What is the best camera for action shots?
Would you recommend the D700? If not what would you recommend for action shots ( especially sport shots)
I appreciate any answers.
In the Nikon world, the Nikon D3 is the best camera for action shots, closely followed by the Nikon D700, which uses the same sensor as the D3, but has a slightly slower frames per second rate of 5 frames per second (fps).
However, if you add the optional grip (at additional cost), you can increase the frame rate to 8 fps.
An SLR is definitely the way to go, because of better autofocusing systems and lower image noise, as well as virtually no shutter delays. Avoid bridge cameras/point and shoots, as they use slower contrast-based focusing and their sensors are much more noisy, particularly at higher ISOs.
The D700 is one of the best cameras for action and low-light shooting. Other options include the Nikon D300, which would be better if you need the telephoto effect of the smaller sensor, which narrows the field of view. This is good, because it makes your telephoto lenses more effective. On the Canon side, the 1D mark III is their pro sports SLR, but the mark III series of pro Canon SLRs has had well-known issues with the autofocusing system. To a large extent, these issues have been resolved, but be aware that this is an issue with the latest Canon pro SLRs.
If you’re sticking with Nikon, then look at either the D700 or D300.
You may also consider the recently released Canon T1i and it’s Nikon counterpart the D5000. One distinguishing feature of the latter is the rotating screen but the Canon T1i does better with video. Also the D5000 lacks the in body motor which limits the lens selection.
References :
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0904/09041402nikond5000.asp
http://gizmodo.com/5182772/canon-rebel-t1i-hands+on-50ds-sensor-1080p-vids-899-
http://www.canont1i.com
Almost any DSLR and many P&S camera will handle action shots. The issue is more to do with the lenses than the cameras. If all the sports you are interested in are outdoors in good light then many medium priced lenses will suffice, but if indoors or in low light you will need a fast lens. Usually you will need a good zoom rather than a prime lens and fast zooms are VERY expensive. They cost far more than most medium level camera bodies. Possibly you should look at the availability and cost of the lenses that you will need and then the body that will suit the best value in lenses.
References :
I have the D700 and it’s fantastic. I havn’t done any sports/action shots yet, but I’m sure it won’t have any problems. I also have fast (ie. f/2.8) lenses and that would help a lot.
Another option is the D90 which is a lot cheaper and has almost as good of sensor. This would allow you to spend the extra cash on good fast lenses like the 70-200mm 2.8 VR.
References :
In the Nikon world, the Nikon D3 is the best camera for action shots, closely followed by the Nikon D700, which uses the same sensor as the D3, but has a slightly slower frames per second rate of 5 frames per second (fps).
However, if you add the optional grip (at additional cost), you can increase the frame rate to 8 fps.
An SLR is definitely the way to go, because of better autofocusing systems and lower image noise, as well as virtually no shutter delays. Avoid bridge cameras/point and shoots, as they use slower contrast-based focusing and their sensors are much more noisy, particularly at higher ISOs.
The D700 is one of the best cameras for action and low-light shooting. Other options include the Nikon D300, which would be better if you need the telephoto effect of the smaller sensor, which narrows the field of view. This is good, because it makes your telephoto lenses more effective. On the Canon side, the 1D mark III is their pro sports SLR, but the mark III series of pro Canon SLRs has had well-known issues with the autofocusing system. To a large extent, these issues have been resolved, but be aware that this is an issue with the latest Canon pro SLRs.
If you’re sticking with Nikon, then look at either the D700 or D300.
References :
Canon autofocus issue:
http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-8740-9068
key quote: "when the lighting is full sunlight and it’s a nice day outside, the autofocus is unusably poor"
D700 review:
http://www.bythom.com/nikond700review.htm
D300 review:
http://www.bythom.com/nikond300review.htm