MMA Photo

[bcummings88]

I need help with why my camera wouldn't focus on the subjects. It focused on the fence instead. I'm going to another MMA fight on July 3rd and was hoping to have this problem fixed. Any help would be appreciated. And I can't use a flash!



Camera: Nikon Coolpix P90
Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 51.8 mm
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: +2 EV
Flash: Off

[oldwolf]

not sure if you can do it but you should set your focusing to just one focus point. you're camera is probably using multiple focus points and sees the fence first.

you might be better off trying to manual focus if you can as well. again, i'm not sure what you can do with your camera.

[barabe]

I agree with Oldwolf about focusing but also i think you may have a bit of motion blurr involoved here on such a slow shutter speed. Use a flash to light up the subject if allowed and crank up your exposure speed to freeze the action.

[Jim Bryant]

For safety reasons, they don't allow flash photography at boxing, diving, and gymnastic events.

It's not really a sports camera. You should have read this review: Nikon Coolpix P90 - Digital Camera Reviews & Photography Tips

Originally Posted by barabe

I agree with Oldwolf about focusing but also i think you may have a bit of motion blurr involoved here on such a slow shutter speed. Use a flash to light up the subject if allowed and crank up your exposure speed to freeze the action.

[smc1377]

Don't worry though, everyone has problems focusing when it comes to MMA fights. I just shot an event on Saturday and even though I was ringside, unless I put my lens right up against the fence, my camera wants to focus on the fence instead (I shoot Canon). Our other photographer who uses a Nikon D300 has the same issue. We either go manual, or shoot right up against the fence. We choose to shoot right up against the fence.

[bcummings88]

Originally Posted by smc1377

Don't worry though, everyone has problems focusing when it comes to MMA fights. I just shot an event on Saturday and even though I was ringside, unless I put my lens right up against the fence, my camera wants to focus on the fence instead (I shoot Canon). Our other photographer who uses a Nikon D300 has the same issue. We either go manual, or shoot right up against the fence. We choose to shoot right up against the fence.

I wish they let cameras ringside. The only photographer allowed that close is from Karate Weekly. This leaves me stuck with zooming in a lot and the camera focusing on the fence. Also, when I look at it after the shot, it looks fine until I upload the pictures. Also, what do you think of the ISO? The pictures all came out rather dark, even though the lighting was good.

[gdowden70]

I checked a review of your camera and it does have full manual features. You should get used to using them in low light conditions before the next match. You need to set for a lower ISO and use a tripod if you can set one up in the back with a clear view. Your camera has an optical zoom of up to 654 mm. An odd number to me but oh well. It has the capability to zoom in very close in an enclosed building but you will definitely need to usea tripod. I would use a lower ISO setting with the tripod. I wouldn't go any higher than ISO 400 if you don't want a lot of digital noise like you have in the photo in this post. Also open the aperture as wide as it will go at whatever focal length your using. You have to play with this to find out what works to stop action. Also, whatever else you do, use manual focus. The auto is going to risk focusing on the fence every time unless you are very precise. The bottom line is you need to get to know your camera very well before the next fight. Good luck!

[gdowden70]

I also forgot one very important thing. Make sure that you set the white balance on your camera for the type of lighting in the venue. This might get rid of a bit of that orange tungsten light look you have going on. Again, Good Luck.

[bobby62914]

Never shot MMA, but have shot through a fence on occasion. Large aperture and manual focus works best for me...

[bcummings88]

Darn it all to heck...The fights were on July 3rd but thank you so much for the advice. I did use manual focus this time though and the pictures came out worlds better. I'm going to post one in the critiques but will post more in the another thread. Thanks again for the advice.