Newbie Cameraman Needs Help for Yearbook!

Hello all.

I am flipstah and I was wondering if you guys can help me with my certain dilemma.

I own a Canon Powershot A540 and I am currently taking photos for my yearbook. So far, it hasn't given me any problems with just normal candids and etc., but my dilemma has been sports events.

Volleyball and Basketball season gave me trouble with this camera. Firstly, I thought AUTO would do it for me for action shots. It didn't.

So I referred to my manual and according to it, my best shots are Shutter-Speed Priority and Manual modes.

I tried using Shutter-Speed, but it's either insanely black or not fast enough.

So I was wondering what perfect setting is possible with this camera for something like basketball?

If it helps, I am on the highest resolution, 6 megapixel, Superfine.

Thank you very much.

are you pre-focusing before taking the shots you need? that could speed it up a lot even in auto mode

Indoor sports with that will want a lot more light thn you've probably got. Start by setting your ISO to the highest possible value (800, I think?) and see if that helps. But most photographers will use a DSLR at ISO 1600 or 3200 and a fast lens in the gym.

This is a tough one. I have this camera and sports, especially indoors isnt what its intended for. There is no servo focusing or even a sports mode for that matter and the lens really isnt fast enough. Best bet would be Manual mode, shutter at around 160-250th, ISO 800, lens wide open and set the flash up as high as you can without overexposing. Also turn off the AiAF witch will lock focus to the center position. You may need to adjust exposure for the ambient light in the gym but they are typically very dark, your eyes adjust but cameras have a hard time with the lack of light.

Good luck