Best Flash/Technique for Night Fast Action Photography

S Maner , Aug 28, 2005; 12:27 a.m.

I have a Sony F828 and was interested in taking photos of drag racing. I experimented with several settings and was pleased with the quality photo captured before dusk. I was unable to achieve the desired photos after dusk with the standard flash. I am a novice photographer, I have been a "shutter-bug" for many years, but this is my first shot at action photography in low light conditions. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you, S.Maner

Responses

Andrew Robertson , Aug 28, 2005; 07:19 a.m.

I doubt you could find a flash powerful enough to illuminate a drag track. Even with a powerful flash, you'll end up with bright cars and a completely black background. The f828 has a night shot mode - why not try it?

Adam Maas , Aug 28, 2005; 12:08 p.m.

You're basicly screwed. You need either a very powerful flash, which will give you the cars but no background, or a fast lens at high ISO. Otherwise you'll get blurs (Which is what you'll get from the Night mode on your Sony). Needless to say the latter option means a film or Digital SLR and a fast lens in the 100-200mm range.

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