Having problems with picture sharpness?

scottcampbell

scottcampbell

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Just something I've been doing recently...

If you can't get good, sharp focus then use both the back focus button on your camera and the 'area selection' focus option. I know this is a well-known tip, but if you haven't tried it it's really worth it! I thought it would be difficult to get used to but it has improved the sharpness of focus vastly!
 
What kind of subjects are you shooting, Scott? Wouldn't it depend on the situation?

I use back button but usually use spot focus (mainly doing animals and people at the minute, so very much looking for eye focus).
 
I'd say spot focus is the most accurate if you understand how the cameras focus system works.
 
A lot of soft focus 'problems' are down to people not realising that a digital image will always come out a bit soft and will therefore need some sharpening, either in camera or using post-production software.
 
I used BBF when I had a 5D2 and 7D combo but while I was really happy with it on the 5D2 the 7D really didn't work with it. I got some perfectly sharp photos but most of the time it was really poor. I went back to using both with front button focussing as it was too confusing having different ways on 2 bodies.

I sold both of the bodies and bought a 5D3 and later added a 60D and I tried BBF again and now I use it all the time. The 5D3 and 60D are spot on both ways, but I find it much easier using BBF and separate metering on the front.
I always use spot focus on my 5D3 as it's much more accurate, haven't used it on the 60D yet so I don't know if it even does spot, for shooting birds and insects through foliage etc.
 
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Spot focus is what I mean! I do a lot of music/entertainment photography and it helps a lot!
 
i think he meant it will focus on what YOU want to focus on, instead of the camera deciding (often incorrectly) on an area of focus points.

what's the difference between spot focus and dynamic area focus?
 
that still has nothing to do with whether the back button or the shutter button activates the AF.
Selecting an AF point allows you to decide rather than camera and this is not affected by which button activates the AF.

Spot focus is where you pick a specific focus point whereas dynamic area is where you have a rectangle (sized by user) and the camera will give best focus within that area.
 
The 7d has an extra spot mode for more accuracy, I presume other models/makes will to.

It's a "spot within a spot" mode, reducing the size of the af sampling area so you can lock on to a very small area.
 
Comfortably Numb said:
The 7d has an extra spot mode for more accuracy, I presume other models/makes will to.

It's a "spot within a spot" mode, reducing the size of the af sampling area so you can lock on to a very small area.
Click to expand...

Mainly used for Macro shots.
 
ernesto said:
that still has nothing to do with whether the back button or the shutter button activates the AF.
Selecting an AF point allows you to decide rather than camera and this is not affected by which button activates the AF.

Spot focus is where you pick a specific focus point whereas dynamic area is where you have a rectangle (sized by user) and the camera will give best focus within that area.
Click to expand...

Yes I get this and I never let the camera pick where I'm focusing. What I don't get is why the forum always ties the back button to spot focusing or how its a great advantage over using the shutter button. If I am understanding you correctly it's just a relocation of the button to the back instead of the front where either button can do the same exact thing right??

I just want to clarify this because I read a lot of hype about how great this is and I keep thinking that I must be missing something...
 
wuyanxu said:
i think he meant it will focus on what YOU want to focus on, instead of the camera deciding (often incorrectly) on an area of focus points.


I see this type of post a lot. I guess that's why I keep thinking I'm missing something. The op's imply that because they are using the back button that their picture are sharper focused when it really is about spot focusing which can be done with the shutter button straight out of the box. ((I think!!!))
Click to expand...
 
BBF is great, not because it is more accurate, but because it is more flexible and can allow you to operate the camera more quickly/conveniently without having to switch between AF modes. Two main advantages....

1) You can leave the camera in AI Servo (Continuous) AF mode and you can simulate One Shot (Single) mode by briefly pressing the BB to acquire focus and then releasing it;

2) You can take a picture without having the camera (re)focus when you don't want it to, without having to switch in and out of MF all the time.

As a combination this is great because you can track moving subjects easily, and if/when they stop moving it is no problem to be able to focus and recompose by simply releasing the button. You can then release the shutter as often as you like without having the camera refocus somewhere else. Equally you might be shooting a static subject, such as a bird in a tree, where you might use the centre point to focus, and then recompose, but when the bird takes flight you instantly have AI Servo ready at your thumb tip to start tracking the moving target.

Nothing at all to do with improved accuracy. Just potentially more convenient, but it depends how/what you choose to shoot.

EDIT : Third advantage - if an obstacle momentarily gets (partially) in the way of your subject you can temporarily stop focusing but continue shooting, resuming AF once the obstacle has passed.

The thing is, focusing is one operation whilst taking the shot is another, so why have both operations tied to the same button? Surely it is better to be able to choose when to focus (and when not to) and when to take the shot.
 
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tdodd said:
BBF is great, not because it is more accurate, but because it is more flexible and can allow you to operate the camera more quickly/conveniently without having to switch between AF modes. Two main advantages....

1) You can leave the camera in AI Servo (Continuous) AF mode and you can simulate One Shot (Single) mode by briefly pressing the BB to acquire focus and then releasing it;

2) You can take a picture without having the camera (re)focus when you don't want it to, without having to switch in and out of MF all the time.

As a combination this is great because you can track moving subjects easily, and if/when they stop moving it is no problem to be able to focus and recompose by simply releasing the button. You can then release the shutter as often as you like without having the camera refocus somewhere else. Equally you might be shooting a static subject, such as a bird in a tree, where you might use the centre point to focus, and then recompose, but when the bird takes flight you instantly have AI Servo ready at your thumb tip to start tracking the moving target.

Nothing at all to do with improved accuracy. Just potentially more convenient, but it depends how/what you choose to shoot.

EDIT : Third advantage - if an obstacle momentarily gets (partially) in the way of your subject you can temporarily stop focusing but continue shooting, resuming AF once the obstacle has passed.

The thing is, focusing is one operation whilst taking the shot is another, so why have both operations tied to the same button? Surely it is better to be able to choose when to focus (and when not to) and when to take the shot.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for that detailed explanation. I see how it could be useful. I might just need to give it a try. I haven't so far because I didn't really understand what it was used for. I have been in many situations where I did not want to refocus but my camera did..

Thanks again for taking the time to explain.
 
BBF is fine just as long as one can reach the blasted button, especially if you wear spectacles.

The button on the D7000 I could never get to.
 
tdodd said:
BBF is great, not because it is more accurate, but because it is more flexible and can allow you to operate the camera more quickly/conveniently without having to switch between AF modes. Two main advantages....

1) You can leave the camera in AI Servo (Continuous) AF mode and you can simulate One Shot (Single) mode by briefly pressing the BB to acquire focus and then releasing it;

2) You can take a picture without having the camera (re)focus when you don't want it to, without having to switch in and out of MF all the time.

As a combination this is great because you can track moving subjects easily, and if/when they stop moving it is no problem to be able to focus and recompose by simply releasing the button. You can then release the shutter as often as you like without having the camera refocus somewhere else. Equally you might be shooting a static subject, such as a bird in a tree, where you might use the centre point to focus, and then recompose, but when the bird takes flight you instantly have AI Servo ready at your thumb tip to start tracking the moving target.

Nothing at all to do with improved accuracy. Just potentially more convenient, but it depends how/what you choose to shoot.

EDIT : Third advantage - if an obstacle momentarily gets (partially) in the way of your subject you can temporarily stop focusing but continue shooting, resuming AF once the obstacle has passed.

The thing is, focusing is one operation whilst taking the shot is another, so why have both operations tied to the same button? Surely it is better to be able to choose when to focus (and when not to) and when to take the shot.
Click to expand...

In addition using BBF separates the focus and metering functions. If tracking a moving subject using BBF and continuous focus (AI Servo) the camera will take a new meter reading every time the shutter is pressed.
 
I read about BBF in a magazine when I very first started out and couldn't really get to grips with it, but now I know what I'm doing a little bit I love it and it's especially good for moving targets like kids!
 
Brizzoluk said:
I read about BBF in a magazine when I very first started out and couldn't really get to grips with it, but now I know what I'm doing a little bit I love it and it's especially good for moving targets like kids!
Click to expand...

I agree, I use it all the time now and get a much higher rate of 'keepers'.
 
I prefer not to use BBF as my thumb is assigned to the joystick control so that I can move the AF point around whilst tracking in AI servo mode with the shutter button half pressed. Not had any problems with tracking low level 500mph jets.
 
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jacob12_1993 said:
It's not just you, I find it impossible on my pair of D7000s :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I thought it was just me! I look through the viewfinder with my left eye meaning the AE Lock button (normally set for BBF?) is covered by my right eye :(
 
Phil1974 said:
I thought it was just me! I look through the viewfinder with my left eye meaning the AE Lock button (normally set for BBF?) is covered by my right eye :(
Click to expand...

When I changed from Canon to Nikon I actually ended up changing eye from left to right. I found using my left eye meant I couldn't access the controls easily because my face was in the way!
 
EspressoJunkie said:
When I changed from Canon to Nikon I actually ended up changing eye from left to right. I found using my left eye meant I couldn't access the controls easily because my face was in the way!
Click to expand...

We should petition Nikon to make a wider model for all left eyed shooters :lol:
 
tdodd said:
2) You can take a picture without having the camera (re)focus when you don't want it to, without having to switch in and out of MF all the time.
Click to expand...

Having BBF also means (for USM/HSM lenses) that you can use manual focus override - you can use the focus ring on your lens to manually focus whilst keeping it switched to AF - and then take the shot without the camera re-focussing :)
 
I use the back button set to Focus Stop so that in a high pressure situation I haven't left the focus on a point that is nolonger useful.
I have not decided if I prefer servo or One-shot focusing yet either, and this after 20years with an AF camera.
Moving the focus point for individual situations.
Always trying to find a work flow that is second nature and quick but minimises mistakes.
 
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