I need to shoot.... (and need advice...)

[Sammy]

... very fast moving dogs! :)

Strange yes, but I train police K9s and they can run for the bite pretty damn fast!

I own a Fuji S7000 at the moment, and want to get either a 300D or 10D.

Now, I have read the 3 million debates on these 2 cameras, I know all the pro's, con's and everyone but the postman's opinion on the 2.. but I never saw any mention of which would be best for fast moving objects.. guess it could be compared with shooting sports? I think so...

Which should I go for? My pocket wants the 300D... but my head is wrapped around the 10D... in addition what lens/lenses would be a good start?

Thanks in advance :)

[DC]

The 300D, unmodified, will not track focus on fast moving objects 100% of the time.

Neither will the 10D but the success rate will be much higher than the 300D.

Of course, if you hack the 300D then you've pretty much got a 10D.

The AF system is a little faster on the 10D and it will run at 3fps for 9 frames instead of the 300D's 2.5fps for 4 frames.

The lens you attach to the body will also make a considerable difference to the AF speed.

not sure if it helps but it's just my observation on both camera's.

[roanjohn]

The Rebel only has full time AI-SERVO on sports mode.........so it is possible.

The 10D will do it for you in any creative modes so its more versatile.

And yes...........an L lens with USM will focus faster than one without.

Ro1

[timmyquest]

One thing all three of you have over looked is the 10D's 9 shot buffer vs the 300D's 4. It's one of the larger reasons i want to trade up to a 10D

[RichardtheSane]

I use a 10D for shooting faster moving dogs that you will be, and it just about keeps up OK. The AF on the 300D is the same as the 10D so no problem there. Usually I don't get time to fire off more than 4 frames if a hound is running towards me, so it depends on your shooting style

http://www.richardlindley.co.uk/images/flyinghound4.jpg

The camera is capable, but you just need to choose the right lens (v. important) and decide if you need the burst and extra buffer.

[Sammy]

Ok, I am confused.. did I mention I am a total newbie to all of this and you are scaring me with your jargon LOL! :lol:

Ok, so it seems the 10D is the way to go right? Hmmm, that would require MUCH creeping around my hubby.. anyways, just thinking out loud there - .. so.... what lenses do you recommend as a start??

Thanks guys, you are wonderful! .. and GREAT pic :)

[RichardtheSane]

Sorry about the jargon :)

What sort of distance will you be from the dogs you'll be photographing? That is a key factor in the lens you choose to buy.

Glad you like the pick that is my every faithful model/Hound Tippy :)
I'll dig out a couple more high speed shots for you.

[Sammy]

Hmmm, distance... anything from about 30 ft at training, to maybe as far as 80 ft plus at trials...

Yep , yep.. post more of your dog! I have a bunch I took of my dogs.. but they were all still (ish) at the time LOL! My poor dogs are sooooo sick of me taking photos of them.

[RichardtheSane]

Well budget wise a 300mm zoom would be the best option I would say, the canon 100-300mm 4.5-5.6 USM is a very good lens for the money. That is what I used before buying the 100-400L

I do static shots too, play shots and the running shots. I just love photogrpahing dogs, and currently I am starting a small business as a dog-photographer.

Here is another of Tippy.
The shots where they run straight towards me don't give a good indication of speed....
http://www.richardlindley.co.uk/images/running1.jpg

... but are great for getting 'Classic' expressions!
This is Ricky, a Greyhound who was at a rescue centre. At about 100mm and getting close the the minimum focus distance!
http://www.richardlindley.co.uk/whitelodge2/crw_4987_std.jpg

Flossie playing.
This shot was taken at about 250mm from 30-40 feet away then cropped a bit. Also at the greyhound rescue...
http://www.richardlindley.co.uk/whitelodge2/crw_4907_std.jpg

Andy and Zippy playing together, and running quickly!
200-ish mm and distance unknown, but that image isn't cropped.
http://www.richardlindley.co.uk/whitelodge2/crw_4946_std.jpg

I used the 100-400L for all the shots but I believe I could have got them all with the 100-300 USM. Hope this helps in your decision a bit.

If it is worth anything I never used more than 4 frames in a burst while photographing dogs, the only times I did the last few were not worth keeping anyway. The main reason for a big buffer is images in rapid sucession but not burst mode.