First Action Shot with the new camera

[SeattleMeg]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...C102806106.jpg

EXIF:
File size: 265217 bytes
File date: 2007:03:04 19:24:20
Camera make: PENTAX Corporation
Camera model: PENTAX K110D
Date/Time: 2007:03:03 20:39:28
Resolution: 800 x 258
Flash used: No
Focal length: 55.0mm (35mm equivalent: 82mm)
Exposure time: 0.011 s (1/90)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv.: 400
Whitebalance: Auto
Metering Mode: matrix
Exposure: Action program (based towards fast shutter speed)

The only post-editing done was to crop the picture to remove most of the seating and empty ice. I just got this camera a week ago, and this was the first time taking action shots with it. I didn't realize how easy it would be to snap 178 pictures of a hockey game, lol. Since I've never taken action pics before, I am totally open to anything constructive. I was in the 18th row in the Arena, if that helps.
Meg

[Digidave]

I've never tried it before, so I probably shouldn't be the one to critique. But, from what I've read & seen, I know it's not all that easy to get bright clean shots. You seem to have done pretty well. It does look a little blurry though. Probably motion blur? Next time try (M)Manual mode or (S)Shutter speed mode. Then set your shutter speed a little higher to get the stop action shot. This will open up your aperture & give you a little deeper depth-of-Field. All-in-All though, not bad! Keep up the good work.

[SeattleMeg]

Cool, thank you! I will try that at the St. pat's day game.

Originally Posted by Digidave

I've never tried it before, so I probably shouldn't be the one to critique. But, from what I've read & seen, I know it's not all that easy to get bright clean shots. You seem to have done pretty well. It does look a little blurry though. Probably motion blur? Next time try (M)Manual mode or (S)Shutter speed mode. Then set your shutter speed a little higher to get the stop action shot. This will open up your aperture & give you a little deeper depth-of-Field. All-in-All though, not bad! Keep up the good work.

[jiminyClickit]

SeattleMeg,

Is there sunshine coming in from the right? Looks like more than arena lighting. That '178' snaps sounds about right for sports action. Hope most were this good.

Have you thought to remove the tip of a stick, bottom left? A distraction to the eye. Really good choice to crop as you did.

[SeattleMeg]

Ah, I didn't see that tip stick, I'll try that. No, this is in an arena. I think I got about 3 out of five to turn out ok.
Meg

Originally Posted by jiminyClickit

SeattleMeg,

Is there sunshine coming in from the right? Looks like more than arena lighting. That '178' snaps sounds about right for sports action. Hope most were this good.

Have you thought to remove the tip of a stick, bottom left? A distraction to the eye. Really good choice to crop as you did.

[Gunsotsu]

"And. I. Play.... HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! Hockey all the time."

Hello fellow Pentax shooter. Good start. I'd recommend shooting manual as well, it's all I do when shooting hockey. Flick to "M" and meter the players during practice to get an idea of what setting to use. It's really all going to depend on the lighting in your venue. I usually shoot ISO 400 @ f/4.5 and 1/250ish.

Of course I'd recommend a longer lens as well if you can swing it. You'd be amazed at how much better your shots will be with even a less expensive lens. And it gets you closer too. I sit on the attack twice end, goalie's right, first row of the mezzanine which puts me a good 15m from the ice shooting down.

[SeattleMeg]

Hehehee I'll have to try that! I'm thinking about hitting a pawn shop soon, seeing if I can afford some extra lenses. This is addictive, isn't it?

And I tend to sit behind the home team's box, about 12-18 rows up so I can see over the plexiglass. (I'm only 5' tall.) Key Arena, Seattle, Sections 127/128.

(listening to "helmethead", a hockey song by the best band ever, Great Big Sea)
Meg

Originally Posted by Gunsotsu

"And. I. Play.... HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! HOCKEY! Hockey all the time."

Hello fellow Pentax shooter. Good start. I'd recommend shooting manual as well, it's all I do when shooting hockey. Flick to "M" and meter the players during practice to get an idea of what setting to use. It's really all going to depend on the lighting in your venue. I usually shoot ISO 400 @ f/4.5 and 1/250ish.

Of course I'd recommend a longer lens as well if you can swing it. You'd be amazed at how much better your shots will be with even a less expensive lens. And it gets you closer too. I sit on the attack twice end, goalie's right, first row of the mezzanine which puts me a good 15m from the ice shooting down.

[Gunsotsu]

Beautiful thing about the Pentax cameras, you can use any lens ever made for Pentax cameras. You'll need an adapter for the M42 lenses, but there are tons of older lenses to be had on the cheap for Pentax.

[Sodaman420]

Kool, a pentax!
Hey man, let me know how your camera is doing, that was the camera i was going to get if I didn't get the one i have now. Very interested to see how you like it/how your next few shots come out.
Nice job so far!

[SeattleMeg]

Thank you! I absolutely love it so far. Easy to carry and hold, and the quality and color is just amazing. I'm having one printed at mPix.com for a test, I'll let you know how it turned out.
Meg

Originally Posted by Sodaman420

Kool, a pentax!
Hey man, let me know how your camera is doing, that was the camera i was going to get if I didn't get the one i have now. Very interested to see how you like it/how your next few shots come out.
Nice job so far!