While there are limits to the sports analogy when it comes to picking the elements, or \u201cplayers,\u201d on each \u201cteam\u201d that comprises each of the great indoor action sports photo outfits listed below, we\u2019ll give it our best shot and hope we hit a three-pointer. To that end,we\u2019ve assigned a basketball position to represent those features or performance factors in each outfit that are most crucial in effective and compelling sports photography, especially when shooting indoors where the light can be challenging and on-camera flash or elaborate flash setups are the exception rather than the rule.<\/p>\n
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*Shots made from above the net using a remote-controlled camera, mounted behind the transparent backboard.<\/span><\/p>\n Of course, unlike a basketball team all these players are really \u201con the field\u201d at all times and can be accessed instantly, which is one of the main differences between camera outfits for shooting sports and basketball teams. On the upside, none of these players will be called out on fouls, but on the downside photographers don’t get any free throws. Sports shooters, whether they\u2019re enthusiasts or pros, have to earn their great shots the hard way, by understanding the game, paying close attention to the action, and responding with the reflexes of an NBA pro. Of course a great sports camera outfit can sure help, so here are half a dozen of the best.<\/p>\n Canon EOS-1D X Team<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Based on the cutting-edge pro mainstayCanon EOS-1D X<\/a> with its tough magnesium alloy body and hi-res 3.2-inch LCD, the players include a 61-point High Density Reticular AF system with cross-type AF support down to f\/8 that\u2019s useable with super-telephoto lenses, a full-frame 24x36mm 18.1MP CMOS sensor, a state-of-the-art DIGIC 5+ Image Processor that enhances all performance parameters, and a maximum sustained burst rate of 12 fps for full-res RAW+JPEG images and up to 14 fps in Super High Speed Mode (JPEG). The super-premium high-speed lens players include such stellar optics as the Canon EF 70-200mm f\/2.8L IS II USM<\/a>, the Canon EF 300mm f\/2.8L IS II USM<\/a>, and theCanon EF 16-35 f\/2.8L II<\/a> ultra-wide zoom for backboard shots, all top-of-the-line glass. Backing up this impressive roster: Full HD 1080p video capture at 30 fps, 25 fps, and cinematic 24 fps in MOV, MPEG-4, and AVC\/H.264 file formats, and the accessoryCanon WFT-E6A Wireless Transmitter<\/a> that offers wireless LAN and Bluetooth functionality and supports wireless time syncing that allows you to make adjustments without a computer connection.<\/p>\n Nikon D4S Team<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This team rallies around the recently released full-frame flagship of the Nikon line, the state-of-the-artNikon D4S<\/a>that provides such notable features as a native ISO of 25600 that\u2019s to ISO 409600,a 91k-pixel RGB sensor with Group area AF for super accurate exposure and AF control, and a hi-res 3.2-inch LCD monitor. Players include a 51-point Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor that\u2019s selectable for 9, 21 or 51 points and provides 3D tracking and Scene Recognition to maintain tracking at high speeds, a full-frame FX-format 16.2 MP sensor, a state-of-the-art EXPEED 4 image sensor that enhances operational speed and performance, and a 11 fps full-res burst rate that allows shooting up to 200 consecutive with full AE\/AF control. The impressive players in the Nikon optical array trio include theAF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f\/2.8G ED VR II<\/a> zoom, the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f\/2.8 ED VRII<\/a>, and theAF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f\/2.8D EF IF<\/a> ultra-wide zoom. Backup players on the D4S A-team roster: Full HD 1080p video capture at 60 fps, 50 fps, 30 fps, 25 fps, and cinematic 24 fps in MOV, MPEG-4 and AVC\/H.264 file formats and the Nikon WR-R10\/WR-T10\/WR-A10 Remote Wireless Adapter Set<\/a>, a complete remote control set designed to control or trigger the shutter release of any Nikon DSLR and that can also control multiple cameras on three frequencies.<\/p>\n Sony Alpha A6000 Team<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A milestone in the evolution of the mirrorless compact system camera, the recently announcedSony Alpha A6000<\/a> takes the performance parameters of the breed up a few notches with such features as 179 on-sensor phase-detect AF points that cover over 90% of the image area, a 3.0-inch 921k-dot tilting LCD, full-time AF when shooting video, and a 0.39-inch Tru-Finder 1,440k-dot OLED EVF. Players on the A6000 team include a Fast Hybrid AF System capable of achieving precise focus for stills and video in as little as 0.06 sec utilizing a Spatial Object Detection algorithm, an APS-C-format 14.3 MP Exmor HD CMOS Sensor, the latest cutting-edge BIONZ X Image Processor that enhances speed and provides ISO settings up to 25600, and a maximum full-res framing rate of up to 11 fps in continuous high mode. Optical players on the field include a choice of the Sony E-mount SEL 70-200mm f\/4<\/a> (withSony LA-EA3<\/a> orLA-EA4<\/a> adapter) or the Sony A-mount SAL 70-200mm f\/2.8 G<\/a>; the choice of the Sony A-mount SAL 300mm f\/2.8 G<\/a> with adapter or the E-mount Sony 18-200mm f\/3.5-6.3 PZ OSS<\/a> providing Image Stabilization with Active Mode; and the Sony 10-18mm f\/4 OSS<\/a> ultra-wide zoom for behind the backboard shots. The backup bench: Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps and cinematic 24 fps in MP4, MPEG-4 and AVC\/H.264 file formats, and the Sony ECM-CG50 Short Shotgun Microphone<\/a> for enhanced audio.<\/p>\n \nPanasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 Team<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Panasonic\u2019s latest mirrorless Micro Four Thirds-format camera is thePanasonic Lumix DMC-GH4<\/a>, an ultra-high-tech contender that delivers full DSLR functionality along with advanced features like a 3.0-inch 1,036k-dot OLED monitor, a 2,359k-dot OLED Live View EVF, 4K video capture (!), and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, all in an attractively compact weather-sealed magnesium alloy body. Players on the GH4 team include a high-speed 49-area AF system with Custom Multi AF that lets you select specific focusing areas and achieves focusing speeds as fast as 0.07 sec, a 16.04 MP Digital Live MOSA sensor that provides ISO settings up to 25600 in Extended Mode, a quad-core Venus Engine Image Processor that enhances operating speed and sensitivity, and an impressive maximum full-res burst rate of 12 fps in AFS mode. Optical players on the team include thePanasonic Lumix G Vario 35-100mm f\/2.8<\/a> (70-200mm equivalent) zoom, thePanasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f\/4-5.6 OIS<\/a> zoom (200-600mm equivalent, and a choice of thePanasonic Lumix G Vario 12-35mm f\/2.8<\/a> (24-70mm equivalent) or thePanasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f\/4<\/a> (14-28mm equivalent) for behind the backboard coverage. On the bench: Full 4K 3840 x 2160 video capture at 23.98 fps, 24 fps, pr 29.97 fps in 16:9 UHD and 19:7 DCI 4K 4096 x 2160 at 24 fps, in both MOV and MP4 file formats; and thePanasonic DMW-MS2 Stereo Shotgun Microphone<\/a> for enhanced audio.<\/p>\n \n \nNikon D7100 Team<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The Nikon D7100<\/a> is a high-performance, high-resolution upper-mid-range APS-C-format DSLR that delivers an impressive array of high-end features including eliminating the optical low-pass filter for enhanced resolution and detail, a big 3.2-inch 1,229k-dot LCD monitor, an optical viewfinder with OLED informational display, and a built-in flash with Commander Function, all built into a robust, moisture resistant alloy body. Team players include a 51-point AF system with 15 cross-type sensors that detect both vertical and horizontal contrast variations to achieve fast, precise focus, a 14.1 MP DX-format CMOS sensor that provides ISO settings to 6400 in normal range and up to 25600 in extended mode, an EXPEED 3 Image Processor that enhances high-speed responsiveness, and a 6 fps maximum burst rate capable of capturing up to a 100-shot sequence at full resolution. Optical players on the D7100 team include the choice of theAF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f\/4 ED VR<\/a> or theAF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f\/4.5-5.6G IF-ED<\/a> telephoto zooms, theAF-S Nikkor 300mm f\/4D ED IF<\/a> telephoto, and the AF-S Nikkor 10-24mm f\/3.5-4G ED<\/a> ultra-wide-angle zoom for shooting though the backboard. On the bench: Full HD 1080p video-capture at 60\/50i\/30\/25 and 24 fps in MOV, MPEG-4, and AVC\/H.264 file formats, and the optional Nikon WU-1a Wireless Adapter<\/a> that enables remote firing and (with Nikon\u2019s free Wireless Mobile Utility app) remote viewing and camera control using iOS and Android devices.<\/span><\/p>\n \n \nCanon EOS 70D Team<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Canon\u2019s latest, most technologically advanced APS-C-format DSLR, theCanon EOS 70D<\/a> features Dual Pixel control that provides phase- and contrast-detection at every pixel point, a 3.0-inch 1,040k-dot Vari-Angle Touch Screen, built in wireless connectivity, and Scene Intelligent Auto Mode that automatically selects the correct scene mode based on algorithms. Key players on the team include a configurable high-speed 19-point all-cross-type AF system that supports focusing with f\/2.8 and faster lenses for enhanced low-light performance, a 20.2 MP CMOS sensor that provides ISO settings up to 12800 and expandable to 25600, a state-of-the-art DIGIC 5+ image processor that enhances operating speed and flexibility and provides a short shutter lag time of 0.065 sec plus auto HDR, and a maximum full-res burst rate of up to 7 fps. Optical players on the 70D team comprise an impressive trio: TheCanon EF 70-200mm f\/2.8L<\/a> fast telephoto zoom (a less pricey alternative to the f\/2.8 L II without built-in IS), theCanon EF 300mm f\/4L IS USM<\/a>, and theCanon EF 17-40mm f\/4L USM<\/a> for through the backboard shots. Backup bench players: Full HD 1080p video capture at 30, 24, and 25 fps as well as HD and SD recording at multiple frame rates in MPEG-4 and AVC\/H.264 file formats. Since Canon does not offer an accessory mike, our final 70D backup player is theSennheiser MKE-102 Omni Lavalier Microphone Kit<\/a>, a popular choice for enhanced audio performance when shooting video.<\/p>\n \n <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Want to optimize your images of basketball and other extreme action indoor sports? Here are six great camera outfits optimized for capturing outstanding action images. March Madness, aka the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, is in full swing. What better way to celebrate than by taking some of your own amazing action shots that pay hommage to those breathtaking basketball images that are bound to emerge from the frenzied Sweet Sixteen competition among the nation’s top college basketball teams… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":178,"featured_media":15835,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,17815,642],"tags":[389,1144,1563,2484,655,2182,1957,893,2183,1650,928,1139,545,627,1092,1068,772,803,1050,688,818,991,2379,606,1124,1223,1796,1376,2414,787,1774,280,2062,1222,817,514,1003,965,721,1356,1319,1524,1196,716,2483,276,2386,272,1446,863,1546,914,1368,2372,766,990,1573,1704,689,1371,970,2033,2069,2070],"class_list":["post-967","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gear","category-news","category-photography-642","tag-action-389","tag-action-photography-1144","tag-action-sports-1563","tag-active-mode-2484","tag-adorama-655","tag-adorama-rental-company-2182","tag-adventure-1957","tag-advice-893","tag-arc-2183","tag-ask-adorama-1650","tag-baseball-928","tag-basketball-1139","tag-buying-545","tag-buying-guide-627","tag-buying-tips-1092","tag-image-1068","tag-image-editing-772","tag-image-editing-tips-803","tag-image-file-1050","tag-image-management-688","tag-image-quality-818","tag-image-stabilization-991","tag-image-stabilizer-2379","tag-images-606","tag-imaging-1124","tag-indoors-1223","tag-innovation-1796","tag-inspiration-1376","tag-inspiration-in-photography-2414","tag-interchangeable-787","tag-interchangeable-lens-1774","tag-panasonic-280","tag-panasonic-lumix-2062","tag-photo-tips-1222","tag-photographer-817","tag-photographers-514","tag-photography-tip-1003","tag-photography-tips-965","tag-photojournalism-721","tag-picture-taking-tips-1356","tag-pictures-1319","tag-product-review-1524","tag-products-1196","tag-professional-716","tag-short-shotgun-microphone-2483","tag-sony-276","tag-sony-a6000-2386","tag-sports-272","tag-sports-illustrated-1446","tag-sports-photography-863","tag-sportsshooter-1546","tag-stabilization-914","tag-stabilize-1368","tag-stabilizer-2372","tag-starter-766","tag-steady-990","tag-stillmotion-1573","tag-stop-action-1704","tag-street-photography-689","tag-subject-1371","tag-summer-970","tag-super-bowl-2033","tag-surf-2069","tag-surfing-2070"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\nIn A League Or Their Own<\/span><\/h4>\n
Broad-Spectrum All Stars<\/span><\/h4>\n