When trying to get "good action shots" what are you doing and not doing, exactly? Do pictures come out blurred? Slightly out of focus? Shutter delay? Granted, I don't have this camera but I can try and help you with the settings and correct some of the bad habits you may be incorporating.
What these "other forums" are saying is basically what a lot of brand name enthusiasts say ... much like what r/c fans tend ot do as well. LOL
I have a Canon 20D. The difference between this and yours is that mine is a Digital SLR. Yes you have the same or pretty close megapixel rating as mine (8.2Mp) but the canon incorporates everything that an SLR uses. THIS is probably where the problems might be occuring during your use.
Please let me know how you are setting it up (Aperture, ISO, Speed, Focus points, lighting, frame rate). Also if you're panning or clicking away as the subject passes.
Here is an example of a shot I took at trax that had everything set manually. Important thing is to be prepared, know or try to estimate your subjects line and have your focus point already set. IF you have a multiburst setting, just let her rip and look for the best shot.
This is an example of a "panning shot." I left the auto focus on for this one but had the focal point preset. I beleive your F828 has preset points. Have it set for CENTER. Set the speed to at least 500/sec for your speed and a narrow focal depth to enhance the "speed" in the shot even more.
Another tip, shoot with a large setting for your Megapixles. If you have a RAW mode, shoot with that as well. It makes editing easier. Also, when cropping and resizing your picture, you won't loose too much clarity. The picture will still be sharp. You can shrink em but to enlarge them will distort and make it more pixelated.
Be prepared too! Opportunity knocks but only once! I carry my camera almost everywhere I go when traveling or running my r/c.
Here's an "opportunity shot"
Click the thumbnail to get the full picture. Warning, it's pretty big!
