New to DSLR photography

fastpitchdad · 02-22-2016, 06:18 AM

Hello I am new DSLR photography and after much research I decided on Pentax K50. I will be taking majority of photos of my kids sports softball, baseball and swimming. Any suggestions or advice for simple camera settings for capturing action shots will be greatly appreciated.

**TER-OR** · 02-22-2016, 06:40 AM - **1 Like**

I like TAv mode. Set your aperture to get a good depth of field, say f8. Then adjust your shutter speed to keep ISO in a good range - below 6400 usually but the lower the better. Remember 1/250 sec will be pretty good for action. Also remember the IBIS shake reduction doesn't really like panning motion. The good news is above 1/125 sec or so it's not needed, so you can shut it off if you're shooting fast. Turn the photo mode to continuous shooting, use center-weighted exposure and center point focus. Keep it in AF.C mode, not AF.S

Does the K50 have a back-button focus mode? That's helpful for action.

**Tonyr99** · 02-22-2016, 10:41 PM

Welcome to the Forum. I found this Forum in 2011 after purchasing my first DSLR, the Kr, for the exact reasons you mention, the desire to capture action photos of my daughter. Now my daughter is in college, so the action sports thing has come and gone, but I have some nice "keepers" amongst all of the shots taken...not to mention those prom shots and birthday parties etc. Enjoy your camera, and while I won't give advice, you'll find lots of that here in the Forum.

Unregistered User 8 · 02-22-2016, 11:10 PM

Hi fastpitchdad. Welcome aboard the forum.

**Kerrowdown** · 02-23-2016, 01:52 AM - **1 Like**

Wellcome, good advice already given I see, enjoy your photography.

kjphilippona · 02-23-2016, 04:05 AM

Welcome from Alabama

debakarma · 02-25-2016, 08:47 PM

Welcome to the forum.

02-22-2016, 06:18 AM	#1
fastpitchdad New Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: PA Photos: Albums Posts: 19	New to DSLR photography Hello I am new DSLR photography and after much research I decided on Pentax K50. I will be taking majority of photos of my kids sports softball, baseball and swimming. Any suggestions or advice for simple camera settings for capturing action shots will be greatly appreciated.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
People new to dslr photography	fins	Photo Critique	3	05-31-2015 05:14 PM
New to DSLR photography	Pentaxian 1	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	10	01-31-2015 11:34 PM
New to photography, DSLR's and Pentax	Heinno	Welcomes and Introductions	20	01-05-2014 11:00 PM
New to DSLR photography	Phreeze	Welcomes and Introductions	10	08-07-2013 08:19 PM
New to DSLR Photography	JasPentUser	Photographic Technique	4	05-15-2011 08:30 AM

02-22-2016, 06:40 AM - 1 Like	#2
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I like TAv mode. Set your aperture to get a good depth of field, say f8. Then adjust your shutter speed to keep ISO in a good range - below 6400 usually but the lower the better. Remember 1/250 sec will be pretty good for action. Also remember the IBIS shake reduction doesn't really like panning motion. The good news is above 1/125 sec or so it's not needed, so you can shut it off if you're shooting fast. Turn the photo mode to continuous shooting, use center-weighted exposure and center point focus. Keep it in AF.C mode, not AF.S Does the K50 have a back-button focus mode? That's helpful for action.

02-22-2016, 10:41 PM	#3
Tonyr99 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Washington State Posts: 47	Welcome to the Forum. I found this Forum in 2011 after purchasing my first DSLR, the Kr, for the exact reasons you mention, the desire to capture action photos of my daughter. Now my daughter is in college, so the action sports thing has come and gone, but I have some nice "keepers" amongst all of the shots taken...not to mention those prom shots and birthday parties etc. Enjoy your camera, and while I won't give advice, you'll find lots of that here in the Forum.

02-22-2016, 11:10 PM	#4
Unregistered User 8 Closed Account Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,694	Hi fastpitchdad. Welcome aboard the forum.

02-23-2016, 01:52 AM - 1 Like	#5
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,815	Wellcome, good advice already given I see, enjoy your photography.

02-23-2016, 04:05 AM	#6
kjphilippona Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Enterprise, Alabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,298	Welcome from Alabama

02-25-2016, 08:47 PM	#7
debakarma Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,294	Welcome to the forum.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search