.8, or possibly a shorter zoom with a teleconverter - although you will lose a stop of light that way but it's not the end of the world.

I've recently invested in a monopod too, and the results are promising allowing me to use a slower shutter speed.

The combo that I have consistently produces images like this:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2007/34065-IMG_2959sd.jpg

[lvideki]

Thanks for the help. I went out looking at cameras this afternoon.... I really liked the feel of the Nikon. The Rebel seemed pretty good too. I don't feel like I need a major Megapixel.... I think a 6 would be fine for me.

The Fuji that I have is really nice, but it just isn't fast enough. Action shots are a blur. It takes really good pictures otherwise.

Here is a picture from my Fuji...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Feb-2007/10763-pasunset2.jpg

There is really no alteration to this photo.... I just love it for this kind of photography. But now action shots are important, so now I have to spen more money.......LOL! :lol:

Thanks!

Leslie

[Windy]

Leslie I think your camera has the same settinsg as mine. You should be able to get good action shots with it. Put it in Shutter Priority mode and set it to about 125 (1/125 sec or faster).

Set your ISO levels accordingly. The only thing I would find a problem is a lack of zoom.

If you are getting some blur, then try using a monopod or a tripod.

Having said that a good SLR with good lenses will capture better.

[lvideki]

I did try setting the shutter speed, but then it still took too long to focus. And the zoom was not very good. This camera is ideal for still shots and macro photography, but just not ideal for sports.....

I ended up splurging on a Nikon D50 with a 28-70mm lens and a 70-300mm lens. It was a good deal online, and I couldn't resist. I just can't wait to get it now!

Leslie

[Windy]

Nice buy Leslie, make sure you show us some of your images in the Darkroom or Shutterbug Pub.

[lvideki]

Thanks! I got the whole thing with 2gb card for $550 on ebay from Cameta Camera.... I hope it is a good deal! I am anxiously awaiting the camera. I just can't wait.

Leslie

[Windy]

I couldn't tell you whether it is a good deal, but I can understand your anxiety in waiting, hopefully it won't be too long before it arrives.