|
There are two types of focus available on an SLR camera, manual focus and
automatic focus. These days the automatic focus systems are very accurate
and some will never need to use manual focus. With new SLR cameras you
will usually have multiple exposure points. These can be very handy as it
will mean that sometimes you won�t have to focus on an object then move
the camera again to take the photograph (also called re-composing).
Automatic focus
When using automatic focus the camera chooses the focus for you. There are
different modes that the camera uses to focus on an object, some can track
focus and keep changing its focus until the photograph is taken and some
just lock focus. For more information about this check your camera�s
manual. To use automatic focus simply switch the focus switch to AF (if
you are using an older SLR you might only have manual focus).
Manual focus
Manual focus is used when either the automatic focus fails or you want the
focus in an exact point like taking macro shots (close ups). To use this
mode of focus switch the focus switch to MF. Usually you adjust the focus
with a focus ring which is situated on the lens somewhere. A common reason
for the automatic focus to fail is in low light situation. In these
situations though, it is quite hard to judge the focus in the viewfinder
and many shots will not be in focus.
Next article >>
What is Aperture size?
|
|
