Sony RX100 Sports Photography: I am looking at a Sony RX100 to be used to capture my grandson (age 6) playing hockey. Has anyone had any direct experience capturing sports? Thanks in...

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I am looking at a Sony RX100 to be used to capture my grandson (age 6) playing hockey. Has anyone had any direct experience capturing sports? Thanks in advance.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Mike - With all respect looking at the fine tools you already own - Canon 70D and T6S + existing lenses - you might be better advised to stay with Canon and not change horses in midstream to a small aperture zoom lens system. If the issue is being able to photograph in low light, your Sony RX10 features a constant aperture of f/2.8 which should be highly effective unless he is playing hockey in the dark.

Jbat Loc: Charleston, SC

I have a RX100M3 and while I love this camera, it is not a sports camera. First it is only a 24-70 lens. I don't see that as a sports lens. Second, changing the lens distance on this camera is not the same as moving the lens distance on my DLSR. Not even close. And the sports shot would be over before I could get the camera adjusted. As I said, a great camera but not for sports as far as I am concerned.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

rjaywallace wrote:

Mike - With all respect looking at the fine tools you already own - Canon 70D and T6S + existing lenses - you might be better advised to stay with Canon and not change horses in midstream to a small aperture zoom lens system. If the issue is being able to photograph in low light, your Sony RX10 features a constant aperture of f/2.8 which should be highly effective unless he is playing hockey in the dark.

Yes, you are right, but I am looking for a pocket camera that I can use in NYC, for example and while I am at it, I wondered if the camera would lend itself to sports. I particularly wanted a low light application. My RX10 is a little too big and I maybe be able to sell it. Thanks for your comment.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

Jbat wrote:

I have a RX100M3 and while I love this camera, it is not a sports camera. First it is only a 24-70 lens. I don't see that as a sports lens. Second, changing the lens distance on this camera is not the same as moving the lens distance on my DLSR. Not even close. And the sports shot would be over before I could get the camera adjusted. As I said, a great camera but not for sports as far as I am concerned.

The lens on the RX100 (first edition) is a 28-100mm lens. During the games I am in the scoring box, so I don't need to use much of the close up aspect of the lens. I was wondering about the ability of the camera to stop action. I noticed it has a "sports" sceen ability. Thanks for your comments.

Jbat Loc: Charleston, SC

MikeMcK wrote:

The lens on the RX100 (first edition) is a 28-100mm lens. During the games I am in the scoring box, so I don't need to use much of the close up aspect of the lens. I was wondering about the ability of the camera to stop action. I noticed it has a "sports" sceen ability. Thanks for your comments.

It can certainly stop the action as long as you set the shutter speed fast enough. That all depends then on the light you have but that applies to any camera.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The RX100 isn't known for sports photography but if the zoom on the RX100 is sufficient enough, I don't see why you couldn't get a fast enough shutter speed to stop action and the sensor on the RX100 is certainly big enough to crop in as far as you like and the lighting in the arena is good enough. Good luck.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

cjkorb wrote:

The RX100 isn't known for sports photography but if the zoom on the RX100 is sufficient enough, I don't see why you couldn't get a fast enough shutter speed to stop action and the sensor on the RX100 is certainly big enough to crop in as far as you like and the lighting in the arena is good enough. Good luck.

I agree thanks. I also make use of the movie function.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I have the mk IV. It is quite responsive and I got great shots with the fast bursts. Viewfinder lag doesn't seem to be a problem--you pretty much get what you see when you trip the shutter. Only downside for sports is the 70mm maximum zoom. The video is superlative, and for sports you can do pretty great things with 960 fps. I am a video shooter by profession, and have used the output of this camera in glossy documentaries. Beware only of camera shake--the thing is so small and light that even with steady shot there is a fair amount of movement in the shots. A small brace works wonders.

FM Loc: near Syracuse, NY

Hi Mike, I haven't had experience photographing sports with my rx100, but I would say you will get good shots in a rink-daylight or indoors- and you can't beat the little Sony as a carry camera in NYC or anywhere- It's always with me around the house,and on vacation. I only wish it had a viewfinder which later models do have, especially when outdoors and in sunlight- The Zeiss lens and sony sensor are a killer combination and give me great photos. I am always
pleased with results- Even if it doesn't come up to your expectations on the hockey rink, it will be a go to camera for most everything else, imho.
FM

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

Couple of examples, shot at a sports college in China.

(Download)

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Mk iii worked well during indoor gymnastics "recital."
Better than the SL1....
Froze the action well and was a little "muddy" in the higher ISOs
Have fun!

Magicman

The Sony rx100 MK3 or the 4 is an amazing choice. Read any review and many are trying hard to copy but have only come close. One reason is the zeiss lens. As far as giving up the zoom. Sony has a clear image zoom which is far superior to digital zoom and takes you from 3.7 to 7x which should cover you. It also has digital which takes you to 11x but I turn it off and never use it. You can also turn off clear image zoom. I put it in my jean pocket. I use the Alex White has a great book on the camera so you can learn how to maximize the abundant features. I would suggest 3 accessories. Mega gear uv lens protector. Invisable. Richard franiec grip. Sony semi hard screen protector. You will be amazed at the quality of the images.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Zoom length should be adequate for hockey if you are in the box. Personally, would go with the a6000. If pocket size is a must, would stay with the 100.

phkowalchuk Loc: Aurora, CO

Jbat wrote:

I have a RX100M3 and while I love this camera, it is not a sports camera. First it is only a 24-70 lens. I don't see that as a sports lens. Second, changing the lens distance on this camera is not the same as moving the lens distance on my DLSR. Not even close. And the sports shot would be over before I could get the camera adjusted. As I said, a great camera but not for sports as far as I am concerned.

I was gonna say that! Good advice on all points. And if not the model 3, focus might be too slow. I've traded up from the 1 to the 2 and now the 3 and my current one seems to grab focus more quickly. Love the camera, but as Jbat says, not for sports. Happy New Year!