saralulu1

Hi everyone,
I'm new here and I am just mom trying to save some memories believing my kids will appreciate it in future (now the most popular for them are snaps and selfies). I love this page so far. I have 2 kids practicing taekwondo and yesterday they were promoted and reached black belt. I wanted to take good pictures of their kicks and particular positions while sparring, but my android camera was not able to do that. So here I am with my question: how to shoot person in the motion sharp and what equipment would you suggest to buy?
(I consider to buy camera)
I would really appreciate your feedback and I'm looking forward to receiving your tips.

out4life2016 Loc: Bellingham, Washington

For your needs i would look at the Canon Rebals like the T6 now that can be bought with two lens for under 450.00. You will however probably grow out of this camera in a few years and will want to buy a full frame camera. Good thing is that as long as you have EF mount lenses they will work on both and they tend to run alittle cheaper then your Nikkon equipment. I found out after i got started that photography can become a very expensive hobby. I shoot with a Canon T3 that i purchased last year and as much as i would love to have a full frame Canon i just cant afford it and i still have a lot to learn about photography. Spend less on a camera without going to cheap but put more money into good glass (lenses). that's whats going to make the difference.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

You need a camera that can be set for shutter speed priority. That means you select a fast shutter speed to stop action, and the camera sets everything else (aperture, ISO) for a proper exposure (brightness). The least expensive are point & shoot, although I don't know of a model with user set shutter speed. The next better category is the mega-zooms. One example is the Canon SX60HS. This is probably the least expensive with the ability to handle most situations. I suggest one with a viewfinder as using the LCD screen is troublesome in bright sunlight.

Charlie157 Loc: San Diego, CA

Please, "just mom" don't sell your self short. Mom's are very important parent who work tirelessly. I think it's wonderful that you want to document memorable times for your children. I think they would really appreciate it.

About cameras, if you have a friend who is a camera buff speak with them to gain a start in identifying what you might want. Or, go to a camera shop and speak with the about what your are wanting to and see what they say...
BE AWARE they will try to sell you a camera. Probably more the what you need. Go to the local library, borrow a beginner s book on photography.

One thing you mention is that you wanted to stop motion
You will probably need a camera that is adjustable, start from there. There will be a lot of information to sort through. There are a lot of UHH members that are very knowledgeable and are able to assist you.

Good luck in your learning of photography

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Capturing that sort of movement will need a shutter speed of 1/500 sec or faster. Buying a DSLR is the best option. If you don't fancy shelling out 100s of $$ you can force compact cameras to increase their shutter speed by shooting in Sports mode, but a problem with indoor shots is the low levels of light, even if the illumination seems adequate for spectating. A compact camera in one of its Auto modes may deal with the low light by using a slow shutter speed, even in Sports mode. Entry level DSLRs and premium compacts and bridge cameras will all give you the option of manual control, but they will be more expensive than most compacts.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Given the capability of mirrorless to shoot at much higher frame rates, I would go with one of those.

CO

UHH members have already given great advice regarding shutter priority mode and using fast shutter speeds. I just wanted to add that fill flash can really help to lift shadow areas. You might also purchase a speedlight. Dial in some negative flash compensation to add fill flash. Firing a flash at full power can often result in an obvious flash look

I took these photos last weekend and used a studio strobe with a beauty dish and diffuser sock. It really helped to lift shadow areas.

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SteveR Loc: Michigan

One of your problems will be lighting. Are you allowed to use flash? If not, I would suggest the Nikon D7500 for its low-light capabilities. Since it's Tae-Kwan-Do, I would suggest a prime lens with an aperture of f1.8. If you are able to get close to the mat, you may have to determine whether to get a 35mm or 50mm f1.8 lens. If possible, get a D lens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Frame rate: Nikon D7500 -8; Fuji XT2 -14. For fast action, that’s your choice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice shots, CO.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Interesting but the guy is wearing the wrong shoes! Check fashion of the day to shoot a time period essay.

csmith4math

I agree with PHRubin that a "mega-zoom" (or "bridge") camera with a viewfinder sounds like a good solution to your needs--ability to shoot in full-automatic mode or to control the shutter speed or aperture, viewfinder to see your composition in bright light, and the "mega-zoom" for wide or zoomed-in shots without having to change (and buy!) multiple lenses. I recently researched cameras in this category, looking at the Canon SX60, Nikon CoolPix B700, Panasonic DC-FZ80, and Sony Cyber-shot DXC-HX 400V. These cameras all have the "feel" of a DSLR (which I find easier to hold while shooting, especially when using the viewfinder). You can find them discounted or on sale for around $400-$500, or less buying refurbished (direct from the manufacturer) or used. I didn't look at the flat cameras that will easily fit in a pocket or purse, so I can't suggest specific models here, but a well-stocked camera store can point you in the right direction if that is what you want. These pocket cameras seem to have much more limited zoom ranges, though, based on a quick look at the B&H Photo website.

As others have suggested, a separate flash can really help stop action with much better lighting than the on-camera flash, but you might want use the camera's built-in flash initially, then decide whether to add an external flash. To keep this option open, I suggest you choose a camera that will accept an external flash (and external "shotgun" microphone, if you will want to shoot video)--I ruled out the Nikon because it was limited to the on-camera flash and mic.

Depending on your budget, these 4 cameras may give you a good starting point, or you can save some money by choosing the similar cameras without a viewfinder, or spend more to get more features with similar cameras. Whatever you choose, realize that these cameras will have far more features than you are likely to use, at least for a while, so learn what you want to do with it (such as Shutter-priority mode to get those great kicks) and don't worry about the rest of them--but most of all, have fun!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The D7500 has a native ISO range two stops better, the same as the D500. I believe that the OP will need that low-light capability. Having shot the 7500 at 8fps, it's like a machine gun. The Fuji, however, would be great in good light for stopping a golf swing.

jeffwheels

Just to put a newbie's two cents in. I really appreciated going to a store like Best Buy, who let me snap photos with different cameras. Helped me get a feel for the camera and see what it was capable of. Take the kids and have them make some moves while you practice shooting. It might help you have confidence in what you are buying.