Rally Sunseeker C&C Please

[Trev Rich]

OK I've already posted this pic in another thread among with others but I really feel I need some serious critique to help me improve.
So 2 things...
1. my technique.. am I doing anything wrong with my panning or focal point or anything else?

2. I shoot with a non SLR camera, a Finepix S9600 a bridge camera. Will investing in an SLR with a telephoto lens do a lot for my shots? Would I have to spend a lot or will a basic starting setup improve my shots enough to justify paying out for a DSLR?

Exif..Shutter: 1/200,
F.No. F.6
ISO 200
http://trevrich.com/php/images/my_images/rallye_sunseeker_2008/dscf1576.jpg

Shutter : 1/100
F.No. 7.1
ISO: 200
http://trevrich.com/php/images/my_images/rallye_sunseeker_2008/dscf1642.jpg

Thanks for looking and no I won't be offended by serious critisism..

[badgerbaiter]

IMHO they are pretty good for the equipment you used.
although, they (especially number 2) look a little oversaturated on my screen.

some people might not agree with me, but i think its best to start learning with a DSLR rather than learn with a Point and Shoot and then have to re-learn with the DSLR

[Trev Rich]

Thanks Gary..
Learning is not really the problem though. I went to college and studied photography at Bournemouth. Ok only at an ND level but I did it for 2 years using only 35mm film.
So I did learn using an SLR with light meters etc etc.
I only use full manual controls on the finepix so I guess I really need to know if the image quality will improve with a DSRL and better lens.
I really need to justify forking out for the kit :)

[JamesH]

I have the same camera as you, personally I am thinking of going DSLR as the main issues I have with the camera are:

No image stabilisation
Noisy images at anything over ISO 100/200 (at a push)
only 1.5fps in JPEG mode, no continuous shooting in RAW mode
Huge RAW files and also takes forever to store them!
Although it has a bulb mode its still only up to 30 seconds, so no chance to really experiment on long exposures.

Still I have enjoyed using it and over the last year I really think I have learnt alot from it. Its a nice camera but the issues I stated above mean moving on unfortunately, although it will be great as a backup camera.

As for the images I like them, possibly the first could have shown more of the side of the car but thats just me, 2nd does look a bit over saturated but I am on my crappy work monitor, otherwise you caught the movement very nicely, what focal length was it?

[Trev Rich]

I have the same camera as you, personally I am thinking of going DSLR as the main issues I have with the camera are:

No image stabilisation
Noisy images at anything over ISO 100/200 (at a push)
only 1.5fps in JPEG mode, no continuous shooting in RAW mode
Huge RAW files and also takes forever to store them!
Although it has a bulb mode its still only up to 30 seconds, so no chance to really experiment on long exposures.

Still I have enjoyed using it and over the last year I really think I have learnt alot from it. Its a nice camera but the issues I stated above mean moving on unfortunately, although it will be great as a backup camera.

As for the images I like them, possibly the first could have shown more of the side of the car but thats just me, 2nd does look a bit over saturated but I am on my crappy work monitor, otherwise you caught the movement very nicely, what focal length was it?

Do you also notice that the images just don't have the clarity and that the DOF is just not quite enough unless in macro mode?
I cant remember what focal length. think I was pretty much at 300mm with a monopod.
do love the s9600 and think its an awesome piece of kit for the money.

But with what you have stated above... a DSLR will certainly improve your shots.
The finepix is only a bridge camera afterall.

[Trev Rich]

Have just noticed where you are from James. Are you a brakes fan by any chance?
my brother in law started thier fanzine.

[JamesH]

Yes I can agree on the DOF, but I try and shoot at longer focal lengths further away from the subject to try and make it a bit better. Its a great camera and for me apart from the size its head and shoulders over a P&S I used to have with the ex. It has its limitations but I enjoy it as well.

Not sure on who the Brakes are :thinking: I only moved up here 10 years ago, if it's a football team then you have the wrong person as I don't take much interest in it :lol: