Autofocus Camera Tips
Sometimes Your Camera’s Autofocus Can Have a Mind of its Own Right?
The Autofocus in most cameras is meant to be revolutionary. So why would you need autofocus camera tips? Well let me guess…
Don’t panic, generally it isn’t the camera but human error. For this I need to split the page into 2 categories, "Point and Shoot" cameras and SLR’s. The focussing and autofocus camera tips for each of these types of camera is quite different.
Autofocus Camera Tips: Point and Shoot or Compact Cameras
The problem with these types of camera is actually quite common, but you can get around it.
Smaller compact cameras, especially digital, have what is known as shutter lag. This means that no matter how hard you press the shutter, it will not take the photograph until it thinks the subject is in focus.
This can be up to 2 seconds, by which time, your subject may have moved a little. This is emphasised more the closer you are to the subject.
Autofocus Camera Tips: SLR or Digital SLR Cameras
Using one of these cameras means you have a greater chance of taking blurred photographs than if you were using a compact camera.
Secondly, most modern SLR’s have many focussing points in the cameras viewfinder, personally, I switch these off. In between focussing and taking the photograph, the subject only has to move a little and the ultra sensitive focussing points will divert to a different part of the picture.
For one, the lens can accidentally switch to manual focus by “nudging” the switch on the side of the lens (I have done this on a few occasions).
If you use AI Servo mode, the points will continuously focus on the subject as it moves. Great if you get the hang of it, but if not enough points are on the subject, yes you guessed it, the camera will focus on something else.
One Shot
Using “one-shot” mode is safer, but once the camera has focussed it stays focussed on that point so PRESS THE SHUTTER quickly. If you don’t and again the subject moves, it could be thrown out of focus.
The photo at the top of the page is a prime example. Amber stayed perfectly still and I nailed the focus. However, a single blink caused her to move just enough to go out of focus. This is more likely to happen when the aperture is wide open!
More autofocus tips and please share
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