Lee Thomas Loc: Michigan

I tested my SX50 at last night's rehearsal of our church's Christmas musical. ISO 800, shutter speeds from 1/10 sec. to 1/80 sec, varied apertures, Image Stabilization, manual exposure mode. I used viewing the LCD to visually correct exposure while manually adjusting shutter speed and/or aperture. Many of the first group of shots were taken from the balcony at the rear of the auditorium. You can tell when I moved to the floor level for later shots. I initially tried manual focus but with so much movement of the singers it was difficult dial in focus. I relied on auto-focus which generally worked well. With IS in the "Shoot Only" mode, it seemed that in very low light, the camera would "hunt" for a bit and then suddenly it would "pop" into focus. I got my share of soft images as well but kept some just for the record. The real purpose of this post is to encourage all the SX50 shooters to try this type of photography and not limit yourself to a bright sunny day. I posted an example of the rehearsal but you can use the link to view the whole set. C/C's are always welcome.
Sincerely,
Lee
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8359753@N07/sets/72157638653899584/

Ballet scene

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

Did you take videos? Its wonderful for that. Theres a long learning process for the SX50 and some want to expedite that. Did you have the continuous autofocus on> That helps a lot. Once it locks on, it maintains that.

Lee Thomas Loc: Michigan

Thanks for your note. No, I have not yet tried the video feature. There is so much to learn about this camera. 8-) I have not used the continuous auto-focus as I was under the impression that it was for maintaining focus on a moving subject. I'll have to give that a try the next time I use the camera.
Sincerely,
Lee

Dlevon Loc: New Jersey

The moving subject could be you. I use it as I'm panning the camera looking to lock in on a subject and it keeps everything in focus as you pan and compose until you shoot. I find it extremely useful.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I appreciate that you're doing all the hard work for us, Lee :)

I use continuous auto-focus. Possibly helps cut the time it takes to focus on a subject when time is of the essence.

The reason your link didn't show up as a link is because you need to remove the S from http:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8359753@N07/sets/72157638653899584/

Lee Thomas Loc: Michigan

Thanks for that tip. I think I tried a shortened URL once and that was not allowed. I'll have to remember to remove the "s" when I use a Flickr link in the future.
Lee