Panning really difficult....

[Blitz]

Finally took the courage to stand by a road side to try some panning shots

Tried taking about 20+ shots and I've tried to remember what the steps are to take but man....it's really difficult.....

Below are the only 3 that came out decent but not as good as Tweek last time post one....

Last one looks very underexposed.....

Any ideas for improvements? What shuttle speed should I actually try to use? All this were taken at 1/8

 

[Darren]

Your shutter speed is a bit too low (altho there isn't a absolutely correct shutter speed to use - it does depend on the speed of the subject).

In your examples, a shutter speed of 1/30s, 1/45s or 1/60s would give better results.

At 1/8s, I suspect that there is some combination of the below effects:-
1. the subject moving a little faster/slower than your pan as evidenced by the slightly blurred front/back.
2. some camera shake

 

[Jed]

Agree with Darren. How slow you can go depends on your practice and experience really, as well as the speed of the subject. For a first go, 1/8 is certainly too slow.

 

[MaGixShOe]

Originally posted by Darren

2. some camera shake

would it be more feasible if pan using a tripod?

 

[Darren]

Originally posted by MaGixShOe
would it be more feasible if pan using a tripod?

Its more difficult to pan with a tripod - you want to have a free range of movement, and using a tripod will slow you down.

However, having said that, its not impossible, and you may even have more success - if you work and practice with using a tripod for panning.

 

[Blitz]

Sorry I make a mistake there, the shutter speed is 1/13 but I think it's still too slow....

Thanks for the comments Darren and Jed... I will try the 1/30s, 1/45s or 1/60s next time.....

I got 2 questions though.

Firstly, is it easier to take using the LCD or viewfinder?

Secondly, should I pre-focus first? All of this I have attempt to focus on a passing car first or on the road. Tried manual focus but sort of lost control (I still not too familar with my cam's manual focus)....

Thanks!

 

[Jed]

Use the LCD or viewfinder, whichever you prefer. If you're shooting a subject on a level with you, then actually a tripod does improve matters if you have a good head with a smooth pan base. It allows you to go slower because you won't have any up/down movement. But by no means is it necessary, nor will you definitely get better results... it depends on your tripod technique as well as your handholding technique.

 

[vivre]

Originally posted by Blitz

is it easier to take using the LCD or viewfinder?

Personally, I find it easier to pan with the viewfinder.

 

[willyfoo]

Generally I use
1/15 for Trishaw/Bicycle
1/30 for Vehicles picking up speed from traffic light (good place to catch them btw)
1/60 for fast moving vehicles >60kph

I always pre-focus.. cos I don't have a D-SLR yet...

 

[Wai]

Personally, i found that pannng with tripod is easier and result is better....

i just tried this at Sentosa last week at Beach Supercross

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8056