Digital SLR for martial arts

[paul_hawkes]

<p>I run a martial arts school and would really like to take more photo's and of a better standard / quality.<br /> <br /> Currently I have a Nikon coolpix p1 which is not really upto the job. By the time I've taken the photo the subjects are in a different position or they're too dark / grainy.<br /> <br /> I have to confess to be fairly useless as a photographer although I'm interested in improving.<br /> <br /> Advice concerning a suitable camera around the £500 mark would be really appreciated.<br /> <br /> The martial arts school has a very high ceiling and pretty good natural light, trouble is most classes are the evening and it being England nights draw in pretty fast and so will be taking shots while fluorescent tubes supply most of the light. They are the white, slightly more natural light ones but still not fantastic.<br /> <br /> Most of the shots will be of people moving, particularly a pair training together although some will be the whole class or of just one student.<br /> <br /> The photo's will mainly be used for web sites but also A4 - A1 posters and occasional 15ft x 4ft banners.<br /> <br /> A slightly more idiot proof camera would be ideal although I would like to develop more skill with it so can take photo's that create emotion.<br /> <br /> I hope this is not too basic a question and look forward to some words of wisdom.<br /> <br /> Best wishes,<br /> <br /> Paul<br>

PS sorry I posted this in another category earlier - would help if I opend my eyes sometimes.</p>

[wgpinc]

<p>Get a Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens, and the SB-600 flash with a Stofen diffuser. Use the camera on 'P' mode until you learn more. Aim the diffused flash at the ceiling to bounce the light for a more natural look. Take lots of pictures and figure out what works and what you like. Have fun.</p>

[parv]

Firing the flash at "very high ceiling" won't do much good. OTOH, firing onto near by (nearer than the ceiling) walls (assuming (off)white) without the diffuser would shed more usable light on the subject. Other possibility would be to fire the flash straight with the diffuser on.

[paul_hawkes]

<p>Thanks, I think I get the jist of what you're saying.<br>

Either way do I need an additional flash? Will the Nikon D40 be fast enough for the action. Is the flash that helps so much? Better investing in that than the D60? Stofen diffuser?</p>

[wgpinc]

<p>Making the assumption that martial arts = action and that studios are not brightly lit places therefore flash may be needed to stop action. Or else very expensive high ISO camera and Fast lenses outside of your budget. Stofen omnibounce diffuser - http://www.adorama.com/SFOMNK6A.html?searchinfo=stofen+diffuser+%2f+nikon+sb-600 I shoot Canon cameras myself but I tried to give you a good simple to use camera within your budget that would let you take good pictures right away while you are learning technique. As you take pictures and review what you get you will learn what works for you. Good luck!</p>

[paul_hawkes]

<p>Thank you very much for your time and advice. If you find yourself in England anytime and would like some Kung Fu lessons, give me a shout - thanks.</p>