How to Adjust Canon 6D MARK II Sports Photography Settings

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Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a full-frame DSLR that took a significant step forward from the original Canon 6D. It is power-packed with an ocean of smart high-end features.

For better image processing, Canon has blessed this camera with the powerful DIGIC 7 image processor and paired it with a 26.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, offering a sizeable resolution boost.

Also, this new sensor delivers the user a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-40,000, which can be expanded up to ISO 50-102,400, matching both Canon EOS 5D MARK III and EOS 6D.

While the original 6D has 11 AF points, the Canon 6D MARK II holds a 45-point (all cross-type) autofocus sensor.

The newly upgraded articulating touchscreen lets you use live view for low and high-angle shots.

For the video segment, MARK II can let you record videos 1080p (full HD) at 60 (up from 30) frames per second.

Besides, it offers digital image stabilization as well. WI-FI, Bluetooth, and NFC are available to share your images and videos faster.

Steps for Professional Sports Photography with Canon 6D MARK II

STEP 1.

Learn to use your camera mode efficiently

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings – GPS mode

The newcomers make a common mistake. They shoot in full auto versions, which leaves them with little control over the quality of their captured images.

So, instead of doing it, take your time and learn about other modes of your camera, especially manual and aperture priority modes.

STEP 2.

Use the correct shutter speed

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings - shutter speed

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings – shutter speed

If you wish to get the precise moments of the athletes’ actions, ensure your camera is fast enough to capture the quick movement, or you will get a motion blur. Set your camera shutter speed between 1/500s to 1/2000s.

The swift your subject moves, the faster your shutter speed should be. For example, to capture a particular swimmer’s distinct move, the low shutter speed would be sufficient. But. In the case of a football match, the same shutter speed won’t work fine.

STEP 3.

Aperture priority mode 

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings - aperture

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings – aperture

There are a few modes available on the camera. The aperture priority mode is one of them. Letter AV displays it. Generally, the aperture is written by the F/stop number, which determines how much light the camera’s sensor takes.

The higher f/stops give you less exposure because they represent smaller apertures, while the lower f/stops give you more exposure because they represent larger apertures.

The camera automatically determines the shutter speed when set to aperture priority mode.

So, on a bright sunny day, you can set a large aperture that will give you small f/stop numbers (around f/2.8 or f/4), ensuring most of the light is allowed in. A faster shutter speed is needed for correcting exposure. It will help you to capture a freezing shot.

STEP 4.

Setting up ISO accurately

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings - ISO

Canon 6D MARK II sports photography settings – ISO

To determine the correct exposure, there are three components we must learn about. These are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. When shooting in a semi-manual mode like – aperture mode, the ISO needs to be set by the user.

ISO measures the sensitivity of light. On a sunny day, a low ISO (100 or 200) would be perfect as the camera has plenty of light. However, on a darker day, you must increase your ISO (800 or 12000) to get as much light as possible.

STEP 5.

Use the best camera lenses

Investing in camera lenses for sports photography is a good idea as it can impact your photos.

For example, a telephoto zoom lens like a 55-250mm and f/4-5.6 provides you a ton of flexibility while capturing shots.

Use a wide-angle lens to give your images an exciting touch, making your audience feel like they are right on the field.

Canon has earned the reputation of being among the topmost camera makers in the world.

You can click on some amazing sports images and videos by following the steps correctly.

See Also

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