How is the SL1 for Shooting Outdoor Sports?

RedFox88 wrote:

Sorry but a faster CPU doesn't mean Akron-servo will be made faster. That is a decision for the Canon designers. Faster CPU's provide processing of more pixels, more noise reduction for JPGs, and faster viewing of photos on the camera.

The interview with Canon engineers who designed the DIGIC 4 contradicts what you are saying.

The image quality and processing speed requirements were very demanding. To meet them, we had to put a lot of effort into optimizing the circuit design. We decided to use a parallel processing circuit design, which would provide smoother processing flow without eliminating any of the processing circuits needed for high image quality. We used parallel processing not only for the auto-focus, auto-exposure and LCD display functions, but also for face detection. - Kawaguchi

A faster DIGIC processor will improve the performance of the AF, especially the processor intensive AF tracking.

PeterJon wrote:

I've been using the 450D/XSI with a 70-200 f4 L (non-IS) and an 85/1.8 to shoot my kids in their sports, ski racing and soccer. Especially with ski racing, the keeper rate seems too low. I use AI Servo with the lenses fairly wide open to get fast shutter speeds and some background blur. But the camera just can't seem to keep up too often.

The local camera shop employee told me the 100D/SL1 had a far better/faster AF mechanism than my old XSI and would be more than adequate. And after doing some research, it seems I'd need a 70D or 7D to do much better in that department. Yet I don't want to lug a big expensive camera around, especially on the ski hill. Not to mention this camera will also be a general use /travel camera, and I'm kind of a stickler for weight. I hate lugging around a giant eyesore of a camera. (Would use kit lens on a trip.) I suppose the 700D is a possible compromise if the AF speed is considerably better.

Anyhow, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the SL1 shooting outdoor sports. And if so, with which lenses?

Thanks!

I had a 500D prior to upgrading to a 60D; then added the 5DIII and an SL1. I haven't tried outdoor sports with the SL1 but have shot some action type shots with it and for fun used it for part of a basketball game. To me, it is definitely better at acquiring and keeping focus when shooting a series of shots in AI servo than the 500D and seems at least on par with the 60D (I only use the center point on both for sports/action shooting). Using center point I doubt the 700D would better the SL1's AF but it of course has more FPS which is an advantage. I love the size of the SL1, which is why I got it (replacing my P&S). Here are a couple examples; both from bursts where every shot stayed in-focus. All shots are uncropped SOOC jpgs.  Sorry, not as fast as action as I would have liked for examples.

For stills it is fine, I prefer it to my 5DIII as it is ultra light. Yet for video it cannot find focus and often close focuses by default, making tons of unusable video clips.

Here's a dumb question:

Are you manually setting the shutter speed to <1/250? Or, are you relying on an auto setting?

I used to use a bottom-of-the-lineup-at-the-time Rebel XS (I forget the global model number) with the cheapo 55-250 at the dog park, and got awesome, sharp, frozen action shots of dogs playing.

But, the key was manually setting shutter speed, setting AI Servo AF mode, and center-point-only in the focus grid.

Obviously, there wasn't a 100% keeper rate. There never is. But, it was quite decent.

BTW, I just got an SL1/100D to compliment my 70D. But, I haven't had a chance to do action shots yet. But, it's a pretty awesome little camera, especially for the low price at the recent refurbished + 20% off sale at Canon Direct.

When I shoot sports I use extra fast shutterspeed. Something like 1/1000+. As long as my ISO doesn't get pass 1600 I'm good.