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Knowing Which Focus Modes To Use In Digital Cameras |
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Written by Dave Deane
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May 06, 2008 at 05:46 PM |
While some of the least expensive digital cameras have only automatic focus, meaning the camera does all the work on bringing your subject into the best possible focus, most SLR digitals
offer three different focus modes: manual, single auto focus and
continuous auto focus. All three of these will be addressed here.
With manual focus, the camera stays out of the focus equation and you,
the photographer, make all the decisions regarding this. This is done
by setting different buttons or actually using an attached focusing
ring that rotates on the camera lens. For those who like to have
complete creative control of the finished product, this is the best
focus mode.
In single auto focus mode, the camera automatically focuses when
you press the shutter button either all the way down to shoot a photo
or half way down to lock the focus. This mode is useful when shooting
static objects.
In continuous auto focus the camera continuously focuses on the objects
in the photo. In this mode the camera continuously corrects the focus
as the objects distance from the camera changes. This mode is useful
when you shoot photos of moving objects such as a race car during a
race or airplanes during an air show. You can hold the shutter button
half way down and continuously move the camera to follow the object.
The camera will continuously keep the object in focus.
Like any other feature automatic and manual focus modes have their pros
and cons. The first step to using them to your advantage is to
understand how they work and what they were designed for. The next step
is to experiment shoot photos using different focus modes and different
types of objects and see how the camera behaves. Once you have done
that you will be ready to instinctively use the best focus mode for
each photo situation.
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