Success rate for images, what do you think is good?

As a landscape tog the keeper rate should be pretty high. If you set up and take care with the composition, focus using live view and use histogram preview and check it on the back of the camera, one exposure is all you need. I tend to take however a few different angles and sequences of the light changing as below so out of 20 taken IIRC I kept 7

http://www.sftphotography.co.uk/start-new-day-lac-doredon-hautes-pyrenees-france/
 
ST4 said:
As a landscape tog the keeper rate should be pretty high. If you set up and take care with the composition, focus using live view and use histogram preview and check it on the back of the camera, one exposure is all you need. I tend to take however a few different angles and sequences of the light changing as below so out of 20 taken IIRC I kept 7

http://www.sftphotography.co.uk/start-new-day-lac-doredon-hautes-pyrenees-france/
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We don't do a huge number of landscapes in sport. Unless you are talking about camera orientation.
 
Gsrai said:
I have another question - when people refer to low light performance I think they refer to autofocus hunting but let's say at iso3200 how would an image on a Nikon d5500/7200 compare to a Fuji xe2/xt1?

im tempted to try the Nikon solution but the lens isn't as fast as the Fuji 55-200 so I'm already a stop down before I start (almost sound like I know what I'm talking about LOL).
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I'll repeat what I said earlier. Whilst the X system produces fantastic images the AF system is, as yet, nowhere near good enough to shoot sport.
The ISO on the system is fantastic, but it's no use having a frame that's grainless but a complete blur.
 
Gsrai said:
I feel a lot better about the world now as I was genuinely of the belief that you guys had virtually every shot as a keeper - when I look at some of the threads here the pics are stunning!

So I've gained a new way at looking at the numbers, if I get a decent number of shots I like from a shoot (this is the operative thing) then I should stop worrying so much.

I also need to think more about what I want from a pic (I'm not very good at this which is why I was thinking about getting more megapixels to compensate for my cockups).

Genuinely, thanks very much everyone - now all I've got to figure out is will the XT1 allow me to make better compositions than the XE2 or should I just wait for the new firmware.
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If only!!!

Yup, the final number of keepers is about the same now on digital as it used to be on film (in my case) but the percentage of keepers is certainly down purely because I'm far more likely to experiment on digital (where binners are effectively free) than I was in film days when binners were anything but!

Unless you're wanting/needing to print large and crop fairly heavily, more MP are unlikely to be much help - the X series deliver plenty for A3+ prints.

Not got an XE but do have an XPro and an XT. IMO the XT's flip out screen is a godsend compared to the fixed one on the XPro and I also prefer the VF in the XT (although the XPro's is pretty good.)

Gsrai said:
I have another question - when people refer to low light performance I think they refer to autofocus hunting but let's say at iso3200 how would an image on a Nikon d5500/7200 compare to a Fuji xe2/xt1?

im tempted to try the Nikon solution but the lens isn't as fast as the Fuji 55-200 so I'm already a stop down before I start (almost sound like I know what I'm talking about LOL).
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The XT (and XPro for that matter) are pretty good at high ISOs, not sure a Dx body from Nikon is much better. The D750 IS better though but not a cheap option. Not played with a modern Dx body to compare AF speeds in low light but again, the D750 is better than the Fujis.
 
As an amateur wildlife photographer my rate of 'keepers' wildly fluctuates. It depends on all sorts of circumstances such as the light and whether Lady Luck has been kind in leading me to be in the right position at the right time.

I always say to myself that whether I shoot 30 or 300 images the trip will have been worth it if I return home with just 1 keeper which excites me. If it excites firstly me and secondly other people, then it's a 'success'.
 
Phil V said:
Define 'success'.
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That's not easy really but I suppose it's having a number of pictures from every time I go out that I love, if somebody else likes it that's even better.

As this thread has gone on I've worked out that I'm probably being too hard on myself and my kit, the fact I love the kit should be enough to make it work for me.

Today I was lucky enough to take some pics of my lads footy game and I used burst mode with prejudice :D felt good to shoot and not care too much.

Had a quick look through and I think I got about 20 good pics out of 200 but the experience was just brilliant having never done it before. I found the autofocus hunting quite frustrating at times so I can see a potential need for either firmware 4 or a quicker autofocus camera but then I lose the fast lenses if I go Nikon so I'm going to persevere for now with the Fuji.

Next time I'll try harder to think more about the shots I take - looks like the experience is the key thing and to then hone the skill.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
 
I suppose this isn't really a keeper rate, but if I shoot a football or rugby game and get 1 image I'd stick in my portfolio I'd be very happy (or even 1 pic in 5 games!). That's not to say the others weren't 'keepers' just not as good 'keepers'. :-)
 
gibtheo said:
I suppose this isn't really a keeper rate, but if I shoot a football or rugby game and get 1 image I'd stick in my portfolio I'd be very happy (or even 1 pic in 5 games!). That's not to say the others weren't 'keepers' just not as good 'keepers'. :)
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After todays experience I think I will aim for something similar as it's damned hard :( methinks I expect too much :D
 
I have owned a few Fuji bodies and lenses, the last body being the XT1. I changed back to Nikon for the longer lenses available and intially bought a D750, but due to a fault the camera had to be sent back and as it was close to Christmas I bought a D7100 and 300mm f4 AFS prime lens. For comparison, at that time, the Fuji wasn't any where near it in AF terms but the Fuji ISO was probably better in JPEG mode. I know Fuji have brought out new FW updates so it maybe better now. Also a point of note, the Fuji lenses are excellent in quality.

The D7100 never failed to lock AF even with a 1.4TC for the day light winter months I used it, it just done the job. As for your 55-200mm lens it's only at f3.5 at the short end and goes to f4.8 at the tele end, which for me isn't a very fast lens at 200mm. I have a Tamron 70-300mm VC lens on my D750 now and it's at f4 @ 70mm and f5.6 @ 300mm.

If the XE-2 is working for you keep at it and with more experience your keeper rate will get better, as for changing to an XT1, the AF is supposed to be better but is it a worth while upgrade, I'm not sure if staying mirrorless.

If you were to change systems I would look at the Nikon D7200 and a Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 (or Nikon version if you had the cash) or 300mm f4 AFS lens which could be probably bought cheaper than the Fuji XT1 and 55-200mm lens if purchased from somewhere like HDEW. Also, with the Nikon cameras these are now 24mp over the 16mp with the Fuji which will allow for more cropping if needed.
 
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If i was feeling humurus and had the time I would post a picture of a goalkeeper and say.. thats a keeper.... but it's monday morning and I cant be bothered :)
 
Phil V said:
Define 'success'.
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Well, for a working Pro Sports Shooter, I'd say it's pretty easy... it's an Image that sells. Anything else isn't really a success (despite perhaps being possibly more personally satisfying than the ones that make the £££)
 
TheBigYin said:
(despite perhaps being possibly more personally satisfying than the ones that make the £££)
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soul destroying.. when you know you got the shot bang on and whats published is clear to everyone complete pants :(

your right.. success is gettung published but its not about a good shot ..
 
Swanseajack said:
I have owned a few Fuji bodies and lenses, the last body being the XT1. I changed back to Nikon for the longer lenses available and intially bought a D750, but due to a fault the camera had to be sent back and as it was close to Christmas I bought a D7100 and 300mm f4 AFS prime lens. For comparison, at that time, the Fuji wasn't any where near it in AF terms but the Fuji ISO was probably better in JPEG mode. I know Fuji have brought out new FW updates so it maybe better now. Also a point of note, the Fuji lenses are excellent in quality.

The D7100 never failed to lock AF even with a 1.4TC for the day light winter months I used it, it just done the job. As for your 55-200mm lens it's only at f3.5 at the short end and goes to f4.8 at the tele end, which for me isn't a very fast lens at 200mm. I have a Tamron 70-300mm VC lens on my D750 now and it's at f4 @ 70mm and f5.6 @ 300mm.

If the XE-2 is working for you keep at it and with more experience your keeper rate will get better, as for changing to an XT1, the AF is supposed to be better but is it a worth while upgrade, I'm not sure if staying mirrorless.

If you were to change systems I would look at the Nikon D7200 and a Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 (or Nikon version if you had the cash) or 300mm f4 AFS lens which could be probably bought cheaper than the Fuji XT1 and 55-200mm lens if purchased from somewhere like HDEW. Also, with the Nikon cameras these are now 24mp over the 16mp with the Fuji which will allow for more cropping if needed.
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That's a very pertinent post for me, thanks ;)

I see what you mean now about my lens speed , hmmmm :(

Maybe I should wait to see what the new firmware will do for the XE2, the 24mp of the Nikon is v tempting.
 
A wee update for anyone vaguely interested in my stumblings :)

I got to take some pics again at the footy match at the weekend and this time I turned off the pre-autofocus and just used continuous focus mode (the camera did lock then unlock on my subject a few times which was frustrating at time) and out of c.120 shots I got 20 or so I liked and say 6 keepers so I'm really pleased with that outcome.

I didn't use the hi speed burst as much but the one-shot mode and tried to anticipate the action more which was much more satisfying and damned hard too :D

Does anyone have any advice on what to make the subject when shooting footy - is it the ball or the player - any advice would be good tbh as I try to hone my technique.

Sounds obvious but the best upgrade has been the practice - although I do wish the camera didn't go out of focus at the wrong time, perhaps I should try manual focus :confused:
 
Gsrai said:
I didn't use the hi speed burst as much but the one-shot mode and tried to anticipate the action more
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totally the wrong approach


Gsrai said:
Does anyone have any advice on what to make the subject when shooting footy - is it the ball or the player - any advice would be good tbh as I try to hone my technique.
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Auto focus aim at the player.. it comes with practice.. we arnt talking a couple of matches either.. field sport isnt easy for anyone.. practice and practice.. the best advice i was ever given is the advice i always pass on.. go out shoot football.. then shoot more football then shoot more football.. when you ahve done... go shoot more football.. shoot every game you can find every day of the week day or night rain or shine...and it will all happen.. seriosuly... you ahe been told the best settings.. now its just practice.. you might not get it in a month .. maybe a few months depending on how many games...


Gsrai said:
perhaps I should try manual focus :confused:
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Oh for crying out loud... read the thread you started...
 
KIPAX said:
totally the wrong approach
I know it just felt like I was more in control, difficult to explain.

Auto focus aim at the player.. it comes with practice.. we arnt talking a couple of matches either.. field sport isnt easy for anyone.. practice and practice.. the best advice i was ever given is the advice i always pass on.. go out shoot football.. then shoot more football then shoot more football.. when you ahve done... go shoot more football.. shoot every game you can find every day of the week day or night rain or shine...and it will all happen.. seriosuly... you ahe been told the best settings.. now its just practice.. you might not get it in a month .. maybe a few months depending on how many games...
Yes that's the impression I'm getting and will do my best


Oh for crying out loud... read the thread you started...
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Just thought it might be worth a try to see if I could use the depth of field range to get what I want
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I wasn't but I can see why you might think I was.

To expand ive seen images where the ball is spinning and the player stationary which is what I wanted to understand
 
If in doubt, make whoever's likely to pay for a print the focus.
 
Nod said:
If in doubt, make whoever's likely to pay for a print the focus.
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lol, that is so right unfortunately I doubt I'll ever get paid to take a pic I just do it for fun :)
 
A bit of an update, I recently bought an XT1 so I could use my existing lenses hence keeping the costs down but allowing me to use the new autofocus firmware to see if it helps my keeper rate.

In a nutshell, YES - it's a big step forward on the XE2 and being able to track subjects more easily allows me to get more of the shots I want. Don't get me wrong I don't think it's as good as than Nikon but it's a big leap forward and for this side of Xmas that will do :)
 
Pretty much the final update for me as I've found the solution for me - XT1, firmware 4, large handgrip - probably not as good as the Nikon but enough of a system for my skills and I've already seen a marked improvement in focussed shots so my keeper rate is definitely improved :)
 
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