Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

This is my daughter's dive sequence. She participated in this national event. I continue to struggle with capturing them. I think they look soft... am I being unrealistic as it is indoor lighting?
I used Nikon D500, 70-200mm lens at f2.8, auto ISO, and shutter 1/1000
Comments/suggestions welcome. Thanks for looking

Fran

Hangingon Loc: NW North Dakota

Great shots! You are making good use of the D500's ten frames per second burst speed. I sure enjoy mine.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Hangingon, Thanks for the compliment. I do love the camera... I just wish I could get clearer shots in indoor lighting

Fran

Hangingon Loc: NW North Dakota

I noticed that you used auto ISO. What did the camera actually choose? I enjoy shooting car races. I select Shutter priority - set to 1/160 sec. At the start I set the ISO so that my aperture is about f8 - where the lens is sharpest and then adjust the ISO as the light falls off. The D500 gives very good results up to ISO 1600 and good results at ISO 3200. I can't believe that it won't easily handle indoor pool lighting. Try setting your lens aperture at f5.6 - f8. The added depth of field may be what is needed. t may be If you are not already shooting in RAW you may want to try it. Attached is a crop of a car photo shot shortly after sundown using my usual settings.

Rick

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

I love the series!

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Thank you I am glad you enjoyed it

Fran

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

My ISO was about 2000. I did try a few shots with a smaller aperature, but when the diver got closer to the water the spectators/judges were in good focus so it looked too busy. Maybe I will try it on select dives off of the platforms as most of those dives are well above the spectator area. Thanks for the tip

Fran

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

The focus does look a little on the soft side. I am guessing that you have cropped the images to only show the diver. In doing so, this can add to some softness if it is present (makes it more noticeable). I am wondering your focusing choice - I am not a Nikon shooter and know Canon does things a little different, but I am sure you have many options to choose how the camera is focusing. In Canon, I have different cases I can choose from as to how the camera will focus in the continuing focus mode (AIServo), I am sure that Nikon is the same. It is not easy to stay focused on one person when completely zoomed out (200mm) and you are not mere feet away. Another possibility is that the lens may need to be calibrated to your camera body. You can do that yourself or a local camera store can do it for you.
You should have no problems with getting a clear image even at 2.8 - everything just needs to be set correctly. Your pictures are still excellent and you have nice isolation, but it would bother me too and would want my subject tack sharp too.
From one mom of an athlete to another!