Noob with D3100 & angry wife...HELP!

[tirediron]

High schools / colleges prohibit flash indoor unless they are mounted at the top of the bleachers or ceiling and triggered wirelessly, although most high schools I've been to don't even let you do that.

I suspect that varies by school, and what may not be permitted in one, might be perfectly fine in another, but it does raise the point that checking before shooting is always a good idea!

 

[ph0enix]

However, I am shooting a D7000 which has superior (to my knowledge) low light performance than the 3100.

According to DxOMark the low light performance of the D7000 is 1167 ISO. The D3100 is rated at 919 ISO. That's not even a third of a stop difference.

 

[Ray12]

If the subject is coming at you there is less blur in the image than if the subject was running across your frame from left to right. So those shots showing the action going across the frame (running cross court shots) may exhibit some more motion artifax than shots where the subject is moving directly toward you (under or to the side of the basket).

There is another possible explanation. To the wife: this is OUR first and less expensive lens to start with... and WE should learn how to use it TOGETHER. Later on...if WE arent totally satisfied with the results we are getting with this starter lens...a lot of people I hear about in my user groups...end up upgrading their lenses after a while to a better lens (thats why they make so many different kinds of lenses)...Lets try this out...give it a little time... and see what WE come up with together...or something like that. (Good team patter)

ALSO: Some people know there is going to be some motion blur at that 125th speed... they use that speed to get those sexy "player in motion" shots that look so good and fantastic. No blur is OK...but some well placed blur may actually enhance the look at times!! Shooting cross court may give you funny blurry feet and a very wide look...but... shooting from the end of your teams court... under or near the side of the baskets... is a great place to get your daughter in a game winning layup shot on her way up....with plenty of image thrilling blur to show how fast she was going!! She was going so fast...the camera couldnt keep up with her!!!! LOL

Cheers,

 

[weepete]

And don't forget to take some shots where you can get good lighting. Before the game you should be able to some shots of the kid and her mom. Just going in with the venue in the background can be a great shot, just remember to place your subjects so they are the major focal point in the frame, and after if they win. If you can get tight enough with your lens then shots of the emotions on faces can work well if you can't get the action shots.

Turn up early enough to take some test shots and sort your exposure before the game starts. Put your camera on burst mode and try to anticipate where the players will be.

When I was shooting the basketball in our old hall I'd struggle getting anything like good action shots with a similar setup, but you might be able to get some acceptable pics away from the main action. A good one to look out for is the look on her face as she's watching to see if a ball makes it in the basket.

How you set up your camera is going to depend on how confindent you are with using the functions. If you struggle with that I'd turn it to shutter priority, auto ISO and shoot at a minimum of 1/350th sec for action shots. You might want to ajust the exposure from there but do set a custom wb.

 

[tevo]

However, I am shooting a D7000 which has superior (to my knowledge) low light performance than the 3100.

According to DxOMark the low light performance of the D7000 is 1167 ISO. The D3100 is rated at 919 ISO. That's not even a third of a stop difference.

I'm not sure what you mean?

What I am saying is that if I compare a picture from my D7000 at 6400 ISO to a D5100 at 6400 ISO, the D7000 has less overall noise and the quality is generally better. I shoot 6400 because it allows for a higher shutter speed, and I can correct the noise (enough for small size web at least) in post.

 

[Flare]

Went though the same thing. Just put it on auto and let her click away. It will buy you some time till she learns.

Flare

 

[tevo]

High schools / colleges prohibit flash indoor unless they are mounted at the top of the bleachers or ceiling and triggered wirelessly, although most high schools I've been to don't even let you do that.

I suspect that varies by school, and what may not be permitted in one, might be perfectly fine in another, but it does raise the point that checking before shooting is always a good idea!

The no flash rule is set in stone in the CCS (where I live), but in the southern section you can have it up in the bleachers. So yes, it varies.

 

[CaptainNapalm]

But what's there to be frustrated over? Even if she learns nothing and uses the DSLR as a point and shoot in Auto mode the pictures still should turn out better than with a cheap PS camera in auto mode shooting. Am I wrong? So I don't see a reason why she still can't take all the pictures in Auto like she would with her dinky point and shoot camera and learn the Manual modes on her own accord in the near future.

 

[ph0enix]

However, I am shooting a D7000 which has superior (to my knowledge) low light performance than the 3100.

According to DxOMark the low light performance of the D7000 is 1167 ISO. The D3100 is rated at 919 ISO. That's not even a third of a stop difference.

I'm not sure what you mean?

What I am saying is that if I compare a picture from my D7000 at 6400 ISO to a D5100 at 6400 ISO, the D7000 has less overall noise and the quality is generally better. I shoot 6400 because it allows for a higher shutter speed, and I can correct the noise (enough for small size web at least) in post.

That's interesting because the D5100 and the D7000 use the exact same sensor which would indicate the they have the same low light capability. Sensor performance data for different cameras is readily available. As far as I know, DxoMark.com is a reputable site that provides such data. With that being said, I have never used a D5100 or a D7000. I'm just strictly comparing the numbers:
DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

Look at the last line of the side-by-side comparison. Setting the ISO above the shown setting is supposed to produce visible amount noise in photos.

 

[tevo]

That's interesting because the D5100 and the D7000 use the exact same sensor which would indicate the they have the same low light capability. Sensor performance data for different cameras is readily available. As far as I know, DxoMark.com is a reputable site that provides such data. With that being said, I have never used a D5100 or a D7000. I'm just strictly comparing the numbers:
DxOMark - Compare cameras side by side

Look at the last line of the side-by-side comparison. Setting the ISO above the shown setting is supposed to produce visible amount noise in photos.

I was using a d5100 as an example, I haven't actually compared the two. Either way, my point is sacrificing some quality for a higher shutter may be desirable. For me that is 6400 ISO, for him that ISO may need to be lower.

 

[J.Griff]

Thanks to all for the tips.I'm shocked from the number of useful responses I've gotten.On other forums I'm a member of the more seasoned veteran members usually look down on newbies with there "silly" questions.Not you guys.I really appreciate that.
Any how I've practiced on, oddly enough, shooting our ceiling fan blades spinning.After a few setting changes I managed to 'freeze' the blades to the point of making the blades look as if they were not moving at all.Not sure if that will translate into good courtside shots or not.I will know in a few more minutes as Jaylis game is next.Shooting will be permitted anywhere as its a church backed kiddie league.Pics soon to follow.Hopefully descent ones Thank you all once again!

 

[rmr1923]

On other forums I'm a member of the more seasoned veteran members usually look down on newbies with there "silly" questions.Not you guys.I really appreciate that.

I have quite a few hobbies and frequent various message boards from time to time, and one thing I've learned is there are going to be snobs regardless of what it is you do. My guess is they forget that everyone has to start somewhere. Just ignore any snide remarks you may receive (not saying there are any here, but it sounds like you've had that experience elsewhere) and try to glean whatever information you can from the people who ARE helpful and you can learn a lot.

On another note, it sounds to me like your wife is trying to make you the scapegoat here... she knows these shots aren't going to come out very well so she's putting the burden on you so she can blame you later. I think this is her way of telling you to go ahead and purchase a better lens or two.

{just incase anyone's sarcasm meter is malfunctioning, the above paragraph is meant as a joke... kinda}

 

[Designer]

Any how I've practiced on, oddly enough, shooting our ceiling fan blades spinning.After a few setting changes I managed to 'freeze' the blades to the point of making the blades look as if they were not moving at all.Not sure if that will translate into good courtside shots or not.

There may be a difference in the amount of light between your house and the BB court. Good idea for practice! Good luck!

 

[Designer]

On another note, it sounds to me like your wife is trying to make you the scapegoat here... she knows these shots aren't going to come out very well so she's putting the burden on you so she can blame you later. I think this is her way of telling you to go ahead and purchase a better lens or two.

{just incase anyone's sarcasm meter is malfunctioning, the above paragraph is meant as a joke... kinda}

Yea, or her way of telling him he shouldn't have purchased such an elaborate camera.

 

[tirediron]

Thanks to all for the tips.I'm shocked from the number of useful responses I've gotten.On other forums I'm a member of the more seasoned veteran members usually look down on newbies with there "silly" questions...

Thanks J. Griff; what you will notice about TPF if you hang around (and hopefully you will) is that the quality of response here is almost directly linked to the poster's attitude. For instance, if someone comes in saying they've just bought their first DSLR & kit lens at Best Buy and are now booked to shoot a wedding and want to know what the best settings are (Don't laugh; it happens!) they will likely get roasted alive. On the other hand, if someone comes in saying that they've been asked to take some pictures at a family/friend's wedding because the couple has NO money and he's the only person they know with a "real" camera, he/she will almost certainly get pages of excellent response. Likewise, post a picture for critique and accept the critique in the spirit it was meant, you will receive more and better with each post. Take offense and start telling people with many years of experience that you are an "artist" and they don't know what they're talking about and you will likely be ignored.