Tag: Sensor

The Best Video Cameras For Capturing Action In Low Light
by David Burgess on 0

The Best Video Cameras For Capturing Action In Low Light

It’s that time of year again. The weather is getting colder, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer. That can only mean one thing: it’s time to start thinking about the best video cameras for capturing action in low light.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a video camera for low light use. The first is sensor size. A larger sensor will be able to gather more light, resulting in better low light performance. The second is the lens. A faster lens (one with a lower f-stop number) will also gather more light and result in better low light performance.

Best cameras for low light

With those factors in mind, here are our picks for the best video cameras for low light:

Sony a7S II

The Sony a7S II is a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a 12.2-megapixel sensor. It’s capable of capturing 4K video, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a Micro Four Thirds camera that features a 20.3-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Canon EOS 1D X Mark II

The Canon EOS 1D X Mark II is a full-frame DSLR that features a 20.2-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Nikon D5

The Nikon D5 is a full-frame DSLR that features a 20.8-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 30 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Sony Alpha a9

The Sony Alpha a9 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a 24.2-megapixel sensor. It can capture 4K video at 30 frames per second, and it has excellent low light performance thanks to its large sensor and fast lens options.

Tips to choose cameras for action sports photography

In fact, many professional photographers use mid-range or even entry-level cameras to capture amazing action shots. The key is to know how to use your camera and its features to get the most out of it.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the best video camera for action sports photography:

Look for a camera with a fast shutter speed. This will help you capture sharp images of fast-moving subjects.

Choose a camera with good low-light performance. Action sports often take place in low-light conditions, so a camera that can perform well in these conditions is essential.

Consider a camera with 4K video
capabilities. 4K video is becoming more and more popular, and action sports photography is the perfect genre to take advantage of this high-resolution format.

Look for a camera with built-in GPS. This can be helpful for tracking your location and adding GPS data to your photos and videos.

Choose a camera that is rugged and weather-sealed. Action sports can be tough on equipment, so a camera that can withstand the elements is a must.

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for a video camera for action sports photography, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect camera for your needs.

In fact, many of the best action sports cameras are actually quite affordable. That being said, there are still a few things to consider when purchasing an action sports camera. Here are a few tips:

Action sports cameras are designed to be durable and withstand a lot of abuse. They should be able to withstand being dropped, being submerged in water, and being exposed to extreme temperatures.

The camera should be able to record high-quality video. This is especially important if you plan on using the footage for professional purposes.

The camera should be easy to use. It should have a user-friendly interface and be relatively easy to operate.

The camera should be affordable. As mentioned before, many of the best action sports cameras are actually quite affordable.

Keep these things in mind when shopping for an action sports camera and you should be able to find a great camera that fits your needs and budget.

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The Best SLR Digital Cameras For Beginners
by David Burgess on 0

The Best SLR Digital Cameras For Beginners

In fact, many entry level DSLRs are quite affordable these days. But, what are the best SLR cameras for beginners?

Here are our top 5 picks for the best entry level DSLRs:

1. Canon EOS Rebel T6i / T6s

The Canon EOS Rebel T6i and T6s are great entry level DSLRs that offer excellent features and performance. They both have a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a vari-angle touch screen LCD. The T6i also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

2. Nikon D3300

The Nikon D3300 is a great entry level DSLR that offers excellent image quality and performance. It has a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a fixed 3.0-inch LCD screen. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

3. Pentax K-S2

The Pentax K-S2 is a great entry level DSLR that offers excellent features and performance. It has a 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, a vari-angle 3.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. It also has a weather-sealed body, making it ideal for shooting in all kinds of weather conditions.

4. Sony Alpha a6000

The Sony Alpha a6000 is a great entry level DSLR that offers excellent features and performance. It has a 24.3 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a fixed 3.0-inch LCD screen. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

5. Canon EOS Rebel T6 / T6i / T6s / T7 / T7i

The Canon EOS Rebel T6, T6i, T6s, T7, and T7i are all great entry level DSLRs that offer excellent features and performance. They all have a 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, and a vari-angle touch screen LCD. The T6i and T7i also have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity for easy sharing of photos and videos.

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10 Best SLR Digital Cameras On The Market Today
by David Burgess on 0

10 Best SLR Digital Cameras On The Market Today

When it comes to choosing the best digital SLR camera, there are many factors to consider such as price, features, and brand. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best digital SLR cameras on the market today.

1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the best digital SLR cameras on the market, and it is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts alike. It features a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF lens range, which gives you a huge amount of choice when it comes to lenses.

2. Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is another excellent digital SLR camera, and it is perfect for both professionals and enthusiasts. It features a 45.7 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, an advanced autofocus system, and is compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

3. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great choice for those who want a full-frame digital SLR camera without spending a huge amount of money. It features a 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF lens range.

4. Nikon D750

The Nikon D750 is another excellent choice for those who want a full-frame digital SLR camera without spending a fortune. It features a 24.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

5. Canon EOS 80D

The Canon EOS 80D is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF-S lens range.

6. Nikon D7200

The Nikon D7200 is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

7. Canon EOS 77D

The Canon EOS 77D is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF-S lens range.

8. Nikon D5600

The Nikon D5600 is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

9. Canon EOS Rebel T7i

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a great choice for those who want a budget-friendly digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF-S lens range.

10. Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 is a great choice for those who want a budget-friendly digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

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How To Choose The Best SLR Digital Camera For Your Needs
by David Burgess on 0

How To Choose The Best SLR Digital Camera For Your Needs

SLR digital cameras are a dime a dozen these days. With so many manufacturers, models and features to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll run through everything you need to know to choose the best SLR digital camera for your needs.

First things first, what is an SLR digital camera? SLR stands for ‘single-lens reflex’. This means that the camera has a mirror inside it that reflects the image from the lens up into the viewfinder. This is the main difference between an SLR and a compact camera – with a compact camera, you’re looking at the image through the lens itself.

The advantage of an SLR is that you can see exactly what the camera is going to see when you take the photo. This makes it much easier to compose your shots, and you’ll also be able to see if anything is in the way of the lens (like your finger!).

So, now that you know what an SLR is, let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider when choosing one…

1. Price

As with anything, price is going to be a big factor in your decision. SLR cameras can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so you need to decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Of course, the more you spend, the better the camera is likely to be. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to get a good camera – there are plenty of great options at lower price points.

2. Features

As we mentioned, there are a lot of different SLR cameras on the market, and each one has its own unique feature set. So, you need to decide which features are important to you.

Do you want a camera with built-in Wi-Fi so you can easily share your photos? Do you need a camera that can shoot video as well as photos? Do you want a camera with a touchscreen display?

Think about what you want to use the camera for, and make sure you choose one with the features you need.

3. Sensor size

The sensor is the part of the camera that captures the image. The bigger the sensor, the more light it can capture, and the better the quality of the image will be.

Most entry-level SLR cameras have what’s called an APS-C sensor. This is a good all-round size, and it’s what we’d recommend if you’re just starting out.

If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, you’ll want a camera with a full-frame sensor. These are usually found in more expensive cameras, but they’re definitely worth the investment if you’re serious about photography.

4. Lens compatibility

One of the great things about SLR cameras is that they’re usually compatible with a wide range of lenses. This means you can buy different lenses to suit different situations.

For example, you might want a telephoto lens for taking photos of wildlife, or a wide-angle lens for landscape photography.

When you’re choosing an SLR camera, make sure you check which lenses are compatible with it. That way, you can be sure you’ll be able to buy the lenses you need in the future.

5. Weight and size

If you’re going to be carrying your camera around with you a lot, then you’ll want to consider the weight and size. Some SLR cameras can be quite large and heavy, so make sure you choose one that’s comfortable for you to carry.

6. Battery life

Another important consideration is battery life. If you’re going to be using your camera a lot, you’ll need a camera with a good battery life. Otherwise, you’ll be constantly having to recharge it.

7. User-friendliness

If you’re new to photography, you’ll want to choose a camera that’s easy to use. Look for a camera with an intuitive menu system and clear, easy-to-understand controls.

Also, make sure the camera has a good viewfinder. This is what you’ll be looking through when you take a photo, so it needs to be clear and bright.

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Nikon Coolpix P900 Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Nikon Coolpix P900 Review

The Bottom Line

There’s no hiding the key feature that we’ll showcase in this Nikon Coolpix P900 review — an almost unbelievable 83X optical zoom lens. At the time of this writing, the 83X zoom lens is the largest one available in the fixed lens camera market, making the P900 a candidate for one of the best ultra zoom cameras. 

And there’s no hiding this feature because it makes the Coolpix P900 a camera that’s larger than even some of the best DSLR cameras on the market. This model weighs almost 2 pounds and measures about 5x5x5 inches with the zoom lens retracted. When the optical zoom is fully extended, the camera measures about 8.5 inches in depth.

So if you need a huge zoom lens, Nikon definitely delivers with the P900. But as with many ultra zoom cameras, sometimes that huge zoom lens can be a detriment. You may have a tough time holding the Coolpix P900 steady when the zoom lens is extended, just because the camera is so heavy and awkward to hand hold with the large zoom lens.

And Nikon only gave this model a 1/2.3-inch image sensor and 16 megapixels of resolution, which will limit your ability to create photos that will result in large and sharp prints. Still, versus other large zoom cameras, the Nikon P900 is a decent performer.

Then there’s the $500-plus price point for the P900. You might be able to find an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless ILC at that price, which will result in far greater image quality. So only those who are sure they need the 83X optical zoom lens will be able to justify the high price tag for this model.

Specifications

  • Resolution: 16.0 megapixels
  • Optical zoom: 83X (24-2000mm equivalent)
  • LCD: 3.0-inch, 921,000 pixels (tiltable)
  • Maximum image size: 4608 x 3456 pixels
  • Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
  • Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.1 x 5.5 inches
  • Weight: 1 pound, 15.8 ounces (with battery and memory card)
  • Image sensor: 1/2.3-inch
  • Movie mode: HD 1080p

Pros

  • Huge optical zoom lens at 83X
  • Reasonably good performance speeds even when optical zoom lens is fully extended
  • Offers electronic viewfinder
  • Articulated LCD screen
  • Numerous manual control features

Cons

  • Small image sensor limits image quality results
  • Images aren’t quite as sharp as they should be
  • Maximum ISO is limited to 6400
  • Extremely heavy and large camera
  • Price point is high, approaching that of entry-level mirrorless ILCs

Image Quality

When you think about spending more than $500 for a digital camera, you expect to receive very good image quality. Unfortunately, this is one area where the Nikon P900 lags behind its price point peers, which can include low-end DSLRs. 

The 1/2.3-inch image sensor in the Coolpix P900 is as small in physical size as what you’ll find in a digital camera. Models that cost less than $200 or $150 often have 1/2.3-inch image sensors. Because the physical size of image sensors plays such a key role in determining image quality, having such a small sensor in the P900 makes it tough to justify its high price tag. 

The image quality for the Coolpix P900 might be even worse, other than the fact Nikon gave the camera a very strong optical image stabilization system, which is an extremely important feature to find in an ultra zoom camera. It’s difficult to hand hold a heavy camera steady without a good image stabilization system. Even with such a good IS system, you’ll want to purchase a tripod with this model for best image quality.

Performance

Most ultra zoom cameras operate slower than other types of cameras, especially when the zoom lens is fully extended. You can expect to have problems with shutter lag and shot to shot delays, meaning such cameras don’t have great response times. 

The Nikon Coolpix P900 isn’t a fast performer either, but it does offer faster response times that what you’ll find with most ultra zoom cameras. In fact, the P900 has very little shutter lag when the zoom lens is not extended, which is impressive for this type of fixed lens camera.

Start-up is very fast with this model too, as you should be able to record your first photo a little more than 1 second after pressing the power button. And you can move through the entire 83X zoom range of this camera in about 3.5 seconds, which is an impressive level of speed for the zoom motor.

Battery performance is good with the P900, offering 300 to 400 shots per charge. However, if you choose to use the camera’s built-in GPS or Wi-Fi connectivity, you will receive less battery life.

Design

Nikon gave the P900 quite a few desirable design elements. The inclusion of an electronic viewfinder is great to find in an ultra zoom camera, as it can be easier to hand hold the camera steady when it’s pressed against your face, versus trying to hold it and look at the LCD screen.

If you choose to frame photos using the LCD screen instead of the handy viewfinder, Nikon gave the Coolpix P900 a sharp and bright display screen. And the LCD is articulated, meaning it’s easy to use this model when attached to a tripod by tilting the LCD to match the angle you need. You can even swivel the display screen 180 degrees to allow for selfies.

A mode dial on the top of the camera allows you to work quickly to pick the shooting mode you want. The P900 offers a range of shooting modes, including full manual control, fully automatic, and everything in between. 

There’s a popup flash unit, which is a key design feature for an ultra zoom camera, as it allows the flash unit to gain a good angle to the scene, even when the zoom lens is fully extended. However, Nikon didn’t give the Coolpix P900 a hot shoe to allow for adding an external flash unit.

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Top Camcorder Trends
by Leland Richardson on 0

Top Camcorder Trends

Camcorders may not spring to mind when you think of cutting edge technology, but just because they’ve been around a while doesn’t mean technology isn’t constantly shaping, and reshaping, the camcorder market. In fact, thanks to new technologies, recording formats and designs, today’s camcorders are a far cry from models just a few years old. Here’s a look at some of the major trends:

Pocket Parade

Pocket camcorders – those portable, easy-to-use video cameras popularized by the Flip – have become all the rage of the camcorder market. And what’s not to like: they’re easy, cheap, offer decent quality and make sharing videos online simple. By some estimates they’ll make up about 2/3 of all camcorders sold.

This year, thanks to the success of the Flip, there are literally over a dozen competitors. That means these models were begin to diversify, with features such as water-proofing, infrared and optical zooms emerging to help distinguish these video cameras from a very crowded field.

It’s a High Def World

HD camcorders have been on the market for several years now, but this year they’re expected to cross over into 50 percent of the market. They’re still pricier than standard definition models (at least when talking about traditional – not pocket – camcorders) but those prices continue to fall sharply. You’ll find several feature-rich HD models, capable of 1920 x 1080 recording, for under $500.

Flash in the Pan

Flash memory cards, the type found in digital cameras, are rapidly becoming the recording format of choice for digital camcorders. Camcorders that use flash memory are lighter, use less battery power and can store more video than any other format except for hard drives.

The popularity of flash camcorders has all but crowded out DVD and tape formats, leaving only hard disk drives as an alternative.

Ultra-Portable

Thanks in no small part to the use of flash memory, camcorders are getting tinier and more portable. That means you don’t have any excuse not to carry one around with you wherever you go.

Web Friendly

What good is your video if you can’t share it, or turn it into 15 seconds worth of Internet fame? While the higher-end HD camcorders are less computer-friendly, a number are using the H.264 video format for easier editing and viewing on a computer. Together with built-in upload buttons that send video off to YouTube whenever the camcorder is connected to a computer, today’s camcorders are more Web-friendly than ever before.

Back-lit CMOS

While it’s not front and center in many of the specs, the type of image sensor used in a camcorder is critically important. In 2010, a new version of the CMOS image sensor will be more popular with higher-end models. The so-called “back illuminated” CMOS technology offers improved video quality performance where it counts the most: low light environments.

Wireless

Connecting your camcorder to a computer or TV isn’t the hardest thing in the world, but it could still stand to be easier. At least two camcorder makers thus far have introduce products with a form of wireless networking. Samsung has added Wi-Fi to a trio of high-end HD camcorders while JVC has announced a camcorder with built-in Bluetooth. Given that camcorder video files are very large, it remains to be seen whether wireless offers a viable alternative to the tangle of cables, but this is the year we’ll find out.

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Sony DSC-RX100M II Review
by Leland Richardson on 0

Sony DSC-RX100M II Review

The Sony DSC-RX100M II Cyber-shot digital still camera is a 20.2 Megapixel digital camera. It comes in black and it is a very nice looking camera that has a very ‘high end’ look. One of the main things that the Sony DSC-RX100M II is aimed at achieving is ‘ultra sensitive artistry’. With this digital camera you will be able to capture every exquisite detail with this compact Cyber-shot thanks to extraordinary light sensitivity, image quality that will take your breath away and beautiful background defocusing. This is all due to the newly developed 1.0-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor and F1.8 lens.

Features

The key features of the Sony DSC-RX100M II digital camera include a 1-Inch 20.2 MP Exmor R sensor for getting those extreme low-light shots as well as a 3.6x zoom bright F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens. Other key features are an ability to easily connect to smartphones using Wi-Fi or even NFC and also a new Exmor R® sensor that has the same adaptive noise reduction technology that is featured on the flagship SLT-A99V.

Additional features include the PRO Duo™ / Pro-HG Duo™ media Memory Stick, SD, SDHC and SDXC Memory Card recording media types. The Sony DSC-RX100M II also features a 3 inch tilt-able LCD that can be titled downwards to 45 degrees as well as upwards to 84 degrees. The 1,229k-dot Xtra Fine monitor can display scenes extra clearly even under conditions where there is bright sunlight shining on it. Yet more additional features of this excellent and award winning digital camera include the ability to make Full HD movies at 60p/60i/24p. The movie mode also features the AVCHD™ codec for delivering amazing picture quality.

Additonal Information

Other features include a high speed auto focus which will improve the speed of the focusing as well as the sensitivity as well as ‘Auto Object Framing’ which helps to give your photos a professional look. More features of the Sony DSC-RX100M II digital camera include ‘face detection/registration technology’ which enable the camera to automatically detect up to 8 individual faces and this feature can even prioritise children or adults.

Thing You Need To Consider

The Sony DSC-RX100M II features Sony’s Exmor R sensor and f/1.8 Carl Zeiss glass which helps it to capture detail in low light conditions. It also has a highly sensitive ISO of 12800 as well as Wi-FI sharing. Not to mention the lightning quick AF which can focus in just 0.13 seconds. It is already an award-winning camera that has been greatly improved.

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The best camera for sports photography
by David Burgess on 0

The best camera for sports photography

Improve your action images with the best camera for sports photography

The best camera for sports photography will improve your sports and action images no end. If you are looking for the best camera for sports photography you have come to the right place since this article focuses solely on the best camera for sports photography as well as all the lenses and accessories you are going to need to capture those awesome sports and action photos.

Sports is an excellent subject to photograph but due to the speed and fast nature of sports capturing those stunning images can be a real challenge. If you want to increase your hit rate and the number of “keepers” you need the best camera for sports photography. This is obvious, but what is the best camera for sports photography? Carry on reading, and you will find out.

So, if you are looking to improve your sports photography and need a new camera make sure you read this article before parting with your hard earned cash.

When choosing the best camera for sports photography there are a couple of key things you need to consider.

Sports and action photography is fast and quick moving. In order to increase the number of usable images, i.e. your hit rate, you need a camera with a high burst rate. The more photographs you can take in quick succession the higher the chance of getting the shot.

Full frame digital cameras with a high burst rate are very expensive and can cost several thousand dollars. Many people simply don’t have this amount of money to spend on the best camera for sports photography, or can’t justify spending this amount of money on a digital camera. Fortunately, there are some very good crop sensor digital slr cameras with burst rates that offer great image quality and are far more affordable. If you want the best value for money, and want to get the most bang for your buck these crop sensor cameras are the ones to buy.

If you want a camera specifically for sports and action photography a digital slr camera is the only digital camera you should consider, so don’t even bother investigating point and shoot cameras or micro four thirds and mirrorless cameras.

All the major camera manufacturers sell at least one digital SLR camera that is ideal for sports and action photography, so there is something for everyone. For the best sports photography cameras take a look at the products below:

Best camera for sports photography – Canon eos 7d

In my opinion the Canon 7d is the best camera for sports photography for the masses. The Canon 7d is tough, durable and, what I consider bulletproof. The magnesium body and seals ensure it is dustproof, waterproof and shockproof, which makes it ideal out in the field

The Canon eos 7d

The Canon 7d has an impressive 18MP sensor that allows you to capture high levels of detail and images that can be blown up real big. This makes it possible to crop and enlarge every photo taken, which is ideal for subjects that you consider “too small” in the frame because they were just a bit too far away for the focal length of lens used to take the photograph.

The Canon 7d has an impressive 8fps burst rate that allows you to fire off loads of shots all in one go, so you will never miss the action again. Just remember you are going to need to have plenty of spare and make sure you have some backup batteries.

The Canon 7d is affordable and the best camera for sports photography for budding sports photographers on a budget. The Canon 7d is an awesome camera and I highly recommend it, and it is for the reasons above I consider it the best camera for sports photography.

Best camera for sports photography – Canon 1DX

Best camera for sports photography – Canon 1DX

The Canon eos 1DX is the flag ship of the Canon dslr range and when you look at the specifications of the 1DX it is easy to see why, I mean 18MP full frame sensor, dual-digic 5 processors for a staggering 12fps burst rate, tough magnesium alloy body and an ISO range of 100 – 51,200 (which is expendable to 204,800) is jst some of the features.

Whilst I don’t own a Canon eos 1DX I have been fortunate to use one and I can say it is an awesome camera. The 1DX is bullet proof, the burst rate is something else (although it does eat memory cards), and the images it produces are exceptional, but would I pay the $6,000 + asking price?

If I were a professional photographer and could make a living out of sports photography I would, but as I am not there is no way I could justify the cost. Buying the 1DX is one thing but then there are the lenses to go with it. The 1DX doesn’t have a crop factor so if you need a lens over 400mm you are going to have to buy a lens extender (which is not ideal for sports photography because it leads to a loss of light and hence slower shutter speeds) or spend a few thousand bucks on a long reach lens, such as the EF500mm.

The Canon 1DX is a camera for professional photographers or enthusiasts with exceptionally deep pockets. A cheaper alternative, and one that is best suited to enthusiasts.

Nikon D7000

A popular camera for sports photography

Best camera for sports photography – Nikon D7000

The Nikon D7000 is a popular camera with sports photographers and it is easy to see why. The first thing you will notice about the Nikon D7000 is the build quality, which is superb. This is a tough and durable camera that is built to last, which is a good job given sports photographers spend a lot of time out in the field.

With a 16.2MP sensor the Nikon D700 is a powerful camera that is capable of capturing some stunning sports images that will impress family and friends. Sports photography requires a lot of cropping and with this impressive sensor it is possible to get 100% crops and still get excellent image quality.

The 39 point auto focus points helps to ensure the Nikon D700 finds the target, locks on and stays locked on and it does this very well. The Nikon D700 has a fast Expeed 2 processor which is essential for sports photography. This sensor allows for 6fps, so you can fire off a lot of images in quick succession, which is vital to ensure you don’t miss the shot.

One of the best things about the Nikon D700 is the twin SD card slots, which means you don’t have to faff around swapping over memory cards and can continue to capture the action as it unfolds instead.

Overall the Nikon D700 is an excellent camera and therefore has to be included as a best camera for sports photography.

Top Sports lenses for your digital slr camera

Capturing awesome sports and action photographs requires more than the best camera for sports photography. Oh yes, if you want to capture the best sports photographs possible you also need the right lens.

When capturing sports photographs you are likely to be quite far away from the action, therefore a long reach telephoto lens is needed. If you want to “freeze” the action and still get sharp shots you also need a fast lens, which allows you to keep the shutter speeds up.

There are plenty of great sports photography lenses available for all brands and models of digital slr camera. It doesn’t matter whether you shoot a Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony or Olympus, there is the perfect sports lens for your particular digital slr camera.

For some of the best sports and action photography lenses currently available check out the lenses below:

Best Canon lens for sports photography – Canon 100mm – 400mm L IS USM

Canon 100mm – 400mm L IS USM Lens

My most used lens for motorsports photography is the Canon 100mm – 400mm f4.5 – 5.6L IS USM lens, which is awesome. This lens is tough, durable and built to last. This lens is also fully sealed, which means it is weatherproof making it excellent for out in the field. This lens isn’t particularly fast but then given the affordable price tag this is to be expected. Besides, the image stabilization technology is awesome and helps to ensure tack sharp shots each and every time.

One of the best things about the Canon 100mm – 400mm is the push/pull zoom which makes it super quick and easy to change between focal lengths. With this lens it is possible to zoom right in close and personal or pull back to capture more of the background.

The image quality of this lens is simply superb and it is possible to capture some awesome images. If you want the best sports photography lens to go with your Canon digital slr camera the Canon 100mm – 400mm f4.5 – 5.6L IS USM lens is the lens to buy.

Top rated Nikon sports lenses

If you shoot a Nikon digital slr camera there are a few long reach zoom lenses available to buy, although the best (and most popular) are detailed below.

 

nikon 70 – 200 2.8

nikon 80 – 400nikon

nikon 300

Top rated Sigma sports lenses

Canon and Nikon branded tele lenses are expensive however there is a cheaper alternative, which is a Sigma lens. Sigma lenses are tough, durable, well made and the image quality is very good. Sigma produces lenses that will fit both Canon and Nikon digital slr cameras, so it really doesn’t matter what you shoot.

For the best Sigma sports and action photography lenses check out the products below, all of which are worth looking in to if you want to buy a Sigma sports photography lens.

Sigma 70 – 200Sigma

Sigma 150 – 500 Sigma

 

 

Sigma 120 – 400Sigma

An essential bit of kit of sports photography

The Monopod
Sports photography with big zoom lenses requires some support, otherwise you are going to experience camera shake and get some blurry photos. There’s no doubt about it, a tripod is the best type of camera/lens support you can buy however a tripod is not ideal for sports photography. Focusing on a moving object using a tripod is nigh on impossible, besides most sports venues prohibit the use of tripods.

The best camera/lens support for sports photography is the monopod, which is an upright pole that screws in to the bottom of the camera or the lens ring. The foot of the pole is place on the ground, hence providing a support for big and heavy lenses. The monopod is small (when collapsed), light and easily transportable, which makes is a doddle to carry around all day long. The monopod is a simple but very effective product that doesn’t cost much but will improve your sports photography photos no end.

Compared to other types of photography monopods aren’t expensive however it does pay to get the best one you can afford. Cheap monopods are heavy but made out of inferior materials that tend to flex and bend once loaded up with a heavy camera/lens combo. The best monopods are made out of carbon fibre and these are both lightweight, but most importantly strong.

Manfrotto are well known for making top quality tripods and their range of monopods is equally as good and the 680B is one of Manfrotto’s top rated monopods. This monopod is very strong and can easily support the heaviest of camera/lens combinations. I always use a fully gripped 7d combined with a 500mm prime (a seriously heavy set up) and the 680B can easily cope with this and never bends or flexes.

The weak part of all monopods is the joints, however this is not the case with the 680B . The joints on this monopod are second to none. The isn’t the cheapest monopod but it is worth every cent.

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