Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ8

[perry46033]

I've read lots of reviews on this camera, but none directly address how I want to use the camera. I'm looking for someone who has this camera and uses it to take pictures of kids sports, both indoor and outdoor. I'm trying to replace a camera that gives me camera shake warnings all the time. I'm willing to reduce the resolution to get good pics, if that is an option.
Thanks to all the people who share their knowledge with the masses of us who don't have any (in this area)

[mwfanelli2]

I've read lots of reviews on this camera, but none directly address how I want to use the camera. I'm looking for someone who has this camera and uses it to take pictures of kids sports, both indoor and outdoor. I'm trying to replace a camera that gives me camera shake warnings all the time. I'm willing to reduce the resolution to get good pics, if that is an option.
Thanks to all the people who share their knowledge with the masses of us who don't have any (in this area)

I have an FZ8. The shake warnings you are getting from other cameras is due to the fact that you are shooting with too long of a shutter speed. There are several solutions:

1. Raise the ISO. There is no solution for dark environments other than ISO or flash. Be aware that your brain compensates for darker environments making them appear brighter than they really are.

2. Learn to use the flash. I hate flash in general but many others do a great job with it.

3. Light up the area more with natural or indoor lighting.

The Panny FZ8 includes image stabilization (IS) that allows you to hand hold shots with longer shutter speeds than you normally would. It works very well but won't cure all your problems. If it is still too dark even with IS for hand holding, IS won't cure that. IS also has nothing to do with freezing motion, such as moving kids. For that you need a shorter shutter speed and, unfortunately, even more light.

Reducing resolution won't do anything.

[Photo-John]

Is the shake warning the only problem you're having? Because if that's the case then we can probably help you improve your technique. How old is the camera you have now? Cameras introduced in the last year have much better high ISO performance than older digital cameras. So a new camera will help you with motion blur and freezing action because you'll be able to get better image quality at higher ISO settings. And Michael's reply is right on target and pretty much addresses everything you mentioned. I am just wondering if there's more you're looking for. The more specific you are the more we can help.

[perry46033]

Let me try to be more specific...I take pictures of my daughter's gymnastics meets. Flashes are prohibited, but I don't really get close enough for it to work anyway. The good side is that the nicest pictures come from her poses anyway, so not as much need to "stop action". Lighting is kind of hit or miss.
The camera I use right now is the Canon A540. I set it to 800 ISO and use aperature priority. It would work if I didn't also try to zoom. But since I'm not usually all that close maybe 30 ft away from her if I can get close, I can't help but try to make her fill the frame. Otherwise I get a lovely picture of everything else.

My old camera a Sony Cybershot (2.1MP, but can't remember the model) worked surprisingly well. The only reason I replaced it was the battery was shot and I didn't want to spend $50 on a new one when there were other issues. From the time I would press the button until the camera got around to recording the picture, the moment was over. I got good at anticipating her routine to get the "pretty shot", but I missed more than I hit. Quite honestly, the quality of the picture was not that bad for only being 2.1MP. Certainly I would have liked more, but the shots were pretty clear.

Thanks for all the input.

[mwfanelli2]

Let me try to be more specific...I take pictures of my daughter's gymnastics meets. Flashes are prohibited, but I don't really get close enough for it to work anyway. The good side is that the nicest pictures come from her poses anyway, so not as much need to "stop action". Lighting is kind of hit or miss.
The camera I use right now is the Canon A540. I set it to 800 ISO and use aperature priority. It would work if I didn't also try to zoom. But since I'm not usually all that close maybe 30 ft away from her if I can get close, I can't help but try to make her fill the frame. Otherwise I get a lovely picture of everything else.

My old camera a Sony Cybershot (2.1MP, but can't remember the model) worked surprisingly well. The only reason I replaced it was the battery was shot and I didn't want to spend $50 on a new one when there were other issues. From the time I would press the button until the camera got around to recording the picture, the moment was over. I got good at anticipating her routine to get the "pretty shot", but I missed more than I hit. Quite honestly, the quality of the picture was not that bad for only being 2.1MP. Certainly I would have liked more, but the shots were pretty clear.

Thanks for all the input.

OK, that may be the problem. You need shutter priority, not aperture priority. Set the shutter speed to 1/250 or faster. The aperture will adjust itself as necessary. If there is an auto-ISO, try using that as well. Otherwise, set the camera to ISO 800. See what you get.

Your Sony may have been setting this stuff for you already, probably in a program mode. I'm not familiar with that model.