My new FZ3 failed to deliver good action shots

[derisk]

I just purchased a Panasonic FZ3 a couple weeks ago. Reasons for choice: wanted to shoot my daughter's basketball games from the stands, thus large zoom and image stabilization were appealing and the size and price/feature ratio of the FZ3 seemed superior to FZ15 & 20. Am extremely disappointed after looking at scores of blurred pictures, so I am beginning to wonder if a "faster" camera would have been superior to the image stabilization feature. I am determined to purchase a camera that takes these basketbal shots, and I do realize I must accept compromises if I do not want to go with a DSLR---I still prefer to avoid going DSLR, but before I break down and go with a DSLR (with a zoom lense equal or greater in price than the camera!), I would like to find out if there are any non-DSLR digital zooms out there that take decent action shots? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

derisk@juno.com

[PhilR.]

I would like to find out if there are any non-DSLR digital zooms out there that take decent action shots? Any advice is appreciated.
derisk@juno.com

Did you ever wonder why the professional photographers at pro basketball games are using camera equipment that costs more than a new Kia Rio?...

The FZ3 is fully capable of taking action shots. Any others? No, since you won't find a high-zoom with a faster lens. And too, the IS feature lets you shoot at speeds lower than what you could with a non-IS camera. If you aren't getting the results you want, then one of the following must be considered.
a) there isn't enough light to get the shutter speeds you want. Every camera has it's limits as to how low the light can be, even dslr's. If there isn't enough light, it isn't the camera's fault.
b) there is enough light, but you are shooting at shutter speeds too low to freeze the action. Switch to shutter priority and increase the shutter speeds to what you need. You might have to increase ISO to do this.
c) you might be trying to use the flash, but are outshooting the flash's range. If you want flash, then you might need a more powerful external flash. Keep in mind that no flash will light up a gym from one end to the other.

If the above doesn't work, then it's very likely that you will need lenses that are faster than what you can get on a non-dslr camera. I'm sure that others will have some more suggestions....

PhilR.

[Dave Dilks]

Phil has given you good advice, you're unlikely to do any better than the FZ3 without a huge jump in price. In order to provide any more detailed guidance, though, it would help to have more information regarding your pictures. Were they blurred due strictly due to slow shutter speed or were they out of focus? What aperture and shutter speed were you using?

My protocol for shooting indoor action differs slightly from Phil's, and was described here. (http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14177#post14177)

Two other things to add: 1) It's OK if you need to underexpose somewhat to capture the action; it's a lot easier to post-process a dark picture brighter than to sharpen a blurry picture, and 2) Spot focus mode will do a better job of capturing the action from a distance than the other focusing modes, given the narrower depth of field you will have at the apertures you will be using.

[John_Reed]

I just purchased a Panasonic FZ3 a couple weeks ago. Reasons for choice: wanted to shoot my daughter's basketball games from the stands, thus large zoom and image stabilization were appealing and the size and price/feature ratio of the FZ3 seemed superior to FZ15 & 20. Am extremely disappointed after looking at scores of blurred pictures, so I am beginning to wonder if a "faster" camera would have been superior to the image stabilization feature. I am determined to purchase a camera that takes these basketbal shots, and I do realize I must accept compromises if I do not want to go with a DSLR---I still prefer to avoid going DSLR, but before I break down and go with a DSLR (with a zoom lense equal or greater in price than the camera!), I would like to find out if there are any non-DSLR digital zooms out there that take decent action shots? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks for listening.

derisk@juno.comBelieve what Phil and Dave said. In the most recent Popular Photography mag, there's an article describing the "kit" of a sideline professional sports photographer, describing what he takes along and uses at a football game. (Typically better lit than a night basketball game?) He shoots Canon dSLRs, (EOS20D or the like), and minimum ISO of 800. If the lens is slower than f2.8, it's not useable at night games. You MUST be able to get good exposures at short shutter speeds, like 1/250 of a second or faster. I left my issue behind someplace, but if you get a chance, pick up a copy and read that article. It'll teach you new respect for what your FZ3 can do!

[m123456]

I've also heard some people "pre-focus" on the area the will want to shoot at. And of course I'm sure you tried it but the burst mode might help at least capture close to the shot you want.

best and happy new year