Fast focus for shooting children

[jcrutcher]

Hello, I'm interested in a Micro 4/3, been looking at a EP3 or GX1. Right now I shoot with a M9 and D-Lux 5. Of course the M9 i need to be on my game to catch a 2 year old. The D-Lux 5 is ok but I still miss a few shots. Can anyone give me advice on these cameras and my intended purpose?

Thank you. Jim

 

[Brian Legge]

Can you just up the iso and stop down a bit? Give yourself more DoF so focus doesn't have to be as precise?

 

[johannielscom]

Can you just up the iso and stop down a bit? Give yourself more DoF so focus doesn't have to be as precise?

+1 on that. much easier than relying on a camera to focus fast enough to freeze a kid that's quick as water... 😉

 

[The Meaness]

AF-wise an SLR? Nikon J1/V1?

 

[jcrutcher]

All good suggestions thank you. I do have a few Canon DSLR's I could use but my plan (which i didn't explain) is once I have something that works give it to my nephew, it's his 2 year old. He did have my 50D for a short time but it was not convenient enough for his use. Something smaller might work better. Most of time when we're shooting in the evening. Has anyone had experience with the auto focus on these cameras in this situation?
thank you, Jim

 

[drewbarb]

Not to de-rail this thread, but as professional photographer I long ago learned to refer to photographing subjects rather than shooting them. Especially when the subjects are politicians or children, it's better to photograph them rather than shoot them. We all know what you mean, but it pays to be sensitive.

As for the question, since you are talking about what camera to give someone else for this purpose, I can't make a recommendation. If the guy understands photography, I'd suggest he modify his technique, as others above mention. If not, then it really is a question of finding a fast camera. In that case I'd say pay attention to shutter lag as well as AF speed when trying to find the right gear. Dpreview.com generally has good info on both for cameras they have looked it, if I recall correctly.

 

[jcrutcher]

Not to de-rail this thread, but as professional photographer I long ago learned to refer to photographing subjects rather than shooting them. Especially when the subjects are politicians or children, it's better to photograph them rather than shoot them. We all know what you mean, but it pays to be sensitive.

As for the question, since you are talking about what camera to give someone else for this purpose, I can't make a recommendation. If the guy understands photography, I'd suggest he modify his technique, as others above mention. If not, then it really is a question of finding a fast camera. In that case I'd say pay attention to shutter lag as well as AF speed when trying to find the right gear. Dpreview.com generally has good info on both for cameras they have looked it, if I recall correctly.

Good point!

 

[sojournerphoto]

...
As for the question, since you are talking about what camera to give someone else for this purpose, I can't make a recommendation. If the guy understands photography, I'd suggest he modify his technique, as others above mention. If not, then it really is a question of finding a fast camera. In that case I'd say pay attention to shutter lag as well as AF speed when trying to find the right gear. Dpreview.com generally has good info on both for cameras they have looked it, if I recall correctly.

Sounds like he needs a 1 series Canon🙂 A bit big, but really fast!

 

[DamenS]

Unfortunately, children are one of the more difficult subjects to AF (even with sports and wildlife the subjects are generally at a much greater distance - and it takes minimal lens movement and AF accuracy to drive a lens from the infinity position to 20m).

Children are generally closer and less predictable, meaning an above-base level DSLR in general (or the Nikon J1/V1 by all reports for a smaller camera).

The Olmpus EP-3 has VASTLY improved Contrast Detect AF over its predecessors (and the Panasonics have all been good since they increased the sensor readout speed in the GH-2), but still most likely not fast enough for most children unless stopped down significantly.