Need advice on my 300D and sports photography

[MenionLeah]

I recently bought a 300D and am having problems getting quality shots/action shots. We've started by using the default action/sports setting, but i'm not real happy with the results. I know they're are just presets, etc.

I'd really appreciate if someone could share some advice on settings, etc. for action shots in average conditions.

I've seen the great action shots that this camera is capable of. But it's obvious to me that the action preset is not the best way to go.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

[tim]

What's not working for you? Can you post samples of pics you think are bad?

[Skippy29]

Try a shutter speed of 800 or 1000th of a sec @ about f/8 on a sunny day and go from there.
I personally like the sports mode on the dial, except that the constant focus seems to be fooled once in awhile.

[Kennymc]

More info on lens and shutter speed used would be required to give positive advice...

[MenionLeah]

Thanks everyone.

Basically, what i'm asking is, what would be a good point to start at in one of the other modes?

For sports, should i shoot in Tv mode so that i can control the shutterspeed or should i shoot in Av so that i control the aperture value?

For instance, my sons game tonight will be at 6 p.m. in very cloudy conditions.

What settings may be a good starting point?

Thanks.

[Kennymc]

Shoot in AV with the lens set to its maximum aperture then you can be sure the camera will choose the fastest shutter speed possible...

[Kinger]

Well that also depends on what lens you have. I personally like controlling the shutter speed, which means Tv mode. Then because you are talking a cloudy condition, adjust the ISO to achieve the desired shutter speed. Also check the historgram, since you are going to be using a high ISO make sure you expose slightly to the right. A brighte shot will appear to have less noise then darker ones. Just check out the dolphin pics on the link in my signature, those were done with ISO 1600.

[gasrocks]

I agree. Forget the presets. As soon as you use the word sports or action - you hand should be turning the dial to TV, adjusting the speed to the action. Yes, watch what f/ you wind up at and bump the iso up a bit if you'd like more DOF. Good, fast lenses always help, too.

[Jetmech1]

I've had better results shooting Av mode at a higher ISO setting. The only advantage to using the SPORTS mode is the camera will use AI Servo. You may want to experiment a little to see what works best in your shooting conditions. What Lens are you using?