While trying to photograph a car or a motorcycle fired on the race track at 180 mph requires more than a pocket camera. While there may be certain situations where you can get away with using one, you really need is a digital SLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex), the right lens (es), and some other accessories, but useful.
Most digital SLR bodies these days have the features and speed you need to get the perfect shot. The main difference between income level and models "pro" basically boils down to speed. The final product can potentially be the same or similar, the most expensive (and theoretically better) camera just made it easier to produce. The feature with the most obvious impact is the continuous shooting mode. Entry-level DSLR pro bodies can boast up to 8 frames per second burst mode, despite a body that only shoots 2.5 frames per second can still take great pictures too. At day's end, the best camera made their job easier, but does not necessarily guarantee superior quality images. Disburse the money for a new body better if you can afford, if not a little older you can still work fine.
The other obvious component of a digital SLR is the goal. The three main factors to be addressed are: zoom range, offers f-stops, and AF classification. Zoom range is the most obvious. The higher the number, the more you can zoom. Overall, on a modest budget can land a target that is reduced to 200 mm to 300 mm ballpark. Depending on the track, this may be enough. Most of the budget lens prices have variable f-stops, where the further away the more f-stops to lose (for example, a lens with a classification af/3.5-5.6). Some lenses allow low f-stops throughout the zoom range, which is a great feature to have especially if the light is limited, but can significantly increase the price. Finally, the autofocus speed is something you may not know immediately when reading a spec sheet, but rather that any of the test or read the reviews. It is generally a good idea to test and / or read opinions on any and all lenses before buying.
There are some additional accessories and tips that can help your experience of motorsport photography but is not absolutely crucial, and all come down to personal preference. Some zoom lenses can be very large and heavy so having it attached to a monopod at all times may provide some relief to arms for a long session, and may be particularly useful for panning shots. It may feel strange at first, especially if you're used to pan in hand, but once you get used to it, the benefits can be significant. If your budget allows, have a second camera body may also be useful as well. Keep a lens shorter in the second body can save you the hassle of changing lenses back and forth, and also possibly make the difference between getting or not the shot of momentum. The final point does not require any additional equipment in all ... practice!
Motorsport Photography - 3 Great Tips to Begin
That has flipped hundreds of magazines and seen racing career countless photos of some of the fastest machines on the planet fighting for every inch of the track. You say to yourself the next time you go to a race, you bring a camera and go home with pictures like that. But, how?
1) Get a DSLR
While the team may end up playing a relatively minor role for many types of photography there, racing is one of the few obvious exceptions. For example, a small point and shoot pocket camera when in the right hands can potentially capture a stunning landscape shot of a beginner can with a cutting-edge digital SLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex), but all these rules go out the window when the motorcycle roars by about 200 mph at: You need a digital SLR. Or more specifically, the speed and responsiveness of a DSLR. The main features that come into play is a series of high resolution images by shooting mode second, high speed auto focus, and almost no shutter lag. The faster the above, the best, though even a digital SLR entry level these days will do the job. Higher end, faster DSLR just make your job easier. As for lenses, obviously the zoom range has more options available to you, but that does not have a goal short means no hope. Work with what you have and not spend time thinking about what does not.
2) Know the following
Unless you've been on the track on numerous occasions, it is important to explore the way the best way possible for the range of possible good points to shoot from. If you've never been on a race track before all, it's easy to get caught off guard by how large it may be a clue. In some cases, go from one end of the track to the other can be a walk of 20 minutes or more. When it comes time to shoot the race, you want to know exactly where to go after finishing hogging all the shots you want in a particular place. If you are ready, whether you get stuck in the same place all the time or lose several turns (or even the rest of the race) to go around trying to find another place to shoot from. A weekend usually includes practice sessions for runners. You can use them as your practice sessions as well.
3) Know the Sport
Although not necessarily essential to have a deep knowledge of the sport to get great shots, you may be able to help make a difference, or at least shorten the learning curve a bit. Returning to the example of motorcycle racing. Looking to get a picture of the riders dragging their knees? A relatively narrow, high-speed corner is your best bet. How about a hidden pilot low on the windshield? Stay away from the braking zones where they have to sit down to prepare for corner entry. Want to take a photo standing with wheels? Nobody will make any celebration antics in the middle of a race, so wait until the end.
Although these three tips can give you a good start of classes, which is no substitute for practice and a lot of trial and error unavoidable. The first place can be a very unpleasant surprise, but once you become familiar with the speed of the motives and capabilities of your team, who will meet soon. Most importantly, have fun!
