High School Basketball - both Boys and Girls

All images taken on a Rebel XTi and the 85 f1.8.
Settings were consistent at ISO 3200, 1/400, f/2.
The boys game was photographed in a different gym than the girls game, hence the slight difference in color.
I definitely feel as though I'm getting much better than when I began shooting about 3 years ago!
CC would be appreciated thanks!

1

XTi max's at iso1600, how do you get 3200?

I think the White balance is perfect.
Exposure very good.
I think the shot placements was very good also.
The only thing I see is the shots are not clean, not sure if it just the upload, did you use center point focus?

mark2009 wrote in post #11490112
XTi max's at iso1600, how do you get 3200?

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=742806

Those conditions (3200, f2, 1/400) are tough!

You've done well. Good captures, nice crops, horizons straight, etc. That's the good news. More good news: you are ready to take the next step if you want to improve from here. At 1/400 sec, your fast action images have a bit of motion 'softness' (ie slight motion blur) and your camera's high ISO ability is maxed out.

The next step includes either a different camera body with better high ISO capability and better servo tracking, or a move to supplimental lighting (strobes) or both. The bad new is that both of those cost money. How good do you want to be? You've been doing this for 3 years so that tells me you are $erious about your photography.

[Tip for next time: Get your butt on the floor and the players in the images will be far more impressive because of the different perspective.]

Phil

mark2009 wrote in post #11490112
XTi max's at iso1600, how do you get 3200?

I used the "firmware hack" described in the post by clarence. It is surprisingly effective!

Thank you for all the criticism as well as the compliments. I will certainly try getting a lower angle at the next game. As for taking my photos to the next level, I will be doing just that, but unfortunately not for about six months. As a senior in high school, I don't quite have the budget that I wish I had. However, I do know that as a graduation gift I will be receiving the 7D, which will allow for ISO 6400 (expandable to 12,800). Hopefully with the upgrade in technology (as the 7D is generations newer than the XTi), my photos will be free of any motion blur.

That hack software is interesting. I feel your pain, I have the same setup with my Xsi. I am surprised you could not get a faster shutter speed at iso. I use xsi, f/2.0, 1/400, iso 1600, center point focus, ai servo.
Here is one, do you use center point focus and AI servo?

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Congrats on your graduation and the gift!

here is one more, at iso 1600

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Yes I always use the center focus point, and just recently started using AI Servo as well as back button focusing.