Straightforward advice for using D5000 at School Sports Day

[kartracer]

I have a friend with a Nikon D5000, 18-55mm and 55-200mm(?) kit lenses.
The 'assignment' is a school sports day, with action shots (running), group shots, and team photos, etc. The weather is going to be bright and sunny. This is a new camera, and previous experience is with a compact (little technical or photographic knowledge).

I've suggested using the longer lens most of the time, stepping back when necessary, and using Sports program for action, and Program for everything else. Then to switch to the wide lens for team photos. I warned about shooting into the sun (silhouette, etc.) and washout (overexposure) shooting the other way. And I suggested to use the 'motor drive' and crack off a few shots at a time - picking the best (which is for an album). I did mention the fill-flash pop-up also - but this is information overload for the shooter.

These are tricky conditions to shoot. And I probably missed some other advice, or fundamentals....

Any input appreciated.

 

[Dave Pickett]

Motor drive is an aquired taste, I used to use it for showjumping now I just try and press the shtter at the right time - saves deleting 4 crap images for every potentially decent one! Also the autofocus is unlikely to keep up.

Pre focussing and taking the shot as the subject comes into focus works well. I prefer to set a min shutter speed of around 750th and use auto ISO to maintain that. Matrix metering works well on the D90 (dont know if the 5000 has auto ISO that is as flexible as the D90)

 

[phototuition]

Watch out for parents who think you might be a P**** or pervert. I was shooting a kids football match gratis for some members and some parent insisted I did not include their kid!!