Struggling with Indoor Gymnasium Sport Events (Volleyball)

Smoke

Senior Member
I need advice on photographing my Daughter playing Volleyball in her school gymnasium. The photos I took the first time looked green (due to the florescent lights). I found out where the setting was on my D5200 to change the white balance and choose one of the many settings for florescent lighting. The color is better but the shots are blurry and noisy and here's why I think this is:

1. I am not allowed to use flash

2. I shot in Aperture priority mode which raised the ISO sky high since I couldn't use a flash, therefore noisy

3. I should have a monopod instead of free hand

Should I be be shooting in Shutter Priority with high shutter speeds (tried this but pictures were dark), or Manual mode where I can adjust Shutter speed, aperture and ISO? (what settings would you start with?)

Any recommended starting settings would be greatly appreciated. Here are a few pics...

DSC_0504.jpgDSC_0525.jpgDSC_0532.jpg
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I would probably continue to use aperture priority mode but set a minimum shutter speed (in the Auto ISO control menu) to something like 1/500 or so, and let the ISO go as high as it needs to maintain that shutter speed. You could also switch to shutter priority of course, or try using the Sports mode. I find ISO noise pretty easy to remove in post-processing, so I don't worry too much about it. Motion blur, on the other hand, can't be removed.

A mono-pod, if they're allowed, would be an awesome idea.

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Smoke

Senior Member
Thanks for the reply, I will try that tonight! I want the shutter to be quick enough to freeze the ball/arms and be sharp. I will start at 1/500. Thanks again.
 

Smoke

Senior Member
Please be patient with me but I'm not sure what you mean (newbie). I don't use anything for noise reduction as far as I know
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Most of the good PP programs have a noise reduction facility,if you dont have any of them most are available on a free trial,i use photo shop elements with Nik tools both should be available on trial,think light room is another but never tried it.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I notice now your aperture was set to f/10. You could back that off to something like f/5.6 or so and still have a workable depth of field. The wider aperture would help keep the ISO "down" and/or help keep the shutter speed "up".

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Krs_2007

Senior Member
Shutter priority would be my preference, with Auto-ISO with max ISO set to whatever is acceptable for your camera (6400 on my camera I can work with). Personally in gym's I use manual, use the widest aperture my lens will allow and a minimum shutter speed of usually around 500 because I am using my 70-200. If using my 85 then I cut that down a bit, but not by much. You really have to judge most of this by the lighting for each gym, where I am that changes for each wrestling match/basketball game. Also, get as close as you can to catch the action. Usually in a gym I dont use a monopod, its just a preference.

You can always put in Green (Auto mode) to see what the camera suggest and then use this as a starting point for shutter or aperture priority or even manual which will give you even more control.

The best advice is be prepared to put in the work, it won't come easy and you will need to remember what you did the last time to get the pictures. You will take 1000 shots before it all starts to sync in, but shooting sports is a great way to learn about light, speed, timing and pretty much everything else you need to know for photography.

Dont get frustrated, just keep shooting and reviewing to figure out how you can get better the next time.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
For something like this I'll shoot in Manual with Auto ISO turned on, shooting at the shutter speed I need to stop the action and whatever aperture I feel the shot demands. Yes, noise is the cost, but better a slightly noisy photo than an unusable, blurry one.
 

Smoke

Senior Member
Thanks for the advice from all, I will get a lot of practice since I have 3 Daughters that all play. I'll get it figured out at some point! :confused:
 

SkvLTD

Senior Member
I'd say a fast prime like a 50/1.8G that will be like a 75mm field of view on your 5200, then start with shutter priority @ 1/400 and go from there. Shoot RAW, keep ISO <3200 (? what can you push 5200 to safely anyways ?), and then just learn to anticipate exactly when to shoot to avoid too much blur.
 

Smoke

Senior Member
I'd say a fast prime like a 50/1.8G that will be like a 75mm field of view on your 5200, then start with shutter priority @ 1/400 and go from there. Shoot RAW, keep ISO <3200 (? what can you push 5200 to safely anyways ?), and then just learn to anticipate exactly when to shoot to avoid too much blur.

Read more: http://nikonites.com/photo-feedback...-sport-events-volleyball-2.html#ixzz3COdOZXsx

That's what I was wondering.....is it the lens not being fast enough? I am using my 55-300mm. Can't be my fault right? :D
 

Rick M

Senior Member
With that lens you can shoot wide open and still have enough DoF, use the lowest aperture the focal length will allow.
 

Smoke

Senior Member
OK, so not to make this thread into something for the "Lenses" forum, I will ask this just once.....I have a birthday coming up, my wife needs ideas.....aside from all the $3000 lenses for a wish list, what would be the best lens for my 5200 for indoor gymnasium sports? (Middle class working man salary) :)
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
OK, so not to make this thread into something for the "Lenses" forum, I will ask this just once.....I have a birthday coming up, my wife needs ideas.....aside from all the $3000 lenses for a wish list, what would be the best lens for my 5200 for indoor gymnasium sports? (Middle class working man salary).
You're not going to like the answer because such a lens will require two things: 1. Lots of focal length and, 2. A relatively fast aperture. That combination does not come cheaply, assuming you care about image quality... It wouldn't be my first choice but maybe the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 if you can find $600 or so. It sorta depends on how much magnification you want... If you could get by with a 200mm lens, that would shave the cost considerably but give you less "reach".

Could you possibly use a monopod at these games? Used properly a monopod would be a cheap way to add a *lot* of stability to your shooting allowing you to use lower shutter speeds and/or ISO. A good monopod with a decent head can be had for $100 or so. You *could* do it for less than that, really, but you gotta have some standards.
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Smoke

Senior Member
Again thanks for the replies, I actually just bought a monopod today and took it to the game but you would be surprised how fast these girls move. For my first attempt with it I found it awkward and couldn't follow my daughter quick enough. But if I'm understanding Horoscope Fish and Rick M correctly, you both are still going with a zoom lens instead of a prime (like a 85mm/1.8)?
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
A zoom would be better, but if money is of concern then you will do good with an 85 1.8, I used it before for basketball and it was ok. The problem with the later is it will leave you wanting more.

now another one not mentioned is the 70-200 f4 lens, that was my primary before I upgrade to the 2.8.

I would vote for a good zoom with an aperture of f4 or 2.8 if you can swing it. Next would be the 70-300 vrii or a fast prime. You can also look at the 180mm 2.8 I believe it is or even the 80-200 f2.8. Lots of options ranging in prices so I would look at used lenses from BH photo, adorama, KEH before you pull the trigger.
 

Krs_2007

Senior Member
Again thanks for the replies, I actually just bought a monopod today and took it to the game but you would be surprised how fast these girls move. For my first attempt with it I found it awkward and couldn't follow my daughter quick enough. But if I'm understanding Horoscope Fish and Rick M correctly, you both are still going with a zoom lens instead of a prime (like a 85mm/1.8)?


Some will laugh, but I put a ball head on my monopod and it helps me. I always felt like I had to pick it up and rotate. Now with the ball head, I can secure the monopod and pivot using the ball head. Just make sure you get one that will rotate, maybe they are all like that. Anyway, doing this I was able to get more comfortable with the monopod. I only use it for long events like a football game, for the most part my shots are hand held.
 
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