How should I set a Canon XTi to photograph moving subjects with a 55-250mm lens?

Asked 12/2/2011

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I want to photograph moving subjects using a Canon XTi with the 55-250mm IS lens. Which shooting mode is best (Av, Tv, P, or Manual), and how should I think about shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and focal length for action shots or motion blur?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

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First thing you need to decide when shooting a moving subject is what is the motion effect you'd like to capture in your image. If you'd like to freeze the motion you need a short exposure. If you rather depict the sense of motion by creating a motion blur, then you need a long exposure.

Note that short and long are relative to the perpendicular (tangential, i.e., across the image) speed of the subject. So, you can see that the important factor here is exposure time, or shutter speed, and this is controlled with the Tv (Time Value) semi-auto mode. Once you set the desired exposure time, the camera will determine the required aperture (Av) automatically to get a correct exposure.

{Note that you can also use the M (Manual) mode to control both aperture and shutter speed independently, if the auto exposure result is not to your liking. Alternatively, you can use exposure compensation (AEC) to get that with the semi-auto modes.}

You can then add some artistic effects by using your flash. With the flash set to 2nd curtain exposure, you can freeze the subject at some instant and get a nice trail of blurred image. This will give the viewer the sens of the motion and its direction.

Regarding the other settings, generally speaking you should set your ISO to the lowest setting that will let you achieve the desired output. This will get you the highest quality in terms of digital noise. The focal length should be set such that you get the desired composition for your image, regardless of the other parameters.

UPDATE: In response to @mattdm's comment - personally, I use autofocus mode almost exclusively. The exceptions are when shooting in a low light, which does not allow the AF to lock-on, and when doing "studio" work, mostly with still subjects and on a tripod, where I can set the focus point to a specific place and leave it there.

Originally by user1024. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1024

14y ago

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For moving subjects, the key setting is shutter speed. On the Canon XTi, use Tv mode if you want the camera to choose the aperture for you, or Manual if you want full control.

  • To freeze action: use a fast shutter speed. The faster the subject moves across the frame, the faster the shutter needs to be. For kids and sports, aim for the highest shutter speed the light allows.
  • To show motion blur: use a slower shutter speed.

Set ISO as needed to support your chosen shutter speed, since the XTi does not have Auto ISO. Keep ISO low when possible for best quality, but raise it if needed to maintain a fast enough shutter speed.

Aperture is secondary here: in Tv mode the camera will set it automatically. If the lens reaches its widest aperture and the image is still too dark, raise ISO or accept a slower shutter speed.

Focal length does not directly control motion, but longer focal lengths magnify both subject motion and camera shake, so faster shutter speeds become even more important. Image stabilization helps with camera shake, not with freezing subject movement.

UniqueBot

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14y ago

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