Looking for professional high speed action friendly camera

[webjockey]

Hello. I'm new here. I would like to take photos of some high speed action - specifically greyhounds/salukis running. I would probably need something that would allow continuous picture taking. Would this fall under the "sports photography" category? I have yet to find a consumer quality camera that could handle such a thing, so I'm assuming I will have to spend money for a professional quality camera. Any suggestions would be great.

Thank you.

[Sebastian]

You will at least need an SLR with a lens that focuses fast enough, probably mid-range or higher. Models I would consider would be the Canon 300D with 70-200 f/4L or higher, or the Nikon D70 with the 80-200 AF-S that you might be able to find used for a reasonable price. For sch small/fast subjects, I don't know if anything less would give you as good results.

[Photo-John]

Yep, sounds like you need to invest in an SLR. It doesn't actually have to be digital, you know. Film is still good, and you get more for your money. That said, digital is where it's at now. So you might as well make the investment, if you've got the cash.

You didn't say what your budget was. Sebastian made some beginner recommendations. The Canon 300D / Digital Rebel is the standard starter digital SLR. The Nikon D70 has more features and felxibility for a bit more money. And the new Canon 20D is a very, very capable camera. But it will cost you $1500 without a lens. Consider that autofocus speed and accuracy are going to be your top priorities. Multiple frames don't mean a thing unless they're in focus. The Canon 20D is probably going to be your best bet when it comes to focus, unless you can afford to spend $4000+ for a Nikon D2H or Canon 1D Mark II. Those are the current kings when it comes to sports.

Canon and Nikon aren't the only game in town. I shoot sports and I've also successfully used the Pentax *ist D and the Olympus E-1 to shoot mountain bikes. They're both smaller and lighter than the Nikon and Canon cameras and the Olympus zoom lenses have incredible range.

That should get your started. Check the reviews on those cameras, the Digital SLR forum, and let us know if you have more questions.

Good luck!