[Ali]

Um... I think I've been a bit dim, and I think I understand what I have done but just wanted to check so asking here. Stuff feeling stupid and about as intelligent as a squished flea - I need to understand so try no to laugh too loudly.

I took a series of 'scenery' shots of the most gorgeous bluebell woods yesterday. Having downloaded the images every one looks out of focus. As I was handholding I was making sure that shutter speed was fast enough for focal length used etc so I'm not sure it's all down to camera shake. I think it could be the following:

I half pressed shutter to focus lock and then reframed. I have just realised that my AF mode is set to "AI Focus" and not "One Shot". So... I guess as I reframed the AF mode thought my subject was moving and it switched to AI Servo?

Now - would that be a reasonable explanation? Or have I missed the point completely / am totally pants and should learn crochet? (delete as appropriate!)

[Charlotte]

Ali, you are NOT stupid! And yes, I think that would be a reasonable explanation In some AF modes, the camera will not shoot if nothing is in focus, but in other modes it will allow you to shoot even if nothing is in focus. Make sure you use single servo, and also double check in your viewfinder that what you want sharp is in fact in focus before pressing the shutter release

[JMitchell]

On some cameras (Nikon) you can set to choose between release priority and focus priority in continuous servo...
That could be a reasonable explanation, and it is another reason (sorry Charlotte) not to use the focus and recompose method. If there is something you want to focus on not covered by your focus point, especially with a stantionary subject like this, either manual focus or work around it, but making sure you are focusing on something within the frame of the final shot, not beforehand.

[Charlotte]

Originally Posted by JMitchell

... and it is another reason (sorry Charlotte) not to use the focus and recompose method.

Why "sorry" Jack? I use manual focus too, the way you describe

[JMitchell]

just cos you mentioned using the focus and recompose method in another thread. Ignore me if not

[Charlotte]

Oh ok, yes I remember, but I think it was a noob I was helping, in which case I tend to refer to that method In fact I do use it myself sometimes, if the situation calls for it.

[JMitchell]

lol Charlotte your l33t-ism showing through there <ggggg>
Fair enough we all have our own methods, plus with 51 focus points, who needs focus and recompose anyway

[Charlotte]

My what??!!

Well, for example, if I'm using spot metering I might meter off the spot which I want to be in sharp focus, so then I'll simply lock the exposure + focus at the same time + recompose. Doesn't seem daft to me And anyway sometimes it's quicker to recompose than to choose a different focus area thingy

[JMitchell]

Your l33t ism, (leet ism), meaning your prejudice against 'n00bs'. Twas a joke

I see what you mean, and I probably do do it sometimes, but not regularly je crois...

[Charlotte]

Not leetism (sic), just talking a language that noobs are most likely to understand ... it's called being helpful

[stepheno]

Whenever I notice some muck.

[Charlotte]

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