New Dslr user requires focal point advice

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steelcity65

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I have just purchased my first dslr camera that is a Sony A300, After reading through the instructions i am getting confused by focal points. Is it possiable to adjust the point at which the camera will focus on a subject?
For example i have seen one or two pictures on here with a shallow depth of field where the focused subject is not central to the picture eg the object in focus is to bottom left or right. Is this achieved through the camera or editing.
The A300 apperas to have three different focal grids in the settings are these anything to do with it? If not when would i require to chose a different focal grid?
I know this stuff is pretty basic but all assistance and advice would be appreciated.
Thanks Craig:thinking:
 
I'm not familiar with the focus controls on your camera, however I think you will find that you will be able to directly control which focus point (probably displayed in your view finder) you use. The alternative is leave the settings on centre point, pop it on your focal point, keep the shutter release depressed then recompose. Hope that makes sense.
 
Thanks for the advice.
So focus on the object in the centre then move the camera to obtain the image composition required before taking shot. I cann't believe it sounds so simple and obvious i should have thought of it. But hey i am still playing:bonk:
If any Sony A300 users no if it is possiable to change focal point advice would be appreciated.
Thanks Craig
 
I've gleaned the following info for you:
The multi selector (the large round button operated by your right thumb) is used to navigate menus and make selections (using the centre button). If the AF area is set to 'Local' the controller is also used to select your focus point when shooting. Pressing the centre button forces the camera to focus on the centre spot (irrespective of the focus area or spot currently in use). Use the Fn button to set the AF area mode.

Dizzy's advice works for anything other than the most critical of focus situations. In the heat of the moment you may find you overlook that the camera is using a previously selected off-centre focus point.
 
If you do still have difficulty locking on to the subject you want to be in focus, maybe due to other objects in close proximity being picked up by the auto focus then switch to manual focus and focus manually …. often better this way in cluttered scenes e.g. a bird sitting among branches & twigs.

The blurry background you mentioned in your first post is actually controlled by the lens aperture. Do you need info on this or are you happy on that ………. apologies if it’s granny & eggs etc :)

Dave B.
 
I am happy with the blurry feature, thanks tao assistance from people on here the other day. But am still tring to grasp how to adjuct the position in shot of the focus point.
I think i may try to man focus on an object and then do a recomposition for the photo when main image is in focus.
Thanks
Craig
 
I don't know how the Sony works, but if it is anything like my canon the default autofocus mode will be all focus points active. The the camera will decide which focal point to use - and usually that will be the one where the focus distance is closest to the camera.
That may be why you are seeing objects off centre that are in focus...
 
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