What is the best Digital camera for taking action photos?

Answer 1

Virtually any modern DSLR will take great action shots. A DSLR has almost instantaneous response when you press the shutter button, often taking several photos per second. They also take telephoto and zoom lenses that bring the action closer to you.

All compact digitals and many slr style digitals have shutterlag - the dreaded time between the pressing of the button and the capturing of the image. These cameras often give you the "moment after", instead of that exact moment of action you wanted to snap.

You can take action photos with anything from a under $500 Nikon D40 on upward. Here are a few I took with a Nikon D50, the discontinued brother to the D40.
http://www.spmsportspage.com/images/college/football/2007/California-45-Tennessee-31-09-01-2007/index.html

Higher line DSLR models bring faster reaction times and more flexibility.

I hope you find this helpful.

Answer 2

Beyond just a basic DSLR you also need a decent fast focusing lens. What kind of action photo will you be taking?

From what I understand lenses w/ a built in focus server are faster focusing than lenses that rely on the camera body focus motor.

Answer 3

For action shots I prefer my old Nikon D2Hs as opposed to my newer Nikon D200's. It's only 4mp but that's enough to make nice 13x19" prints. Also, it gives 8 frames per second so you're sure to not miss a second of the action. You could probably pick up one used or refurbished from any camera store. It is a "professional" camera so it will probably be a little more expensive, even used.

Apart from that, you could use a Nikon D40x or for a little faster frame rate get the Nikon D80. Both of these are 10mp and very nice amateur/prosumer cameras. I personally don't recommend Canon's entry level cameras as they feel cheap and flimsy to me. Don't really instill confidence in me for them.

Answer 4

Any 35mm film camera with a fast telephoto or zoom lens or any DSLR with a fast telephoto or zoom lens.

A fast telephoto or zoom lens is one with a maximum aperture of f2.8. The zoom should be a constant aperture - if its f2.8 at 50mm it should be f2.8 at 300mm.