Nighttime action settings

[Photo Kap]

Hello everybody I have a nikon d40x and I'm kind of confused. I can't figure out what to set it to when i'm taking action shots at night. Everything i tried came out blurry, and I couldn't figure out the problem on my own, so that's why I'm here asking for your help!

[Old Timer]

Generally blur means a too slow shutter speed, but with out seeing an example of knowing you settings it would be very difficult to analyze the problem. Post one and lets have a go at it.

[dhyravy]

I agree with OT here, a sample would help us to help you. Also, are you using an automatic mode on the camera? For night sports/action you will need to get acquanted with the manual settings.

[Photo Kap]

I would love to post something up, but I deleted all the images I ever tried to capture because there was always something (a fast moving arm, or leg, or ball) that blurred. I'll get an example of what I mean soon. But yea, I did try messing around with the manual settings, but still couldn't get a legitimate photo.

[Frog]

Just a guess, but you probably need a faster lens.

[Photo Kap]

Just a guess, but you probably need a faster lens.

Yea, that's what I was thinking, but I don't want to dish out the money! :cryin:

[mattbikeboy]

Try shooting ISO 1600 (or however high the camera will go) and shoot around 1/500 sec. You might try a little slower than that on shutter speed but it will get blurry. Also don't zoom all the way and let the camera use the widest aperture possible. Also shoot RAW (if your camera will do it) and lighten in post processing.

Some of those tips will help you possibly get a passable shot with your gear. I had the same lens and sold it when I bought an 80-200 f2.8 Nikon lens. I couldn't get much that I liked either. The 80-200 is around $900 (and you have to buy the hood separately) --- but it is a great lens.

mbb

[dhyravy]

The OP is in a bit of a pickle with the D40x since it won't auto focus with older lenses like the 80-200. I have that lens and it's really great, but would have to be manually focused with this body. Nikon saw fit to remove the focus motor from the new consumer bodies in the interest of size reduction according to them. The result for the owners is that they have to buy the newer (read more expensive) lenses that contain an AF motor. Definitely a concern if you are looking at any of these.

[mattbikeboy]

The OP is in a bit of a pickle with the D40x since it won't auto focus with older lenses like the 80-200. I have that lens and it's really great, but would have to be manually focused with this body. Nikon saw fit to remove the focus motor from the new consumer bodies in the interest of size reduction according to them. The result for the owners is that they have to buy the newer (read more expensive) lenses that contain an AF motor. Definitely a concern if you are looking at any of these.

That's right -- totally forgot about that! Oops.

mbb