Shooting Sports: Manual mode

[Txphoto]

Howdy ya'll!

I have been shooting basketball for most of the season on Av mode with either a Canon 70-200 mm F 2.8 or Canon 50mm 1.4mm. With ISO of 1600 with AI Servo center point focus. Yes, I can hear the groans now-- Av mode?!?

I would really like to get sharper photos both in basketball, softball (which is up coming etc.) I'm quite frustrated with it all and really need help. Is there a book you can recommend or someone that could explain it to me (Manual Mode)? I would really appreciate your help on this. Also, when shooting basketball can you use flash indoors?

Best,
Jerry

[disboifan]

i would post this in the sports forum.

[toverman]

Sports guys will tell you more about flash indoors (and probably talk about off-camera strobes). With manual mode, you really feel in control of the camera. I'd try to find books on the specific cameras you're using so that you can learn the concept along with exactly how to control your cameras.

For sports, though, I'd at least shoot in shutter-priority, because freezing action is more important than the aperture most times, IMHO.

[Dennis_H]

When I shoot HS wrestling, I use Manual mode with flash always. I usually set at 250/F3.2 and then set flash compensation to about -1/3. This is probably similar for basketball if you are using on camera flash. Off camera will be different until the RadioPoppers come out giving full wireless ETTL.

[dartlrt]

In your post you talk aboout wanting sharper photos. Shooting in either AV or M is not going to change the sharpness of your photos. AV or M will only change fow much contol you have over your exposure. I don't what body you are using, but you will find the 1D series bodies to focus much faster with the glass you are talking about. If you want to learn more about sports photography go to www.sportsshooter.com .