Shooting with EOS-20D...which settings you're using for in-flight shots?

[neu]

Hello there,

I'm wondering what settings people are using with Canon EOS-20D for in-flight shots to get sharp images? I know it's matter of lenses and light conditions too, but now I'm interested of the generic idea of the camera settings only. I mean I've seen some guys using full automatic modes, also some with using P mode with and without AI Servo, with spot measuring, and average, etc...

I'm just curious what settings most people find suitable for these fast moving targets, especially if it's arriving to your direction...

Greetings, neu
www.deploymentproductions.com

[ChrisM]

Generally i'll try and get the shutter speed up (for jets!) by using aperture priority, an aperture around F7.1 and if necessary I can always bump the ISO up to 200. Always using AI Servo, and often with all 9 AF points on the 20D active. Am tending to use centreweighted average, but also use evaluative at times.

Hope that helps.

[GeoffS]

I most often use:

• Evaluative Metering with exposure compensation as necessary.  Check the histogram regularly to see how your exposure is doing.
• Av for jets stopped down a bit from full open (typ. f/7.1 or f/8), adjust ISO for a shutter speed > 1/800
• Tv for props.  ISO 100, shutter speed no faster than 1/250, and often down under 1/60 (depends on the prop speed, # blades, etc.).  I watch to make sure the aperture doesn't go below f/11 because that's where diffraction really starts to kick in (but I'll go there if I really want a full prop disk and am willing to give up some sharpness)
• AF all points, servo-mode, move AF to "*" button with C. Fn-4.  At the start of a pass, put the center AF point on the plane and press "*" and hold until done (this allows the AF and IS to get started and tracking).
• Shoot bursts of 2-5 shots.  Continuous mode AF takes the first shot when you press the release, but fires the second and subsequent ones only when the AF system is "good".  More shots also means more chance for one really sharp one.
• Shoot just RAW.  Eliminating the +JPEG option helps the camera empty the (too small) buffer faster.

I'm not terribly happy with the metering choices on the 20D.  I know some people get good results with manual mode, and I'll probably give that a shot the next time I'm shooing in difficult lighting conditions (ex. backlit or bright sky).

FWIW, I'm looking to get a 40D next season for: 1) spot metering, 2) RGB histograms, 3) 6.5 fps, 4) bigger RAW buffer, 5) better AF system.