Shooting Action

[Richard Crowe]

I was playing with my Canon 7D camera shooting our foster Goldendoodle, Bailey, as she was running towards me returning the ball I threw.  Bailey was an easy subject to experiment with since she loves to fetch.  On the other hand, Holly will fetch once or at the most twice and then quit.

 

I used AI Servo for the shots.

AI Servo AF is an autofocusing system designed exclusively for Canon EOS cameras. It uses a form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to determine the speed and direction of moving subjects, then focuses the camera lens to a predicted position (Focus Prediction Function) in order to increase the probability of obtaining a sharp photograph.

 

Basically AI Servo will follow focus on a moving object, especially one that is coming towards or going away from the camera.

 

I shot at Shutter Speed Priority (TV) mode, 1/1000 second to stop action and selected ISO 400 to make sure that I had sufficient exposure for my f/4 lens.  I used my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens and shot in low speed burst mode. 

 

I was practicing my action shots because next weekend, I am going to shoot a rodeo in Lakeside, CA.  I am very happy with nailing the focus down quite well.  All Canon DSLR cameras have the AI Servo mode (Nikon and other manufacturers probably have the same capability but, call it something else).  However there may be an slight difference in the capability to follow action between my 7D which is said to have the best focus of any Canon 1.6x crop camera and other Canon cameras.  There may also be a slight difference between my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens and other Canon lenses in focus speed and accuracy.  My lens is generally considered quite fast and accurate. But, I am sure that just about any canon camera/lens is capable of results close to these.

 

Here are the results of my testing...

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

These are wonderfully sharp and perfectly focused.

[Sue]

I love my 70-200 2.8 on my Nikon D700. It's my favorite lens, and stays on my camera most of the time. Here is one of Kramer (Bailey look alike doing the same run). The 70-200 is a super lens for action and sports!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Another great shot.

[Richard Crowe]

Great shot Sue... I love how Kramer looks so concentrated on his run.  Lovely doodle too!

[Dos Doodles--Sam & Luke]

Great shot!  Look how sharp the eyes are!

[Carol and Banjo]

Love it......I love the action shots of these Doodles...they are perfect for the action with their lovely coats!  I never seem to get good clear shots. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

These are fabulous shots of Bailey.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Love these shots.

[Richard Crowe]

Oh yes, little dogs can fetch too!  Ju-Jube stole the ball from Bailey and took off with it! She is a one-year old Maltese rescue...

[Carol and Banjo]

Great shot...and just in time for Baseball Season!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Wow, those are so great! Thanks for the info on AI Servo focusing mode. I really need to learn those options better.

[Dos Doodles--Sam & Luke]

Richard...thanks for this!  I'm shooting with a 5D, so I am familiar with the settings you are referencing.  Now, have I understood or used them?  Nope.  I'm going to give this a try!