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D2x - Shooting Air Shows
by Digital Darrell

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  Introduction
  Focus Priority and Tracking
  Panning and Metering
» Suggested Camera Settings

TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES

An air show is a place where having a large memory card and taking lots of images makes a big difference. Digital cameras allow one to shoot a large number of images without worrying about running out of "film" So why not shoot a lot?! (DD's Chant)

© Jur van der Wees (Jur)
By Nikonian Jur van der Wees (username: Jur)
-

Even the best of professional action photographers shoot lots of pictures so that they will have several angles to choose the best images from. In fact, a pro photographer probably will shoot MANY times more images than you or I will on each shoot. Due to skill and practice, a larger proportion of the images will be well exposed. But, I guarantee you that even pros only use about 1 out of 10 images that they carefully shot.

The point is, don't be afraid to shoot a LOT of images. Most of us have memory cards that will hold hundreds of images. An air show is the place to use that capacity.

It won't cost you anything except a little more time in selecting the best images. No one will ever see your failures, except you. Experiment with metering on other subjects until you feel comfortable with your camera's metering systems. Then you'll be prepared to change to the best mode for your shooting styles.

©
By Patrick Godfrey (pateod)

SUGGESTED CAMERA SETTINGS

Here is a good suggested starting point for camera settings at an air show with the D2x:

  • AF-C (Continuous Servo AF)
  • CH – (Continuous High motor drive)
  • Group Dynamic AF
  • Shutter Priority mode
  • Custom Setting a3 set to Pattern 1 Center Area
  • Custom Setting a4 set to ON (enabled Lock-On)
  • Custom Setting a1 set to Focus Priority (forces ONLY in-focus shots)
  • Spot Meter ON
  • ISO Sensitivity 200 to 400

Try these settings out, and see if they work for you. Experiment with other settings also, until you find your own way. The D2x is ready with extreme flexibility, giving you creative control as your skill increases.

©  Steve Lamb (username: Novar)
Image by Nikonian Steve Lamb (username: Novar)

As with anything else, good practice makes perfect. Since air shows are somewhat uncommon in many places, it is a good idea to practice a LOT on fast moving cars before trying to shoot airplanes in flight. The D2x is a powerful camera and will help you make excellent air show images if you learn to use the best modes and settings.

Keep on capturing time..

 
see also

The D1/D2 Users Group forum 
Digital SLR Bodies Comparative Chart
Resources
Photography FAQs
Photo Glossary


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