Dumb Questions, I'm Sure

[actionjane]

I am very new to digital photography. I own a Nikon Cool Pix from 2004 3MP. I try to shoot a lot and find interesting shots. I am wanting to get a dslr camera. I see others using them and wonder how they work. The dslr I want is Sony Alpha 550. I have asked the sales associates and asked online chat with Sony and I have gotten way too many replies of yes, no, I don't know.

My question is: if I have a media card that can hold we'll say an 500 photos. And the dslr has 7fps, now if I want to shoot continuous for 30 seconds that's 210frames. 1. Is that possible? 2. Will the come up as a full photo on computer or will it be so many on 1 5x6 photo like my point and shoot.

I'm not sure if I'm asking the right question or wording it right, but to me I am.

I am wanting to get into action shots (hence the name ActionJane). I like birds, dogs, cats, wildlife, watching skateboarders. I want to be able to shoot a skater goingup the ramp, doing tricks, coming back down the ramp. Then later finding the perfect in-air shots and such.

If someone could please help me, I would appreciate it.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by actionjane

My question is: if I have a media card that can hold we'll say an 500 photos. And the dslr has 7fps, now if I want to shoot continuous for 30 seconds that's 210frames. 1. Is that possible? 2. Will the come up as a full photo on computer or will it be so many on 1 5x6 photo like my point and shoot.

Not to compound things, but the answer is yes, no, and that depends.

If we assume that A) the memory card has a fast enough write speed, B) the camera can dump the cache to the memory card fast enough and C) you've got the space on the card for it.

Generally speaking the framerate of 7fps will be available in JPG, and only for short periods. Probably not 30s. Assuming you can get 7fps for 30s, though, and you can sustain it with the camera dumping files out of it's own cache and the card being able to write them fast enough, yes, you'll end up with 210 photos in 30s. If we assume an average of 4mb (generous), that's 840MB. Easy enough.

The trick here isn't space, it's that most cards arent fast enough.

If, and IF, you can get this whole thing to work, each image will be distinct and separate, not like those on your P&S

[freybear3]

there is no "stupid" questions. how are you going to learn, if you don't ask?

[Bluenoser]

Better to ask a dumb question than to make a dumb mistake I always say.

[kuvahmagh]

Originally Posted by actionjane

The dslr I want is Sony Alpha 550. I have asked the sales associates and asked online chat with Sony and I have gotten way too many replies of yes, no, I don't know.

My question is: if I have a media card that can hold we'll say an 500 photos. And the dslr has 7fps, now if I want to shoot continuous for 30 seconds that's 210frames. 1. Is that possible? 2. Will the come up as a full photo on computer or will it be so many on 1 5x6 photo like my point and shoot.

According to the specs listed here, Sony Alpha 550 Review: 2. Specifications: Digital Photography Review in its highest quality of Jpeg it can shoot up to 32 frames before it's buffer is filled and you must stop to let it clear. Stepping down to Standard Quality will allow you to shoot 116 frames. If you are shooting in Raw the number drops to 14 frames.

Also note that the 7fps is apparently 'speed-priority' and the 'normal' is 5 fps. While I'm sure you will see a small difference I shoot racing with a max of 3fps and don't have very many problems with it.

Once your buffer is full the camera will slow down on its own only taking a new photo as fast as it can clear the buffer or you can stop taking pictures and let your camera catch up.