Ideal Camera for Race Photography/Videography?
Tom Martin
Casio EX-F1
I just returned from two race weekends, and I had the chance to try the Casio EX-F1 camera to see how it works for race photography.
Before going any further, you need to understand the key feature of the EX-F1: it shoots 6MP still photos and High Definition video (1920 x 1080 at 60 fps or 1280 x 720 at 30 fps). It can also shoot stills at up to 60 frames per second. That makes it either unique or unusual in having both very good still and very good video capability. The lens is a 36- 432 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom, with image stabilization, so it has the reach to work at race tracks where fans frequently are pretty far from the cars.
How does it work? I'd say pretty darn well. The images look very nice, both in still and video form, if your usage is for amateur snapshot-level photography. That isn't my attempt at damning with faint praise -- its just that I'm not a pro and so I won't venture to say if the images are really really good looking. HD video is so much better than what I've seen from pocket cameras that there's no comparison.
Two issues that I found: 1) the camera has an electronic viewfinder and these aren't ideal for seeing what you're shooting (workable but not nearly as pleasant as an optical finder) and 2) the 36mm wide angle isn't quite wide enough for some of the static shots you need to do from close range at a track. These are not show-stoppers in my book.
A very handy device for mixed still and video (I always want both but usually bring either an SLR or a camcorder).
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Tom Martin
Here is a sample shot. Of course, the resolution is vastly reduced here.
Tom Martin
This shot is using the 60 fps still mode (super fast 'motor drive'). This shot is also at max telephoto.
Nate Luzod
The photos look good. I know our high-end motorsports guys (namely Richard Prince and Rick Dole) generally use the Canon Mark III's, but not everyone is willing to drop $4,000 into a camera and thousands more into lenses. I can't imagine why not...
Sixty frames per second is just mind-boggling.
Tom Martin
This is definitely not a pro camera. But you correctly point out the economic hurdle of big Canon or Nikon gear. In addition for regular folks there is the weight. A Canon with a 400mm tele weighs 6-8 lb, the Casio weighs 1.5 lb. Finally, try taking video with a Canon. Hah!
Tom Martin
Of course, 3 months after I wrote the above, Canon has the new 5D which will do amazing HD video. So will the Nikon D90 (lower res, but still pretty good).
BillS
How big is it compared to an SLR?
Tom Martin
Slightly smaller (75% of, say, a Canon Rebel with a consumer zoom), though that depends on what lens you use on the SLR. A Canon f2.8L lens would be 3X the size of the whole Casio.
Jamie
I can chip in a little bit with the Nikon D90. As a still camera, it is up there with the big boys if you buy the proper lens. The HD video does the trick, but it it not nearly as good as a nice HD video camera like a Canon, etc. It is very convenient to have both in the same body, however.
Anonymous
You can't zoom while shooting with these cameras, can you?
Dausman
Popular Photography Magazine has nominated the Casio EX-F1 as one of its' contenders for Camera Of the Year. It's up against some other strong, quality cameras and that speaks highly of this camera, as did Popular Photography Magazine.
Believe it's only drawback is its' price, if you want to lable it as such....but still a lot of versatile camera for that money.
Don't believe any other can compete in its' non-DSLR class.
DSLRs are just beginning to add the video feature(couple mentioned above) and they are many more $.
Hans
F1 is a nice little camera with some cool tricks in its sleeve, altough it's definitely NOT a professional camera by any means.
I have also shot some motorsport videos with it, here's link to quite popular one about Top Fuel Dragsters:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTLyYFcv4AQ&fmt=18
If you check my tube account there's some more EX-F1 stuff, for example about drifting. Note that I am not a pro video maker, just tested the camera's slow motion abilities there..
- Hans
Tom Martin
After more time with the EX-F1, I have to say the still shutter lag is just too long to work well. Having video on board is great, but shutter lag for close-in action is a killer.