Can the FS100 be used for skating shows?

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Firefox39

Active member
So I am looking at buying new cameras to replace my Canon XH-A1s that are getting old. I am an event videographer that does wedding, dance shows, skating shows, football games, and corporate events.

Currently, when shooting weddings, I use a 60D for some of the wedding, but still using the XH-A1 for the ceremony, and the toasts.

I know the FS100 would work for weddings. but my biggest question is, "Can the FS100 cover a skating show?" Football games? Dance shows? I would need auto focus to work well to handle a skater coming fast toward the camera fast.

Also, would the shallow-depth-of field be too much for a dance show? Best to have all the dancers in focus.

Is there anyone that has used the FS100 for skating shows? Dance Shows, Football games? If yes, please let me know your thoughts.

I plan to purchase two FS100s; so a big investment for me.
 
I shoot football, dance performances, gymnastics, all kinds of stuff all the time with my FS100. Just make sure you get the kit lens if you go this
route. The kit lens has good auto functions and really nice OIS steady shot.....all of which can help for these types of events. Not saying the
FS100 is the BEST camera for these type of jobs, but I have no problems doing these type of jobs with it, and like the added versatility of doing
other types of things with the camera that I couldn't do with a smaller chip camera. Plus interchangable lenses lets you give lots of different
'looks' to different types of shoots which is nice. So, only you can say if you want to put up with the added hassle of no servo zoom and use the
camera for events. I can tell you, it WORKS just fine for events and you can certainly do them with it, I do it all the time.
 
Firefox39 said:
Also, would the shallow-depth-of field be too much for a dance show? Best to have all the dancers in focus.
Click to expand...

The best thing about this camera is you can stop down to f11-22, get a much deeper depth of field, boost the ISO, retain a great looking image with low noise levels.
 
A pair of used PMW-EX1's would serve you well for fast-moving focus and event
situations. When the FS100's came out I did the math and thought about
my own event recording needs and the two EX1's I have have served me
very well. Pair of used EX1s was significantly cheaper than a pair of FS100s, lenses
and a follow focus rig. The EX1's do need an IR filter like the Tiffen T1 though.
 
LiamR said:
The best thing about this camera is you can stop down to f11-22, get a much deeper depth of field, boost the ISO, retain a great looking image with low noise levels.
Click to expand...

You won't need the ISO boost unless it's pretty dark. I was out shooting (white statues) today, with the kit lens, and stopped WAY down to get DOF, and I still needed ND filters just to get the shutter speed down to about 1/750!
 
I'm not sure this helps, however I shot this:


With the AF100 (Not the same camera however I will explain why I'm posting).

You can shoot live events especially skate videos with this camera or ones
like it. However An EX1 or the like will be a much better main camera.

Shooting with an FS100/AF100 you can get away with shooting with
a fairly wide angle lens (I used the Tokina 11-16 for that promo piece).

I have quite a bit of footage filmed for the Doc. as well including
skateboarding footage and following around the subject on board as
well. The trick is having a wide enough lens and stopping down as much
as possible.

You can do this with this camera and get really nice footage however
it's will be an effort to do so. I still highly recommend a different camera
like I mentioned a EX1 or something like it.

You can make this work out if your wide enough and I did my shooting
on the AF100. I didn't have the option to gain up in exchange for a different
aperture. I would assume it can be made to work however right tool
for the right job. If I was shooting nothing but action sports I wouldn't
use an FS100 or AF100. At least it wouldn't be my first choice. Pickup shots
if the budget allowed for sure ;)
 
AtticusLake said:
You won't need the ISO boost unless it's pretty dark. I was out shooting (white statues) today, with the kit lens, and stopped WAY down to get DOF, and I still needed ND filters just to get the shutter speed down to about 1/750!
Click to expand...

I think you're talking about an outside situation?

I was talking about an inside situation, as I don't know how many dance shows are held outside?
 
LiamR said:
I think you're talking about an outside situation?

I was talking about an inside situation, as I don't know how many dance shows are held outside?
Click to expand...

Well my Morris Dancing friends would have something to say... ;-)

You're right, of course, but my point is this camera is so sensitive -- with 3-5 stops of reserve in the gain -- you can go a long way.
 
AtticusLake said:
with 3-5 stops of reserve in the gain -- you can go a long way.
Click to expand...

I sometimes wonder, is this camera 'too' sensitive, then slap myself and say, "there are plenty of other cameras out there that are less sensitive & more expensive..., but not that many are this sensitive and this cheap"
 
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