New camera?

Question

I had posted something yesterday about wanting a new camera.I was just wondering for what i want it for(sports) would it be better to buy a new one...or is the one i have ok?I have a fujifilm s3100.It takes good pics outside but not much inside.I know nothing about cameras and i have to take the same pic many diff times when im inside because usually they are blurry.Am i doing something wrong when i take them inside?Do you think my camera is ok for sporing events?I wanted a canon rebel but someone told me that i have to buy lens to go with it and a flash and its about $1000.I dont have that much to spend.Thanks

Answer 1

i dont know the fujifilm s3100 so cant comment on it, however indoor arena photography is fraught with lighting issues and it takes a very disciplined approach to have any chance of success. if your budget is only $1000 your options are very limited possibly to a used camera and lens, 400asa film pushed by one stop, and filters for indoor lighting( 85a and 85b). You are unlikely to get permission to use flash of sufficient power to do the job, so plan on available light

Answer 2

You might get some decent photos at sporting events outdoors on a sunny day. Indoors or at night, probably not. The maximum ISO on your camera is 250 which is very low. Indoors without flash requires a high ISO and a "fast" lens - usually f2 or f2.8.

Indoors you'll have to use the flash on the camera - but it will not help with sports photos since its too limited in its range. If you're having problems with blur then you aren't using the camera correctly. READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual, especially the section on Using Flash.

If you're serious about shooting sports then you have no choice but to upgrade to a DSLR. If there is a professional camera store in your area check and see if they have any used or demo cameras. Sometimes they will take trade-ins so you might find a bargain.

Taking a couple of photography classes might be something to consider.

Answer 3

Are you using the flash to take pictures indoors? If you don't the camera will be setting a very low shutter speed and this will cause blur both because of camera shake and movement in what you are photographing. For sports photography you want a long telephoto lens, and preferably one that has a large aperture. Remember, also, that flash, however powerful, will not cover a sports field or indoor arena.

Answer 4

Yes, you do need to be using the flash indoors, but sometimes that little pop up flash isn't enough.I took a look at a photo of your camera and I notice there is no hot shoe to put an external flash and I'm not sure if there is a PC connection for a flash, but I doubt it. There are wireless external flashes which will synchronize with your camera (not all will) such as this one ....http://cgi.ebay.com/Digital-Slave-FLASH-FOR-Fuji-S5800-S9600-S8000fd-S5700_W0QQitemZ300167661838QQihZ020QQcategoryZ48515QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem offered on EBay. They will greatly improve your indoor picture experience, but you will have to experiment with it a bit to find what works well with what you are photographing because they are more powerful than the flash on board your camera. Fortunately, they can bounce off ceilings, etc. for a softer effect in your home.

This may not be enough for indoor sports, but coupled with your highest ISO it will increase the possibility that you can do this with that camera.