Camera Advice

[Dillard]

I'm looking to upgrade my d7000 for a few reasons, although the main reason being the auto-focus. I shoot tournament paintball regularly and am noticing the auto-focus is struggling to keep up with the fast movement (in sequence shots). It will miss one or two out of a rapid sequence. I am currently using a 80-200 2.8 (two ring). I have looked into both the D700 as well as the D600 and would appreciate some advice from those who are more familiar with the FX cameras.

I hear wonderful things about the D700's autofocus, although it is becoming a more outdated camera. The D600 is a new, although I hear the autofocus is less than stellar for moving objects. I am slowly shifting to more portrait and landscape work, which is the only reason I am still considering the D600. Can anyone comment on the D600's AF speed? I guess my main question is whether my expectations of a more efficient auto-focus can be achieved while still upgrading in other qualities as well.

Thanks!
Dillard


Edit: I guess the D7100 is an option as well. The AF is a more modern, 51 point...

 

[Patrice]

The best of the "fast action" nikons are the Dx series. D3, D3s, D4. D4 would be the current sport shooter's weapon of choice. From reading the plethora of reviews of the D600 and D800 it seems that focus speed is not their strong suit, however many are able to make them work by understanding their limitations and adjusting their techniques accordingly.

 

[Dillard]

I agree, although they are out of my price range. I pulled the trigger on a very low millage D700, so I'm sure y'all will be hearing back from me once I get it!

 

[Derrel]

A good deal of the problem with the missed focus in sequences lies with that two-ring 80-200/2.8 lens...it uses the camera's in-body focusing motor, and even worse, screw-drive AF is a process of move-evaluate-move-evaluate-move-evaluate; the AF system can NOT actually predict focusing distances, the way the AF-S protocol can. With an AF-S Nikkor lens, the AF system can take its first reading of distance and degree of out-of-focus, and then drive the lens to the proper distance, typically in ONE, single, discrete movement. That is NOT the way screw-drive Nikkor lenses arrive at focus...they simply can not work the same way as AF-S lenses. The problem is not the AF module in your current camera--the problem is that your camera is handicapped by using a screw-drive focusing zoom lens.

An older, used 70-200 VR, generation one model, would focus better, and faster, on any body you plop it on. With a 300/2.8 AF-S Mark II, my D70 focuses pretty much as rapidly as my D2x or my D3x, using the center AF area. I shot a college baseball game this past weekend for the first time in about five years. I used the 300/2.8 in cloudy daylight, with one inning that had some sunshine. I shot 704 frames. I had two out of focus frames.

 

[ronlane]

Here is a review about the D7100 and 80-400 lens.

 

[desmondlewissmith]

Pick up a D3X, incredible camera for what you are looking to accomplish.

 

[hirejn]

I have a D200 and it tears through action. Maybe it's something with the lens or your technique, or the light levels. Is it AF or AF-S? AF is an older focusing motor. I wouldn't call missing one or two shots a struggle. The D600 appears to have the same AF system as the D7000 anyway. The D700 has a different AF system but that wouldn't be the only reason I upgrade. Doesn't sound like it's worth an upgrade. But obviously you have money to spend anyway. If you're set on blowing thousands on stuff you don't really need, why bother to ask us?

 

[KmH]

Regardless the camera you use, some % of your sports action shots will always have less than wanted focus sharpness when shooting rapid sequences.

Auto focus is not a be all to end all, and has technical limitations.

 

[Derrel]

Yeah. I had to suffer with .0028499091% out of focus percentage out of 704 frames using an AF-S prime lens in cloudy weather. Horrific.

 

[sovietdoc]

Actually, I wouldn't suggest a new camera but rather a better lens. Get a 70-200 f/2.8 VR II and see how many shots you miss. 80-200 is slow and old nowdays for action shooting, compared to the competition.

I think even a used f/2.8 70-200 VR I would do nicely.