Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR

 
SAT6i
Topic Author
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:11 pm

Camera mode settings for airshows

Fri Oct 08, 2021 5:18 pm

What settings do you use for airshows? Usually I use full manual and I don’t have much trouble but most sites recommend either aperture or shutter priority. I really never use either of these so I would like some feedback. What do you shoot in?
I have a 90D and it should be a sunny day.
 
45272455674
Posts: 7732
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2008 4:46 am

Re: Camera mode settings for airshows

Sun Oct 10, 2021 4:45 am

Last air show I photographed was probably 2009 or 2010, but as luck would have it tricky conditions for both. Dust haze for the first one (and I was sick) and harsh light for the second one.

I used aperture priority for both of them. When photographing the F111C moving very fast close up I boosted the ISO a bit to get a higher shutter speed.

I only use manual settings at night when background lights could confuse the camera and mess up the exposure of the photo.

That was using a Nikon D700 and D3S. Same methods for the D800e as well. I used the 200-400mm Zoom-Nikkor F4.0 lens with a 1.7x TC to get a bit more reach. It’s not recommended but it worked.

I don’t know what the latest cameras are like. Probably far improved.
 
vikkyvik
Posts: 12833
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2003 1:58 pm

Re: Camera mode settings for airshows

Mon Oct 11, 2021 2:23 pm

I use full manual for all my "regular" shooting, and I don't see any need to change it for air shows.

Just may have to boost ISO a bit to get high enough shutter speeds for some of the faster passes.
 
User avatar
seahawk
Posts: 10434
Joined: Fri May 27, 2005 1:29 am

Re: Camera mode settings for airshows

Wed Oct 13, 2021 6:31 am

Manual would not be my choice for fast action.

As a Nikon user, Things might be different at Canon.

Basic setting is aperture priority for me. I adjust the shutter speed with aperture and ISO settings.

Shutter priority can be an option for panning/ prop blur.

At Nikon you can also use P mode, where the camera decides the combination of aperture and shutter speed. With the command dial you can adjust it towards faster or slower shutter speeds. This is very useful for changing light conditions.

Also important is to make sure you have the right metering mode and AF settings.

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 18 guests

Popular Searches On Airliners.net

Top Photos of Last:   24 Hours  •  48 Hours  •  7 Days  •  30 Days  •  180 Days  •  365 Days  •  All Time

Military Aircraft Every type from fighters to helicopters from air forces around the globe

Classic Airliners Props and jets from the good old days

Flight Decks Views from inside the cockpit

Aircraft Cabins Passenger cabin shots showing seat arrangements as well as cargo aircraft interior

Cargo Aircraft Pictures of great freighter aircraft

Government Aircraft Aircraft flying government officials

Helicopters Our large helicopter section. Both military and civil versions

Blimps / Airships Everything from the Goodyear blimp to the Zeppelin

Night Photos Beautiful shots taken while the sun is below the horizon

Accidents Accident, incident and crash related photos

Air to Air Photos taken by airborne photographers of airborne aircraft

Special Paint Schemes Aircraft painted in beautiful and original liveries

Airport Overviews Airport overviews from the air or ground

Tails and Winglets Tail and Winglet closeups with beautiful airline logos