why is the action setting pretty much the worst setting to take action shots?

Question

when i use the action setting on my camera the pictures always turn out horrible! is there some trick to it to make the pictures like.. not blurry and look decent?

Answer 1

You are most likely using a consumer camera as opposed to a professional one. Consumer cameras are not designed to do spectacular things. The only reason there are different settings like that is that the camera company wants to sell their cameras to you with the impression that you are getting state-of-the-art equipment. Those factory settings usually don't work very well. You have a few options. You can get a professional camera, or you can see if maybe your camera has manual settings (instead of auto-focus, auto exposure, etc.) and see if you can change the shutter speed. If you can, you will want to change the shutter speed to a higher number (like 1/1000 instead of 1/250, for example) Also, when you take your shots, take as wide of a shot as possible.

Answer 2

You probably dont have enough light. Some cameras dont activate the flash in sports mode to allow you to shoot a burst of shots (just hold the fire button). If you dont have enough light, your camera will have to slow down your shutter speed (open the shutter longer) thus making your subject blur.

Try turning on the flash if your camera allows.

Make sure you dont have camera shake syndrome. Use a tripod if you can. Or take a deap breath, let it out and snap the shutter. Make sure you gently squeeze the shutter button and not hammer on it.

If you can, increase your ISO. This doesnt give the best quality so dont do it if you dont need to.

If your camera allows, take a burst of shots. If one comes out better than the others, try to figure out why.

Alot of blurriness is caused by camera shake.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I do not know your camera, but on mine that setting is awesome. If you focus on an object in motion, then continue to hold the shutter down as the object moves, it should continually focus on that object. I used it for Cross Country runners and didn't have one out of focus picture. Perhaps you are using the function incorrectly. I would suggest going over your owners manual, then practicing with that setting before using it on something important.