Can the FS100 be used for skating shows? at DVinfo.net

Jeffrey Fuchs · November 13th, 2011, 07:48 PM

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.

Gabe Strong · November 13th, 2011, 08:07 PM

I have shot softball games, high school football games, USA gymnastics meets,
ballet/hip hop dance performances. If you plan to do this, make sure
you get the kit lens. If you do that, you are set, it will work just
great. Not as good as an EX-1 perhaps, but you can go 'either way' with
the FS100, events with the kit lens and more 'beauty' stuff/shallow depth
of field with faster lenses. I have had no issues whatsoever, and
it has performed like a champ on all the above stuff with the kit lens.

Doug Jensen · November 13th, 2011, 09:20 PM

Jeffrey,

In my opinion, the FS100 would be the completely wrong camera for what you shoot. Get an EX1R or, if you can't afford that, and NX5. You will be deeply disappointed and frustrated with the FS100. I'm not saying the FS100 isn't a good camera, but it would be like trying to using a screw driver when you really need a hammer.

Mike Watson · November 13th, 2011, 09:28 PM

As far as I no, no servo zoom on the FS100 - you are manually zooming. I assume that you do a fair amount of servo zoom right now, and you would have a hard time without it.

Jeffrey Fuchs · November 13th, 2011, 11:47 PM

For some reason I thought the stock lens could do servo zoom. For me this is a deal breaker; at least using it for skating shows. I always follow the skater on the tight shots with the zoom. You could do it manually, but it would be tough to do for a 3 hour show.

Thanks for the insight!

November 13th, 2011, 07:48 PM	#1
Jeffrey Fuchs Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Zimmerman, Minnesota Posts: 89	Can the FS100 be used for skating shows? 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.

November 13th, 2011, 08:07 PM	#2
Gabe Strong Major Player Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Juneau, AK Posts: 814	Re: Can the FS100 be used for skating shows? I have shot softball games, high school football games, USA gymnastics meets, ballet/hip hop dance performances. If you plan to do this, make sure you get the kit lens. If you do that, you are set, it will work just great. Not as good as an EX-1 perhaps, but you can go 'either way' with the FS100, events with the kit lens and more 'beauty' stuff/shallow depth of field with faster lenses. I have had no issues whatsoever, and it has performed like a champ on all the above stuff with the kit lens.

November 13th, 2011, 09:20 PM	#3
Doug Jensen Vortex Media Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,442	Re: Can the FS100 be used for skating shows? Jeffrey, In my opinion, the FS100 would be the completely wrong camera for what you shoot. Get an EX1R or, if you can't afford that, and NX5. You will be deeply disappointed and frustrated with the FS100. I'm not saying the FS100 isn't a good camera, but it would be like trying to using a screw driver when you really need a hammer. __________________ Vortex Media http://www.vortexmedia.com/ Sony FS7, F55, and XDCAM training videos, field guides, and other production tools

November 13th, 2011, 09:28 PM	#4
Mike Watson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,082	Re: Can the FS100 be used for skating shows? As far as I no, no servo zoom on the FS100 - you are manually zooming. I assume that you do a fair amount of servo zoom right now, and you would have a hard time without it.

November 13th, 2011, 11:47 PM	#5
Jeffrey Fuchs Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Zimmerman, Minnesota Posts: 89	Re: Can the FS100 be used for skating shows? For some reason I thought the stock lens could do servo zoom. For me this is a deal breaker; at least using it for skating shows. I always follow the skater on the tight shots with the zoom. You could do it manually, but it would be tough to do for a 3 hour show. Thanks for the insight!