Manual Focus vs Autofocus
- Thread starter rombe3jr
- Start date
Help... anyone???
Help... anyone???
Okay, its obvious this post is being passed over by the forum. I am sorry if everyone here is too far advanced for such a simple question. Could someone at least direct me to another source that may help answer the question? Again, just trying to figure out what advantages/disadvantages there are to auto-focus vs. manual focus on a DSLR for a noob like myself. Thanks in advance.
Help... anyone???
Okay, its obvious this post is being passed over by the forum. I am sorry if everyone here is too far advanced for such a simple question. Could someone at least direct me to another source that may help answer the question? Again, just trying to figure out what advantages/disadvantages there are to auto-focus vs. manual focus on a DSLR for a noob like myself. Thanks in advance.
Manual focus is on you. Your responsibility. If you screw up, it's your fault.
It's difficult. If you're perfect, everything will be in focus.
Nobody's perfect. But if you can plan your shots, you can
nail focus.
AF is on the camera. It's pretty good. It will definitely
screw up, and you will lose shots. But most of the time
it is better than you, especially in a dynamic environment
when you have no plan. Except when it decides to hunt
for something you have no interest in hunting, which it
will, especially in low light
If you're in a situation where you need to cover every moment
in front of the camera you better go manual focus. If you are
covering an event where you can afford to throw away some
bad shots, and just need a preponderance of good ones,
you can rely on auto-focus.
It's difficult. If you're perfect, everything will be in focus.
Nobody's perfect. But if you can plan your shots, you can
nail focus.
AF is on the camera. It's pretty good. It will definitely
screw up, and you will lose shots. But most of the time
it is better than you, especially in a dynamic environment
when you have no plan. Except when it decides to hunt
for something you have no interest in hunting, which it
will, especially in low light
If you're in a situation where you need to cover every moment
in front of the camera you better go manual focus. If you are
covering an event where you can afford to throw away some
bad shots, and just need a preponderance of good ones,
you can rely on auto-focus.
PerroneFord
Deals in Lead
What is an appropriate answer to the question?
How hard is it? Uhhh 7. Maybe 12.
If you want a question answered it has to be asked in a way that can actually elicit an answer. Can it be mastered in a weekend? No. Can one be reasonable with it with a few months practice? Yes.
Hollywood dedicates an entire crew position to this SOLE duty. It's called the first camera assistant (aka 1st AC). Their sole job is to focus. It's not an easy skill to really MASTER.
The best way for you to answer this question is to go out, and try it. It costs nothing to do so. Maybe you're a natural at it.
Paul Nordin
Active member
I'm probably splitting hairs, as you likely know this. But the 1AC has focus as a primary responsibility, but not thier sole responsibility. They are also responsible for the camera kit, and camera setup.
PerroneFord
Deals in Lead
I was trying to keep it simple... But of course you're right and probably best that you corrected this.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thanks for all the response... its obvious that Manual Focus will take some real work and practice. I'd like to try it out before purchasing. Funny but most people I know with a DSLR are a couple years old and don't have video capabilities yet... so might just have to try out the T2i at the local camera shop instead. On the other hand, it sounds like Autofocus would come in handy for some "spur of the moment" shots. That is a tough one... buy a good camera w/o autofocus now or wait about a year and most of these will probably have the feature. But again, thanks, its much appreciated!
Thank you!
Thanks for all the response... its obvious that Manual Focus will take some real work and practice. I'd like to try it out before purchasing. Funny but most people I know with a DSLR are a couple years old and don't have video capabilities yet... so might just have to try out the T2i at the local camera shop instead. On the other hand, it sounds like Autofocus would come in handy for some "spur of the moment" shots. That is a tough one... buy a good camera w/o autofocus now or wait about a year and most of these will probably have the feature. But again, thanks, its much appreciated!
Um, AF is on the camera? It's pretty good?
Which DSLR are you referring to? I can't think of a single one that fits this bill while in video mode.
The truth is that most people rely on their depth of field for tough shots. Even on real film crew f2.8-4 is par for the course even with a 1st AC, and that is with a much smaller image size. (the 35mm film format has for the most part been smaller than traditional 35mm photography) So on a full frame camera for instance, an equivalent would be around f5.6 when you are trying to pull focus. It's do-able with a little practice. If you have the time and can set up the shot, especially on sticks, then you can certainly open up more.
Sorry, when I said AF is on the camera, I meant to say it is
out of your control as in out of your hands.
Yeah, it's pretty good at acquiring focus but not so
good at following. But better than you might think.
I use a GH1(3). Quickly acquire focus, press
record. This is a pretty useful feature but as mentioned
"it will definitely screw up and you will lose shots."
Obviously, you wouldn't want to use AF for narrative work.
Your points on DOF are well taken.
out of your control as in out of your hands.
Yeah, it's pretty good at acquiring focus but not so
good at following. But better than you might think.
I use a GH1(3). Quickly acquire focus, press
record. This is a pretty useful feature but as mentioned
"it will definitely screw up and you will lose shots."
Obviously, you wouldn't want to use AF for narrative work.
Your points on DOF are well taken.