Ray Calvo

OK, I've seen a lot of posting of folks's pretty pictures of their cars while standing still. How about using these digital camera wizards for shooting action shots - like at a race? My impression is that they are not that good for shooting race cars zooming past you at 100 MPH plus. However, I have not seen any articles describing using these cameras for this purpose, and what should a user/buyer look for. I have subscriptions to "Road & Track", "Excellence", "European Car", "Autoweek", "Panorama", and even "P C World", but have seen nothing. Anybody know of some good descriptions/tests of digital cameras for action shots?

Presently, I am using (still) a 35 mm SLR Canon A-1 with a 70-210 zoom. Results are still fantastic. I have a little I/O Magic Magicimage 500 digital camera which I use just for posting pictures for all y'uns, but it absolutely stinks for action shots (not surprising for a digital camera selling for about $70). I've been debating about going digital, but can't justify it based on cost, shots/battery charge, zoom range (have to use digital zoom to approach 210 mm or more equivalent in 35mm film cameras), and action shot capability.

SundayDriver

I agree. I have tried using my digital for racing photos - the results just can't match my SLR. The digital does not have the range of lenses and is too unpredictable as to when it actually shoots.

Viken

The latest Olympus cameras (perhaps, among many) do have a setting which allows quick action shots. I just bought the new C700UZ for my father and I know it has the setting. However, I have not tried it. Perhaps, this extensive review might help answer that question:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusc700uz/

This camera also has 10X optical zoom which Ray may find useful.

[ 06-17-2001: Message edited by: Viken Bedrossian ]

Robert Henriksen

Ray, I haven't checked state-of-the-art in digicams in the past year. But it's the shutter delay/shutter latency you've after. Some manufacturers or reviewer will mention this. Mine is miserable for action, as well; WAY too long between pushing the shutter & anything happening.

The camera also runs out of gas if you need to fire off a burst of frames, too.

For fast action, I think the existing SLR can't be beat.

STLPCA

Ray - keep the Canon SLR. Unless you are prepared to spend mega $$$ for a pro grade digital, they don't (yet) equal the versatility of a higher end film camera, nor do even the pro digitals equal the picture quality.

[ 06-17-2001: Message edited by: Dan 96C2 St.Louis ]

Mike Lincoln

Hi Ray,

I think the posts about shutter delay, etc. are right on. The average digital camera just can't do the job you want to do, any more than the average 35mm point and shoot pocket camera can.

However, digital SLRs are now available. I have bought a Nikon D1, which is essentially a digital version of the F5 body. It takes all Nikon lenses. I bought it specifically to use with a high specialized Nikon Medical (macro plus ringflash) lens for photomicrographs and medical images. However, with other lenses, the camera also does wonderful stop action, blurred motion, etc. It can be placed in a fully manual mode, with an very useful range of apertures and shutter speeds, etc. in order to achieve special effects. It can be used with any Nikon F mount lens.

The downside is price: the camera body _alone_ was $5000. Luckily my research account paid for it. In a year or two, as prices drop, you might want to check out something like the D1 (also Canon has a new digital SLR, I haven't checked it out).

Best, Mike Lincoln (writing from Helsinki instead of Salt Lake City)

Mark Buka

I'd like to add my $0.02 worth. I tried the digital camera out at the Canadian GP. It was an eye opener, to say the least. I had to time the shutter depression so that the subject would arrive in the frame and still get the shot. I did get lucky and catch a few cars in the Casino hairpin. Thanks for the tech talk about "shutter delay/latency".

Viken

Mark, what digital camera is this?

TIA

Robb M.

I too used my digital camera at the Montreal GP...it was hard to adjust, but once I did I had no trouble snapping off some great pics as the cars were accelerating through 125MPH after they exited the casino hairpin...
the camera I use is the Sony DSC-P1, it's a 3.3 mega pixel job with a 6x digital zoom feature...the camera cost about $1000US when I got it about 7 months ago. The best thing about the camera is that it can also shoot full motion video for 5 to 15 seconds. This is amazing when at something like an auto race...

here is an example I took at the race, it's Micheal just ahead of Ralf a few laps before he was passed for good...



and one of the safety car which was moving along at ~100MPH...

Mark Buka

Viken: I was using the Nikon Coolpix 990. It's a 3.3megapixel, but only 4x zoom(it's over a year old) and I was surprised that I was able to get shots all the way from row Y, stand 15(I don't have a sample, but am able to provide one).

Viken

My Dad's new C700 Ultra Zoom is a 10X optical zoom with a "action" shot setting. He offered that I take it with me to the Grand Prix but I didn't. Now, I feel like an idiot.

[ 06-18-2001: Message edited by: Viken Bedrossian ]

Mark in Hermosa

Ray:

I bought the Canon Elura MC2. This thing has digital video, picture taking apabilities, etc. You can adjust the lense speed for fast moving objects. As well, there is an option that video tapes (onto digital film) pictures at a rate of 30 pics/second. All you have to do is push the button. I then transfer all pics and videos to my computer.

Ray Calvo

Folks, thanks for the input. I think for now I'll stick with my 35mm SLR, scanner, and Paintshop Pro. I still don't know if Ican get a noticeable improvement on what I have by shelling out close to four figures (altho the Olympus C700UZ seem interesting at $650 street price w/ 38-380mm equiv. focal length).

Got many fears:
- Going out somewhere and shooting 20 pictures only to find batteries are out of juice (I frequently shoot 2-3 rolls at a time)
- Action shots taken with little warning can't be done due to camera latency time
- Shell out $1000 only to find out 1-2 years from now could get same/better product for $500 or less (constant problem w/ digital; meanwhile, I can sell my Canon A-1 for prob. same price I bought it for).

Viken, thanks for the Digital Camera web site. Nice total review collection.