Cheat sheet · Action

Camera settings for indoor sports

Gym light is dim and flickers: f/2.8, 1/500 s, high ISO and anti-flicker mode.

Shutter1/500–1/1000 s
Aperturef/1.8–f/2.8
ISO3200–12800
Anti-flickerOnAvoids banding
White balanceCustom / Kelvin
Quick start: Gym light is dim and flickers: f/2.8, 1/500 s, high ISO and anti-flicker mode.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 7. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 s
f/2.81/15 s1/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s
f/5.61/4 s1/15 s1/60 s1/250 s
f/80.5 s1/8 s1/30 s1/125 s
f/111 s1/4 s1/15 s1/60 s

Step by step#

  1. Set a custom white balance from the court.
  2. Enable flicker reduction.
  3. Use the baseline position.

Gear checklist#

  • 70–200 mm f/2.8 or 85 mm f/1.8

Pro tips#

  • Shoot at peak action (top of a jump) when motion briefly stops.

Common mistakes#

  • Electronic shutter banding under LEDs.
Outdoor sports1/1000 s or faster, continuous tracking AF and burst mode.…

Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for indoor sports?

Aperture: f/1.8–f/2.8 · Shutter: 1/500–1/1000 s · ISO: 3200–12800. Gym light is dim and flickers: f/2.8, 1/500 s, high ISO and anti-flicker mode.

What gear do I need for indoor sports?

70–200 mm f/2.8 or 85 mm f/1.8.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources