Best D70 practices ?

[monographix]

D70 users ... just your input on what are the best ways of using the D70 with moving aviation subjects. for example

- AF-S or AF-C focus mode?
- Single area focus or dynamic range focus?
- How to avoid the shutter from being released without established focus? How to ensure focus even if that happens?
- center weighted or matrix metering ?

etc

Thanks

[eaurougeflatout]

I don't know that there are any "best practices" on those topics.  So much depends on lighting, the subject, etc.  Assuming we are talking shooting planes from the ground, here are my considerations:

1)  On focus mode -- I always leave on AF-C.  I want the camera to constantly refocus.  I always want the shutter to snap even if the camera doesn't "think" the subject is in focus, because often it is anyway.  Also, on a run of shots, I don't want the camera to freeze the shutter because it thinks it lost focus.  If it looks like the focus is hunting, I usually have set objects around the area at various distances I prefocus on to make sure the focus is in range.  You don't want the camera racking in and out for a shot.

2) Focus area:  it depends.  Ideally, if I am accurate with my panning, I'll sent the autofocus sensor to the exact spot in the frame I intend to place the subject.  Using dynamic range focus helps make sure you at least get something in focus, but sometimes it's not the "something" you want.  Experimentation will tell you what works best.

3)  Metering:  My standard thought on metering is that no meter, no matter how accurate or "smart" knows what you want the end product to look like.  The whole key is to learn your camera's meter, so you know what it tends to do and then use exposure compensation for adjustments.  I use the "Sunny 16" rule as baseline, use matrix metering, and then adjust with EC for the desired result.    Again, experiment.  Another good rule of thumb is to err on the side of underexposure.  Blown out highlights are usually lost causes.  You at least can save underexposed images (although with a serious increase in noise). 

Just some thoughts.....

Also, I am not a D70 user (I shoot a D200), but these concepts should apply.

[CAVU Mark]

I shot with the D70 for a few years.  Tough camera mostly because the buffer is only good for three to four RAW shots.  Shoot norm jpgs and you can have better luck.

AF-C for moving objects of course, lead with pre focus (depressed shutter by1/2) . Center focus area typical and meter in matrix mode till you learn how to compensate.

Shoot jets as fast as you can, shot props slower and slower and slower until you have learned to pan like an expert (which is not me). Start at 320 or so and slow it down so you will get at least one or two good shots.

Good luck.

Mark

[oman]

I currently use the D70s and I gotta confirm what Mark says about the buffer when shooting RAW.  That plus the slow focusing I get with my Sigma 170-500mm leads to missed opportunities when the action is flying by (pun intended). 
To compensate, I try to plan the shot I'm trying for instead of just clicking away.