Two questions: Auto ISO & burst mode

Hey guys,

Two quick questions for anyone willing to take the time to answer them for me.

1) I use auto ISO when I shoot (manual). I've got the high end set for 1600, but what should I select for my minimum shutter speed - and why?

For some reason, I can't get this simple concept through my thick skull. I've had it set at 1/125, but that was just a random selection as the default is 1l60 on my D300.

2) I acquire focus using the AF-ON button and have turned off focus tracking length (A4). I think Chris or Randy mentioned a while back that this worked for them and it's been fine for me too ... but when I shoot in bursts, I sometimes get oof photos - especially the frames towards the end of the burst. I'm guessing it's camera shake, but do I have to keep pressing the AF-ON button throughout the burst, especially if I've turned off the focus tracking? The burst shots I've taken have been of my daughter's softball team ... and they don't move too fast! Should I re-set my A4 setting to short instead of turning it off?

Any help or insight into these two areas would be greatly appreciated.

Take care,
Brent

 

Hi Alex,

Sorry for not responding to your post until now ... very busy day ... coaching my 7 y/o soccer team, then off to my 9 y/o softball tournament, then entertaining friends all afternoon & evening ...

Essentially I was wondering what my minimum shutter speed should be set at when selecting auto ISO. I have selected ISO 1600 as the max, but need to select a minimum shutter speed. The default is 1/60 and for sports, well it just isn't enough. I've opted for 1/125 for normal everyday use. But given that I normally shoot manual and set my aperture & ss, the ISO will bounce around, just as you said. I just couldn't figure out how a minimum shutter speed would work with the settings that I use. I'm guessing that given my other variables, the minimum shutter speed, even if it were set to 1/250, would not even be applicable.

Thanks for the insight on the AF-ON button. I tried shooting in aperture mode today and re-set my AF-ON to "short" and had much, much better results.

Again, thanks for taking the time to help me out.

Take care,
Brent

 

Alex,

Thanks for the clarification. I shot my daughter's softball game yesterday using A mode + Auto ISO and had the focus track set to low. All shots were at f4. The results turned out great. I only started using auto ISO just a short while ago ... I'll keep experimenting with it or if the lighting is consistent, turn it off altogether.

Again, thanks for your help - I appreciate it.

Take care,
Brent

 

Hey Chris,

I forgot about this. I've just been using regular Energizer batteries in my grip and although the battery level is about 1/2 done, I haven't noticed a significant decrease in my fps. I also shoot RAW so I'm going to see if shooting jpg will bump up the fps. I don't think I was getting 8 fps but the camera sounds like a machine gun though :biggrin:

Thanks for chiming in.

Take care,
Brent

 

Hey Darren,

The manual indicates that the grip with either "AA" batteries or the en-el4a will yield 8 fps unless auto ISO is activated. So, I guess I can get the 8 fps with the regular alkaline batteries ... I hope. They won't last as long so that will reduce the fps as they wear down.

I saw your rugby photos (congratulations on getting the gig & great photos too!) and I understand what you mean with the fluctuations in the ISO. My daughter's softball game from a couple of nights ago was played in the early evening, but as the sun set, the shadows crept onto the field. I used auto ISO & given my 1/1600 & f4 or 2.8, the ISO really jumped. I think under poor lighting I may go back to what I used to do and not use auto ISO ... again, like you, I think I'm on the fence.

Take care,
Brent