Will my new A650 take the action shots I want?

I am waiting for my new A650 to come in any day. It is an upgrade from my basic digital on my way to a DSLR.

Anyway, I would like to take some of the freeze frame action shots at soccer, softball games, etc. as well an upcoming air show.

Can I expect to get good freeze shots with this camera at these events? What setting would you recommend?

Thanks for any input.

Well I'm not sure about the exact specs of the camera, but to get good action shots the you will want to set the shutter to at least 1/500 and then adjust your aperature and ISO.

It'll be hard to get good action shots. First because you have to focus and P&S cams take alot longer than DSLRs to focus. Then there is the shutter lag. Then there is getting a fast enough shutter speed. At full zoom the maximum aperture is 4.8.

I cover the WakefieldFC games using an A640 - I have no problems at all. I like to keep it below 500 to allow for a bit of movement, though 300 would have made for a better shot. I leave the focus on Auto for speed's sake, it's a nightmare otherwise. Tip: use a 3x zoom lens too if you have one, saves you going into digital zoom for the other end of the pitch, which if i'm honest, look just awful. I keep it in my hand and the adapter on for realtime lineup & shoot.

ƒ3.5
1/100 sec
ISO100

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Also, on these smaller cameras and their shutter lag, you should look at burst mode. This is the ability to take sequential shots while holding down the shutter release button. I think the A series is a bit slower than some others, but have a play with burst mode. That might help you get the shot you need.