Expert: John Oliverio - 5/3/2004

Question
Hello John,

I would like to know how to take better pictures, without flash and using ASM settings, for indoor drum line competitions. We are not allowed to use flash at these events. I currently use a Olympus C750UZ digital camera. I have not had good success without using the flash, even with extremely slow shutter speed, f3.2 and ASA 400 settings. I have been combing the Internet for ideas, most of which just say that's the way it is. Thanks, in advance, for the help.

-Greg

Answer
Greg,

Hello.  Thanks for the questions.

Well, yes.  That is pretty much "the way it is".  You are up against the physics of photography.  Low light + long lens = bad picture.  It's not just a matter of finding the "right" settings.  Because the right settings under the conditions you find yourself are going to give you a bad picture.  Your pictures are either going to be blurry or underexposed (dark).  The only thing you can do is change some things.  I would suggest you get as close to the action as you can so you don't have to use the zoom so much, use a tri-pod and the highest ASA/ISO you camera allows.  Even then, I doubt you will be able to freeze all the action.  

John