PowerShot SX70 HS Recommended settings for graduation ceremony

[DHeron1964]

Hi

I recently purchased a Powershot SX70 HS and am still navigating my way around the functions and settings

In a few days I'll be taking shots of my daughter's graduation.  I'm guessing the lighting won't be great and I'll probably have to use the zoom quite a bit to capture the moment.  

What are going to be the best settings?  I know the auto focus in sports mode (for continious shooting) is a bit hit and miss and a little on the slow side especially in low light conditions.  Can I set the Manual Focus and then do a continuous shoot?  Can someone talk me through it?  Is there a better set up?

Apologies, I'm in my work and don't have my camera with me to go through the steps.

Thanks everyone - any advice greatly appreciated.

[Tronhard]

Hi and welcome to the forum:
Unfortunately, a camera with a tiny sensor like that of the SX series is going to be challenged by low light.  It is impossible for us to give you precise settings without knowing what situation you are in at the time as regards distance, light etc.

What I can suggest is to get as close to the stage as you can and position yourself so that there are no lights directly behind where you expect your daughter.   Try to get to the venue a little early and practice your shooting without anyone on stage, and if your daughter is not early on the list shoot a couple of the other students as they graduate.

You could set the focus manually, however exposure is likely to be your biggest challenge, and for that I suggest you set the camera to Auto mode and try a few shots in situ.