How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

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Photoniks
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p.1 #1 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

I've just been playing in the back garden taking some images of our rabbits running towards me. I've been getting about 1/3 keepers from the images shot in AI Servo at high speed (CF adjusted to 8 fps). I've got the focus tracking sensitivity set to standard (0) - should I push it up a little higher to try and get more sharply in focus (as the animals are relatively close to me, several metres, and are quick)? Of the ones which are not in focus, the majority are only slightly soft, but there were some which were grossly out (maybe put that down to me).

I'd expected more sharp shots than this to be honest. I'm using a 1D3 and 85 1.8 in Tv (~1/800s, auto-ISO, lens usually wide open) using the centre AF point.

Does anyone have any tips for this type of shooting to help me out. I linked an example of a sharp shot, so you can gauge the distance I'm working at, and the colours involved etc (in case this affects anything).

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:08 PM

sivrajbm
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p.1 #2 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

Did you get the fix or is this a "dot" camera

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:30 PM

Photoniks
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p.1 #3 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

It's got the latest firmware, and was new earlier this year. According to the Canon website the serial is in the unaffected range. The box has a blue dot on it.

I should add that I microadjusted this lens - I've not tested the lens unadjusted in high speed action like this. Is it possible that the MA affected it in some way (eg if I didn't do it very accurately)?

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:35 PM

Pixel Perfect
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p.1 #4 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

Shooting at f/1.8 I'm not surprised your not getting many keepers in Servo mode.

Normally on my 1D II shooting at f/5.6-f/8 with my L glass like the 300 f/2.8 I'll get 7-8 from 10 as keepers depending on the subject.

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:36 PM

Photoniks
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p.1 #5 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

Sure, I guess that might not be an ideal set up - I can see on the pics that the dof is very thin (still getting used to it, as it's much thinner than my 40D used to be). If I want to have a fast shutter speed, and a stopped down aperture (eg f/5.6), how can I set that for fast action - should I try to pick a representative area where the action might take place, and set exposure for that area by adjusting the ISO in M for those settings, and then stick with this?

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:40 PM

Jeff
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p.1 #6 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

It looks like the ambient light level is a little low for such a test, and in my opinion as you shoot below f/4, the camera appears to exhibit more problems, though I have no idea why. My 50/1.4 is HORRIBLE wide open with the MkIII. I just don't use it anymore.

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:44 PM

Photoniks
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p.1 #7 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

Jeff wrote:
It looks like the ambient light level is a little low for such a test, and in my opinion as you shoot below f/4, the camera appears to exhibit more problems, though I have no idea why. My 50/1.4 is HORRIBLE wide open with the MkIII. I just don't use it anymore.

It's a pretty grotty day, yes. I don't think we're going to get a summer in the UK this year

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:47 PM

Pixel Perfect
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p.1 #8 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

Depending on the speed of the subject I'll try and keep the shutter speed above 1/500 minimum (I prefer faster though) and raise ISO and open up aperture. Normally on the 1D II I use ISO 400 unless the light is very good. If the light drops I'll shoot wide open but usually the lenses I'm using are f/2.8 or slower. You might think if the light's poor then you can turn the ISO up further to get a decent shutter speed, but you'll find the AI servo hit rate drops considerably if the light gets poor, it drops off faster than in One shot. So be prepared for a lower hit rate.

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:53 PM

Photoniks
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p.1 #9 · How many sharp shots should I expect from a Servo set?

Thanks. Maybe I'm lucky I got any today ! Loving the body though, definitely pleased with my step up from the 40D.

Aug 17, 2008 at 02:55 PM


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