another photography question

[Dan]

last year i had a point n shoot camera when i visited duxford ,the pics were pretty poor and i was gutted i didnt get the pics i wanted so i have spoilt myselt and bought a dslr in the shape of a nikon d90

i have been experimenting with static objects with diferent apperture and shutter speed settings but it aint guna help when i want t take pics of airbourne planes.

Does anyone have any advice on camera settings for acheiving decent pictures

thanks in advance

Dan

[Graeme]

Hi Dan,
I have a D90 too, a good investment in my opinion. It has held its value well.
The D90 is a camera aimed at the semi-pro, as I have found out to my cost. Its been a very steep learning curve.
A fast lens is important for good accurate focusing. I use a sigma 300ml, a sigma 500ml and the kit 105. VR is essential for hand held photos.
I often set  the camera to shutter priority and use about 1/80th sec that usually blurs the props on aircraft, (so that it doesn't look like its floating in mid air) but you don't lose detail on the rest of the  image.
Panning is a handy technique to master: when aircraft are taking off, and there are videos posted on youtube that will help with that. Centre weighting will also help in this scenario.    A polariser will help to add depth of colour to skies.
I have bought a battery pack that holds 2 re chargables or 6 AAs. There is nothing worse than running out of power. This much battery power will comfortably get you through any air event and probably the next too. the pack will set you back about £120+ batteries. It is a bit heavy, but oddly; it seems to balance the camera. Its now much more comfortable to use, and it has a shutter release near the base for portrait style photos.
Nikon D90 for dummies has been very helpfull too, the actual Nikon manual is a bit um? dry! You might get lucky, and get one from you local library.
Above all keep experimenting with the settings, there is so much available on this camera.
Good luck.
Regards,
Graeme.

[James Wheeler]

1/80 is very very slow. I would aim a bit higher at 1/250 - 1/320 on take off or on a pass when the aircraft is under plenty of power.

1/80 I usually reserve for idling, taxiing or landing shots.

I don't know what all the settings are called in Nikon land, you want it on the auto focus setting which tracks moving objects and on centre point focus mostly.

[Dan]

Thanks fellas im gunna need all the help i can get 

i only have the kit lens at the moment , il have to wait for a better one should have invested in one before i visit duxford next tho


plenty of practice then before show season starts then .

Dan

[James Wheeler]

Put your money into good glass where you can. It will outlast many bodies if you get a good lens

[MattHunt]

If the D90 permits, you want to use 9 point AF, set AF tracking to 'long' and the focus mode switch (front, left hand side near the lens mount on the F80/D300/D700) to AF-C.

Also you will find the camera is prone to underexpose the plane because of the brighter sky. Either try spot metering (but you need to be able to keep the focus point (which is typically where the camera meters from for spot metering) bang on target) or use Matrix and dial in about +0.7 to +1.0 EV.

You can also up the ISO a bit to let you keep keep a smaller aperture (bigger depth of focus) without having to move to a slower shutter speed.

Have fund

Matt

[James Wheeler]

I don't tend to use spot metering as there is a good chance (if it is sunny, haha!) to get a glint of sunlight in your spot metering area which will throw off the exposure.

Centre weighted metering if Nikon supports it might be another viable option.

AF points I tend to use the centre one, although that may change with the 7D I use all the points on formations.

[MattHunt]

Centre weighted ought to be there but I tend not to use it since I feel it is a bit of a half-way-house (although I've used it for years with my Pentax Spotmatic!)

James clearly has better luck with the weather than I do...I am not sure I have a proper sunny shot from my last 3 airshows.

How is the back btw?

[James Wheeler]

Much better thanks Walking normally now and panning is somewhat easier

You're just going to the wrong shows Matt Or not enough!

[MattHunt]

Oh good news!

Panning ...

Well I might be going to a few more this year because apparently we (my employers) are sponsoring one this year. Copies of 'Spitfire - the One' are floating around and for a moment I thought somebody was going to say we'd sponsired a Spitfire, but sadly not.

Must send 100-300 off for a service!

[Dan]

ive read all the above and as soon as i can get out in the light i will put all your ideas into practice .


one again thanks guys


Dan