Nikon D 40 settings for swimming action shots

[Theta]

Just got a Nikon D40 as a gift and, I have to admit, it is a little overwhelming for me right now. Could I get help with the settings I need to use to take indoor action shots at my DD's swim meet next weekend?

I have the 18-55mm Nikkor lens that came with the camera and a Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens.

I read there is a DVD a person to purchase to learn how to operate the camera, is it worth it?

 

[tiggerwannabe]

I got two videos with my kit from Amazon, they were both camera specific and very helpful. I'm thinking there are folks here that could help you without you having to go buy the dvd tho~

 

[handicap18]

You'll want to start in at least P mode so you can set your own ISO. The results are going to depend on how the lighting is.

I would use the 50-200mm lens as it has a slightly wider aperture at the 50mm end (f/5.6 on the 18-50 at 50mm vs f/4.5 on the 50-200 at the 50mm end) Neither lens is really good for dealing with low light action, though like I said, if the lighting is good you should be ok.

Start with ISO 1600. Pay attention to what your getting for shutter speeds. You'll probably want at least 1/250th to stop the action.

Let us know how things go and post some examples. Example images help a lot more when determining what you might do to improve.

 

[My2Girls66]

My girls are swimmers and I've taken some shots of them over the years. I find using the flash works best. You obviously can't use it for the start, tho. I don't have many examples on my computer but here are a few I took- they aren't great. I was in a rush to get back to work so only had a few minutes. These were just taken with my D50-on auto- with my 18-125mm lens at 125mm- with the onboard flash.

 

[Jeanne B]

This is one taken of DD last week with my Pentax K100 and Tamron 18-250 lens.

No flash, f/5.6, shutter speed 1/90, ISO 800 at 143mm

 

[Theta]

Start with ISO 1600. Pay attention to what your getting for shutter speeds. You'll probably want at least 1/250th to stop the action.

Let us know how things go and post some examples. Example images help a lot more when determining what you might do to improve.

Yes, I will post some examples from this weekend.

So if I start with ISO 1600 and I still get blurry pictures, is the next step to adjust my shutter speed do I need to do this manually for each shot?

 

[Theta]

My2girls66 and Jeanne,

Thanks so much for the shots, I SO hope I can get these shots.

The auto feature took great shots.

 

[My2Girls66]

My2girls66 and Jeanne,


The auto feature took great shots.

Smart camera
1/60 sec.- f5.6 w/onboard flash- lens at 125mm(187mm equiv.)
I have an old SB-24 but I don't think it works properly TTL with the D50 otherwise I would have used it. Don't forget to turn off the flash for the start if you decide to try using it.

 

[My2Girls66]

Don't forget to get the camera acclimated to the heat of the pool area. I leave mine in its case for a little while after going into the pool area so the lens doesn't fog up. I can't wait to see your shots

 

[pjacobi]

I have an old SB-24 but I don't think it works properly TTL with the D50 otherwise I would have used it.

Never use an old electronic flash unit on a dSLR, because it could fry the electronics in the cameras!

Old electronic flash units were mechanically triggered using voltages of 10-50 Volts.

Most circuits in dSLR cameras are just 3-5 Volts, which would extremely overloaded by an old electronic flash unit.

Some older electronic flash unit are compatible, but be sure to quaduple check it with multiple volt meters.


-Paul

 

[My2Girls66]

Never use an old electronic flash unit on a dSLR, because it could fry the electronics in the cameras!

Old electronic flash units were mechanically triggered using voltages of 10-50 Volts.

Most circuits in dSLR cameras are just 3-5 Volts, which would extremely overloaded by an old electronic flash unit.

Some older electronic flash unit are compatible, but be sure to quaduple check it with multiple volt meters.


-Paul

Thanks for the warning! There was some reason I haven't used it. It might be ok, tho- for some reason I remember reading that it would work only not TTL. I'll def. double check before trying to use it.