Paintball Photography

[drg]

Well on a limited budget, the formula changes drastically. Even a cheap DSLR is pricey in absolute terms. Not to mention it's not the body but the lenses that kill the budget. Do you have a ballpark figure for what you are planning to spend on your outfit and what other kinds of shooting you will be doing?

[calvman]

I agree with others that digital is the best way to go. If you're on a tight budget, consider the cost of purchasing film and processing into your decision. It adds up quickly. Also, you might be able to buy some used lenses saving you some bucks there.

I do understand what you're saying about manual focus. I used to take sports photos for the yearbook and got pretty good with manual focus and was constantly annoyed by my autofocus Nikon as it would search back and forth if the subject was moving too quickly. Use a fast lens and a semi small aperature and you shouldn't have any problems geting your subject in focus.

BTW, I found kind of a deal for a D70 for ya.

http://www.bensbargains.net/ktalk/1115424040,62877,.shtml

[Jack & Coke]

...was constantly annoyed by my autofocus Nikon as it would search back and forth if the subject was moving too quickly...

This is not a problem with AI Servo AF mode for Canon. I'm sure Nikon has a similar feature.

[SeeK]

The per picture costs of film are a very large variable you need to analyze.

Let's say you shoot 1000 frames for an event. That's about 28 rolls of 36 exp. If we use $10/roll for the cost of purchasing the film and developing that's $280 right there. The problem with film is that you need to develop it all just to see what you want to keep. I'm also assuming you don't plan on developing your own stuff.

Eventually you will want to keep only the good stuff which may amount to 1/10 - 1/50 of what you shot. Now you need to duplicate the negatives or eventually scan them. Even with a film scanner it will be large time cost which you may be able to assign a $$$ value. Your storage, duplication, and management costs now come way down.

If the problem is that you don't want to risk so much I would look for used lenses and maybe a body that is a couple of years older.

What you probably don't want to skimp on is the AF speed since you are targeting sports. Settle for lower megapixels.

Now start networking with some players of any sports that might pop a few bucks for action shots of them playing. It might be worth$20 bucks and since it's digital they can email them to friends/family. Get 5 guys per event then you've got he start of little business and get experience at the same time.

Maybe the coaches would be interested in photos during team practice that you might be able to turn into game day sideline access.

[Muzikman]

Well, not much more I can add. Everything everyone said it 100% dead on. If you don't feel you can afford a digital body now, you can buy a used film body first and then upgrade to a digital body. BUT, I would buy decent lenses and make sure they have good, quick auto focus. Also make sure they are compatable with the digital bodies out there. Your biggest cost in film gear are lenses.

Oh, BTW, that shot was f5.6 at 1/125s (800ISO)

[noahyay]

ok I got a N70 for $129 used

and a 70-300mm sigma telephoto 1:4-5.6 D w/ DL Macro for $90

[drg]

You'll be fine. good luck!

[noahyay]

i went to BAP today and took 6 rolls, and got about 24 good pics. should've gone digital but im too poor

up on noahkool.com and photo.net in two weeks or less

[Rather]

Best action shot ever.



ok not really.

[Glickman]

Best action shot ever.



ok not really.

i call it...




the scratch....

[Muzikman]

Best action shot from TexBall

[Muzikman]

i went to BAP today and took 6 rolls, and got about 24 good pics. should've gone digital but im too poor

up on noahkool.com and photo.net in two weeks or less

Well, like I said, I shoot about 1500 photos an event and only get about 500 that I would be willing to show people. So although your shoot to keeper ratio is less now, as you shoot more you will improve. Each event you shoot you will get better.

Let me know when the photos are up.

[noahyay]

my dad is going to buy me a lens for my b-day which was monday.

i will sell my cheap zoom lens and ill look into digital while im at it

you guys have been great