Digital SLR or film for action shots?

Question

Years ago I worked for a year at Sears Portrait studio. I was really good as a photographer, catching great smiles and moods as the child was trying to dive off the table. Basic, but fun.

Stopped working there and bought a 35mm camera with a long zoom lens. I always loved taking pictures of people from a distance. I'd go off 20 yards, put up my tripod and take pictures of friends/family with genuine expressions, kids running and laughing, dogs, etc. Just beautiful pictures that I loved and that I loved taking.

After a death in the family I stopped photography. I just couldn't do it anymore. I always meant to go back to it.

Now I'm married with two kids who are very (very) active and expressive. I also have a husband who is into the whole digital camera thing.

I'm frustrated with theoretically capturing a picture of my kid's face only to have it turn into a picture of the back of their heads 3 seconds after the fact, then staged smiles.

Advice?

Nancy

Answer 1

I really enjoyed 35mm SLR Photography BEFORE I ended up deployed/tdy/moved many times and also before I ended up a long-term single parent of TWO Disabled children.

Now, FINALLY, I am an empty nesting Single Retiree, and have returned to discover the joy of photography once again -- this time in the Digital SLR environment.

One of the advantages of the Digital SLR over the 35 mm SLRs is the fact that once I invest in good quality (High Speed, and some lower speed) Digital Memory Cards -- then the investment more than pays itself back -- because I now have the ability to take the Digital Images, immediately see what I have taken, and can either delete that image or go forward from there -- and the feel of the Digital SLR is the same as when I had my 35mm SLR Film Camera (in fact, it is less weight on my hands -- because I do have the Original Canon A Series 35mm Camera and lenses).

I actually am enjoying this Digital Environment more now -- including wildlife photos, I've used my Digital SLR to take photos of my children's High School Graduations, and other events -- and yes, the Digital SLR is out-performing my 35mm SLR by a long way -- not only are the images quite clear, but I do NOT have to worry about the cost of the film, development costs too (which really limited my desire to take images with the 35mm SLR).

PS == most Community Colleges nowadays have in their Art Department Digital Imaging Classes too ... and that is a way to increase your skill level, and I've done that and learned to take even more images that I never thought I could EVER do with a camera!

Answer 2

For the best continous mode and fastest auto focussing, DSLRs are the way to go. Most entry level DSLRs will shoot 3 frames per second. The Canon 20D/30D will do 5fps. That's pretty handy. In 7 seconds you can shoot 35 shots, capture one good expression, then throw away the other 34. (put that in you pipe and smoke it... those who are still recommending film).

If you are shooting with a compact digicam- some are much better at others at being responsive. Canon's notoriously, while offering some of the best quality images, are also some of the slowest to autofocus. Sometimes 0.5 to 1 full second (depends on model). The best digicams AF in 0.2 to 0.3 sec. But often, that's still a bit slow.

So- to speed things up. Pre-focus by pusshing the shutter button down half way, then when the perfect moment arises, take the picture with almost no delay.

Answer 3

Without a doubt film is the best way to go for action. Something with a quick exposure time. That being said the new digital SLR cameras are getting pretty darn good. They actually capture video and select the closest frame that's clear in some cases. Others have an image stablization feature which from personal experience takes some realy nice shots, action or otherwise. Digital is hugely more expensive than standard film though it pays for it's self in film purchases and development in a fairly short time.

A suggestion would be to go to the more popular photo art sites. E-mail the webmasters. Ask what they use and why. Talk to people. The worst they can do is tell you they aren't interested.

Answer 4

A nice digital slr will give you the same feel as your film camera and give you the controll you need while allowing you to snap more shots at a higher rate. I honestly can't think of any reason, other than the huge price barrier for a nice slr, why you would want a film camera. The digital rebel line just kicks butt.

Answer 5

A 35 mm camera will take better pictures than any digital camera, but because of cost, etc. you probably won't take as many pictures, so may miss the chance of a great one.

I assume your question is that you're having a problem because there's a delay between when you snap a pic till when the picture is made. If that's the case you need a digital camera that's specifically designed for action shots and naturally, they cost more.

A lot of people get around this by taking short movies instead of still pics and editing them on their computers.

Here's a couple web pages that may help.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

Answer 6

Since you are experienced, obviously you can use an SLR, and I say, "Why not go digital?" You can see your results instantly and you can shoot 100 shots for free. Or 1,000.

Answer 7

Try a Cannon XOS. (I think that's the 12 megapixel model:-)

Answer 8

film. always. see if you can find yourself a nice cannon or nikon SLR.

Answer 9

what? what is the problem exactly?