is the nikon d40x a good camera to use at a wwe event?

Question

I want to be able to take good pictures when I go this year. Hopefully I'll either have floors seats or the middle section of the arena at the highest. I'd like to know if the d40x would be able to keep up with the wrestlers. I plan on using a AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lense if that makes a difference.

(I'm just starting to get into photography so I don't know that much about frame rates, lenses and etc.. That's why I'm getting the d40x, I've read that it's a perfect camera for beginners.)

Answer 1

good choice

Answer 2

You have a perfect setup. The D40x has a nice 10mp resolution, can handle ISO up to 1600, and coupled with your 18-200mm VR make an awesome combination.

Be sure you are holding the camera & lens correctly, supporting the lens from beneath with your left hand. That helps with steadiness and should let you take nice action photos. Set the camera for the 'action' setting so that it give you the optimum shutterspeeds.

Set your focus to AF-C, as you'll want it to continually focus as the action moves. Set your shutter to multiple shot so you can hold down the button and get several shots in a row. That way, you'll increase your chances of getting the perfect shot.

I use a pair Nikon D70's and also use the same lens when shooting WNBA & NBA games. The lighting should be similar. I find myself using 1600 ISO and post processing the digital noise away. My program of choice is "Noiseware", and it works wonderfully in cleaning up the images.

Hope this helps you. Have fun!

Answer 3

the D40x is a good camera - but if you can spend more, I suggest you to get a D80 instead. You'll be thankful with the difference - although both are 10 mpx, the D80 have better features and is geared more to a semi professional than advanced amateur.

But of course everything is your choice.

With a 200 mm lens and indoor shooting, I would suggest you to get a tripod/monopod to stabilize your camera during shooting. If you're shooting at a distance, a flash wouldn't work that well.

And remember to practice, practice, practice. It's the only way to get a consistently good photo.

Good luck!

Answer 4

A 200mm lens at f5.6 is very slow.* You will have to use a high ISO to get a decent shutter speed to "stop" action. A monopod will help stabilize the camera. The lens you've chosen has Vibration Reduction so that, too, will help minimize camera movement.

Of course image quality at a high ISO will suffer due to "digital noise". You can correct this with most of the editing programs available. As in all things there are no solutions, only trade-offs.

Unless you're within 8 to 10 feet of your subjects turn the flash off.

* A 200mm zoom at f5.6 may be slower when compared to a 50mm lens at f5.6 due to light loss from the number of lens elements it has to pass through.