Canon SX10 is and sports mode

[dog88]

Just received my new Canon SX10 is today. I was hoping to get some good action shots at my son's baseball game tomorrow. I figured I would need to use the sports mode.... however, all the manual says about sports mode is "shoots continuous images with autofocus. Well suited for shooting moving subjects." A 289 page manual and that's all the detail it gives on sports mode?

So, I need some help from some veteran SX10 users.... I wasn't planning on using continuous mode anyway since it only shoots at less than 1 frame per second in sports mode.... that would make it very difficult to "catch" the right moment. I figured I would have to take individual shots and rely on my own timing for that (by focusing on the subject by pressing the button half-way) and trying to time the shots. Should I be using sports mode for this or another mode? I don't want grainy photos, so I'd like to keep the ISO low if possible.

Any advice or help would be appreciated... thanks in advance!

[originalstarlite]

I would use Shutter Priory Mode, a variety of ISO setting, 80, 100, 200 max, and the highest speed the light will allow. You will be zoomed out to the max, and so consider 500 the minimum speed for capturing the moment. This is a learning experience for you, so study the end results carefully. Zoombrower is an excellent place to do this.

[dog88]

Thanks for the reply. Are you talking about TV mode where you set the shutter speed? I don't see a "Shutter priority mode" on my camera.

[originalstarlite]

Thanks for the reply. Are you talking about TV mode where you set the shutter speed? I don't see a "Shutter priority mode" on my camera.

Yes. I remember the connection by telling myself the "T" is for time.

[dog88]

Do you leave image stabilizer on "continuous" for fast action shots?

[originalstarlite]

Do you leave image stabilizer on "continuous" for fast action shots?

I always use continuous for a shaking viewfinder does little for my framing equilibrium. :lol: Also, consider using Servo AF will track a moving subject keeping it sharp until you fully release the shutter at the optimum moment.

Have fun!

[JustShootin']

While I'm not really qualified to give advive on shooting action sports, I can say that when I tried the sports mode, the camera chose a much higher ISO than was needed for the light I was shooting in. So I agree with originalstarlite. Use the Tv mode, and the fastest shutter speed and the lowest ISO that will work for you in the light that you will be working with.

[dog88]

I always use continuous for a shaking viewfinder does little for my framing equilibrium. :lol: Also, consider using Servo AF will track a moving subject keeping it sharp until you fully release the shutter at the optimum moment.

Have fun!

I thought the camera automatically did that (stay focused on an object as long as the shutter button is pressed halfway). Are you saying that you have to turn Servo AF "on" for this to work?

[Jon]

Unless you're in Servo AF, it'll lock focus when you first half-press the shutter button and maintain that focus until you either take the picture or release the shutter button. If you're in Servo, it'll continue focusing on whatever's under the AF spot as long as you're pressing the button, even if that is moving.

[dog88]

Unless you're in Servo AF, it'll lock focus when you first half-press the shutter button and maintain that focus until you either take the picture or release the shutter button. If you're in Servo, it'll continue focusing on whatever's under the AF spot as long as you're pressing the button, even if that is moving.

OK, I see the difference now. I guess when using Servo AF there will be a bit more delay after pushing the shutter button all the way (and taking the picture), since it's having to continually focus? Whereas under normal conditions, the focus is fixed after pressing the shutter halfway.

[Jon]

Not really - because it's continuously focusing it'll fire as soon as you follow through with the shutter press. If you were to try to focus and fire with Servo off, it's going to take longer since you'll have to achieve focus before it fires. Exposure is still determined at the moment you press the shutter (unless you're shooting in M).