nice man. So with the action shots you're going to want to raise the shutter speed up a little. Probably 1/250 at least. check this stuff out.
Nice camera. Here are some other configuration and prices located here. http://primocameras.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=8527
All i'm doing is raising the shutter speed. All you have to do is go to shutter priority mode. Those water shots are all done with 1/160. Experimenting is the best way to see what works best. Remember you're shooting with a digital camera so don't worry about wasting shots.
Yes, but your subject is only about a foot away. When you're shooting with a telephoto lens, in a dimly lit sports arena, you're not going to be able to use a super-fast shutter speed. Those guys who get the great NBA photos for Sports Illustrated are sitting on the sideline, and much closer to the players than Bosco in his $35.00 seat up in Section C.
Maybe THE can answer this, but do they normally warm up in wtf they want to? I see they all have various shirts/coats on.