Help camera setting for best results

[MJE]

Hi all I am a newcomer to this sport and would like some information on camera settings for best results

I have already shoot some pictures at 1/500 - f11 and got reasonable results but need to get better focusing and panning technics right

I am using a Canon 5D Mk11 - EF24-105 f4 L or EF 75- 300 IS USM lens

[andrewmr]

Welcome to the forum...

You should post some examples of what you get and then perhaps what you feel you need help with as "best results" is a pretty broad request.

As for panning.... practice, practice and more practice.

[Strnge]

X2 on that.

[maddermaxx]

The best settings are the ones that give you the image you want.

There is no "perfect setting". The perfect setting is the setting that gives you the image you want.

If the light changes, your settings change. Want more DOF? Different setting, more motion blur? Different setting.

[PhotosGuy]

Motorsport Shooting Tips, Tutorials and Advice (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2830870)

[Zilly]

I have already shoot some pictures at 1/500 - f11 and got reasonable results but need to get better focusing and panning technics right


the question is why are you shooting at f11 for a 1/500th shutter speed.

I think you need to grab the basics of exposure before you need to learn about how to adapt the techniques to shooting motorsport

[Richard Brewer]

In terms of panning set your camera to T priority and set the shutter speed to 1/250 or slower. Follow the subject before and after you hit the button.
Practice with other moving subjects, cars, busses, trains then practice again.
Good luck
Rich

[MJE]

I shoot at 1/500 to freeze the image and at f11 to get dof I wanted

my question is should you use centre metering
should you use manual focus
should you use A1 servo
what is the best way of panning
is it better to use a long lens from a distance or get in closer with smaller lens
should I use fill in flash

Looking at the images posted here there tends to be some very good images and some very poor one as well

This is why I asked the orignal question

Michael

[MJE]

Thanks Richard
This is a good starting point - I will have a go at your sugestions and see how it goes
Michael

[DC Fan]

I shoot at 1/500 to freeze the image and at f11 to get dof I wanted

my question is should you use centre metering
should you use manual focus
should you use A1 servo
what is the best way of panning
is it better to use a long lens from a distance or get in closer with smaller lens
should I use fill in flash

Looking at the images posted here there tends to be some very good images and some very poor one as well

This is why I asked the orignal question

Michael

Stopping motion? Start with shutter speed.

http://www.fansview.com/racing/20090514a0958.jpg

The fastest part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the cars run 220-230 miles per hour, around 120 feet away.

Shutter speed: 1/800.00
F-stop: 5.0
ISO speed: 400
Focal length: 70.0000
Exposure mode: Auto
White balance: Auto
Metering mode: Pattern
Exposure program: Shutter priority

This is as close as you can get to the cars at this fast portion of the track and still have a clear view. In this image, the Rebel XTi was set at shutter priority and the ISO at 400 to help the shutter speed stay high. Despite the fast shutter, you need to be aggressive with your panning, yet smooth. Pick up the target as soon as possible and stay with it until it's out of sight.

For the "panning" technique where you're trying to show motion blur, you use a slower shutter speed; that's all.

http://www.kevinlillard.com/online/2009-05-14a-0830.jpg

Same camera, lens and location, different shutter speed. In shutter priority, the camera selects a smaller aperture.

Shutter speed: 1/250.00
F-stop: 9.0
ISO speed: 400
Focal length: 70.0000
Exposure mode: Auto
White balance: Auto
Metering mode: Pattern
Exposure program: Shutter priority

Buddy Lazier's #91 car in the second image probably was going slower than Marco Andretti's #26 car in the first image, but the slower shutter in the second image means more motion blur, which can mean a greater sense of speed.