Hockey & Football Photos with S3 need help

[cindyinflorida]

Hello

I am going to a hockey game this weekend in Nashville. I know a few years ago I could get my good SRL camera into the game with a 300 lens no problem. The rules are different now it seems. But I am sure I can at least get my S3 IS camera into the game no problem. I do not have the TC or any other lenses to go with this camera. Any ideas on the best way to shoot as far as speed and possible settings? I mainly use this lens in landscapes. I know anything over ISO 400 there is noise and even some noise at 400. I have box seats for the game, so not too bad or far up. Any thoughts?

I also have box seats to the Titans game on Sunday. I know I cannot get my digital SRL in the stadium at all, new rules. There again, I could a few years ago. So will try to take the S3 at least for over all shots. Any thoughts on best settings?

Thanks in advance..

[DavidEB]

I've never shot pro hockey and don't have an S3, so I'm not qualified to say anything. But that never stopped me before...

my local pro arena is pretty well lit -- I'd estimate exposures of ISO800, f4, 1/500 would work. Your S3 should be able to manage. If you're in good seats the zoom it comes with should be fine. Your biggest problem may be shutter lag - you click, and wait, and then get an image. Hockey moves very fast, so you'll have to anticipate the action. Face-offs and goalie shots may be easiest, and there are times when defensemen are stationary with the puck waiting for teammates to regroup. I use Neat Image for noise reduction when I have to.

good luck,