I am going to get the hang of this, right? - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

4guysandme · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006

Ok, I got my Digital Rebel XT a few weeks ago. . . ARGH!!! I am just having issues. Any references to read or whatnot? I am interested in most sports things as I have kids in karate.

kimberlynsmommy · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006

My advice to you would be to just keep that camera in your hands. It doesn't matter what I read, don't read, hear or don't. The only thing that has helped me learn how to use my Rebel is to just snap away.

Try taking a few karate photos- load them on your computer and check them out. If you like what you see- go with it. If you don't keep working on it.

You aren't going to destroy the camera by playing with all of those little buttons and dials. Have fun, and enjoy it!

danib · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006

The best book I have ever purchased was: Canon EOS Digital Rebel Digital Field Guide
I use it all the time!
Mostly, it will take practice I think. have fun!!!

coffeequeen · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006

Karate isn't the easiest to shoot either. I have boys in TaeKwonDo, football, baseball wrestling and basketball, ad I think the martial arts are the hardest for me to shoot good action shots of because of the flash being off. You may be booted from the dojo if you try to take flash photos, but the flas is almost needed in these action shots to reduce blur- not sure how or why it works that way, but my action shots are usually better with flash. Try to get your boys maybe dressed and working out outside of the dojo, with or without their classmates. Then you can take advantage of the natural outdoor light and flash away if needed. HTH

4guysandme · #5 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006

I mean I LOVE the camera. I am getting a bunch of great pictures, but I am getting way MORE BAD pictures than good ones. . .

Here are some of the problems I am having (that I know of):

* Blurry pictures (usually action, karate in particular, but dodge ball tonight, and my 21mo is blurry too).
* Under exposed pictures. I shot about 100 pictures this afternoon just sitting in the living room and shooting at different settings. I got the Digital SLR for Dummies book from the library today because I am that frustrated.
* Grainy pictures. I have played with ISO settings and it has helped a bit with the graininess.
* Any combination of the above.

If I got a picture where the kids weren't blurry playing dodge ball at karate tonight, it was seriously dark and grainy. If I got it exposed right (lighting wise) it was incredibly blurry!

Of course at the dojo the lighting just sucks in general. Fortunately he doesn't care about flash photography and always says "everyone do their best because she's taking pictures for the website." (I am the dojo web-mistress). He doesn't care in general though. We're lucky there.

I can't seem to hit a happy medium with it. I try to take pictures all the time. I try to keep the camera within arms reach.

But I am supposed to shoot another karate tournament for a karate news site this weekend and I am starting to panic in general now! Last time I shot about 80 pictures and got 7 that were salvageable. Even the ones I shot in full auto (sports mode) turned out crappy. Likely the lighting then too. Then I shot all JPG as I had only had the camera 3 days at that point. I would have hoped that it would be better by now.

I suppose I really need to get a external flash with more range but I can't afford one right now. I also need to get a new zoom lens as the one I have isn't 100% compatible with the camera. *sigh* Which to get first?

shelleyrae · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006

Stacey if it makes you feel any better professionals in general state that they average only about 5 successful shots in every 100 that they take

If you have a burst/continous mode on the camera - which you should, then you should try using that for shots. You need to make sure you have selected the correct white balance rather than leaving it on auto and push the ISO up to somewhere around 800 - maybe a bit more youll hav eto check. Get the exposure right and set it manually then switch to burst mode to catch the action.
If your lens isnt properly compatibale that can be having quite an effect too.

HTH

4guysandme · #7 (**permalink**) 07-05-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelleyrae

If your lens isnt properly compatibale that can be having quite an effect too.

When I was having problems with the lens. It works, but it locks the camera up. Scared the living daylights out of me the first time it happened. I went looking and found a list online of older lenses that aren't compatible fully and sure enough it was on the list with the same problems I was having. I haven't used it since.

I've been using my kit lens and my Tamron 24-70mm (older non-digital lens) that is stated to be compatible. I shot with the kit lens tonight thinking that it was the lens just being slower and causing the problem, but same problems.

I seriously need to invest in a new lens but ugh!!!

Pesto126 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2006

What is the fstop of that lens you are using...? If it is higher than 2.8.. that is part of your blury photo issue. If you cannot use flash indoors, you must use a lens with a minimum f stop of 2.8.. this will allow you to use a higher shutter speed which will reduce the shakes. Also, try bumping the ISO up on the camera... ISO 400 or 800 will usually give you less blurry shots while still being usable in 4x6 format (noisy larger than that).

Finally, consider a monopod or tripod... will help reduce the shakes too. You might also wish to purchase a better flash if you are just using the onboard one... they tend to be quite weak and don't reach beyond 5 feet in front of you....