High Range ISO---Saved Me

[bob williams]

I shot a night high school football game last night and lets just say, The lighting wasn't what I was used to. When I first got there and started to get my camera settings dialed in, I realized that this was going to be a challenge. My initial settings were ISO 6400, F4 and that would only allow a shutter speed of 250-300---not near fast enough for a football game. After about 5 minutes of shooting, I decided to try the high range iso (12800). At this ISO I was very concerned that nothing would be usable. I was pleasnatly surprised. Yes, I did have noise and IQ problems and my shots were certainly not as clean as I had wanted, but I think I still managed to get some fairly useable shots.


Now, I have always been reluctant to go above ISO 1600 and even that is too high for what I try to achieve when I shoot, But after last night I will be more willing to bump the ISO if the shot requires it.


What I learned:


1. If you need the high ISO, use it. (you can fix noise problems in post, but you can't fix motion blur)


2. With this kind of lighting, frame rate and AF is slowed considerably


3. IQ takes a hit with these settings.


4. Better a less-than-perfect shot, than no shot at all.


Here are some examples: 7D, 500L, f4.0, shutter 650, ISO 12800 (of course I used noise reduction in LR3)























More here: http://rwilliamsimaging.com/p35216761#h13a1c4cf

[bob williams]

P.S. Sorry for the watermarks

[andnowimbroke]

Love the second shot. Got the grass clips too.

[Johnny Rasmussen]

These are great shots, Bob! ISO 12800 and the 7D is not the best combo but it is good enough. If one needs better IQ the Mark IV is the camera to get but it cost a lot.

[bouwy]

Fantastic shots....Wel ldone Bob

[freelanceshots]

You need f/2.8, ISO 1600 at around 300 to 500 shutter depending on the light and that was usually at crappy high school stadiums in Arkansas. I could average those settings with my 30D and 40D with 580Ex set to manual cranked down slightly on the power to get multiple flashes with good results.

[Busted Knuckles]

Wow, I remember the days of Tri-X (yea I am that old and that crusty)