Hi Greg, when you are talking ahout metering and focussing modes, are you reffering to having spot metering turned on? what focus mode should you be on to focus on a specific point on canons?
@GregoryCazillo Thanks for the quick response - If anyone can enlighten me then pls comment. Out of interest, are you going to do a vid on metering modes?
Hi Greg, Great video. I'm an Semi-Amateur Wedding Videographer. And I'm in search for a DSLR camera. And I've found that Auto-Focus works best, without the shutter sounds and it is a lot more comfortable. I really want a camera with great video quality, preferably, basic 720p maximum 1080p. What would you suggest? For an Auto-Focus DSLR camera? I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix GH2. Are there any other you may recommend?
@kpaznflyboix I've never used the Panasonic cameras, I can't say if they are good or bad. If you want maximum flexibility and a system you can grow with I'd suggest buying the Nikon D7000 and a couple of lenses.
Hey Greg! I am a Semi-Pro Photographer and I got a question for you! I was wondering if their is a method for confirming a good and sharp focus? I use a Canon 50D and will hopfully get a full frame like the 5D Mark ll or Mark lll once it becomes avaliable. Sometimes after shooting a session I come back to edit my photos and some photos are more sharper than the others, even though they are on the same area of focus and the same distance from the DSLR. The LCD isnt always clear to show focus.
@UnitJato I'm not sure I can make any suggestions. I'm so used to the new Nikon screens which are super sharp and accurate, never had an issue myself. Sorry!
@UnitJato if you are shooting on an automatic setting like Tv, the aperture is being manipulated to expose correctly - images are sharpest when the aperture is set within its sweet spot, around f/8. it's different for each lens. Point is, all other things equal, the aperture setting can alter sharpness.
Subbed, and looking forward to watching more videos! I like your approach, and appreciate that you don't condescend to beginners. :) I learned on single point AF, and that's the one I use most often, but as a beginner it means I sometimes miss photos that others have told me I would get by using the 3D focus mode. Personally, I have never had luck with that mode, and it's a relief to hear it's not just me! I will try Continuous Focus mode in active situations, though.
Great video. I shoot with a Pentax K-r and the three focus modes are AF.S (Single), AF.C (Continuous) and AF.A (Auto).
One thing you might mention is focus calibration. I'm not sure about the Canikons but the Pentax has the ability to fine tune your focus. If a particular lens is backfocusing or front focusing slightly, there is a menu option to adjust the focus and get is spot on. Might be worth mentioning.
@ablundon That doesn't really fit into this video. Its an advanced subject not used by many people, especially beginners or intermediate photographers.
Hi Greg I use a Nikon D3s so I should know what I'm doing and have to say 95% of the time I do. I'm also a wildlife photographer and was interested in your observation you use Spot metering most of the time, where I tend to use Matrix. I wondered what your view would be on using spot for the majority of the shoot if shooting butterflies, birds in flight, static birds or animals in motion. Thanks Mate.
@xfilion I rarely use spot metering, did I say that? This video is about AF, I might have said spot incorrectly. I meant to say single point AF most likely.
I understood what you are saying in this video... But I think that's because I understood it from before...
I saw comments from Zeptome, and s/he doesn't understand... Maybe try be more visual with your explainations. If you can show it through the camera somehow... or example pictures of bad focus and show how they were shot... and then how you can correct...
@leo140485 I understand completely what Greg was saying. You won't see any of my photos with bad focus online (if that wasn't the point of the photo tho. :))
Something I haven't seen you or Jared discuss is focusing if you're shooting a couple. Can you use single-point AF with a couple? If so, where do you focus on with two faces and two pairs of eyes? If that's not the best way, which AF type do use for 2 people or 2 subjects in the same frame? Thanks!
@BWIBrendan You can focus on either person's eye. You'll just need to make sure your Aperture is wide enough that both faces are within the plane of focus. Using 2.8 probably isn't best. Try f4 or higher to make sure to get them both focused. In larger groups, with more rows of people, you'll need to go up to f8 or so.
Sorry but this kind of tutorial kinda fail when the only camera you referring to is the top of the line and the tutorial is aiming for ppl that are using a much simpler camera. For example, entry level camera's only have the middle point as cross-type making the others hard to use sometimes.
@zeptome not at all. I used to only use 9 points on my D3, D200, D100 and DCS cameras with the same results. I now have the option of using 52, have gotten used to it, and use them all the time now. Cameras have had adjustable focus points for over 10 years, not sure what you are speaking of.
@gregorycazillo What I'm saying it that the center focus point on entry level cameras is cross-type the rest ain't and that makes it sometimes a lot harder to even get focus so it's often not even possibility to use any other focus point then the one in the middle. This is not the case in any of those pro/prosumers cameras that you did list, they all have lot more cross-type focus points then just one....
@gregorycazillo ... Come on... Ofc they are useful but not as accurate as the center one, that one of the downside with the cheaper cameras and sometimes the center one is the only one that will find focus.
You should play some with an Nikon D3100/D5100 that only have one cross-type focus point or Canon 1100D/600D. Both Nikon D7000 and Canon 60D have 9 cross-type points.
@gregorycazillo ... Come on... Ofc they are useful but not as accurate as the center one, that one of the downside with the cheaper cameras and sometimes the center one is the only one that will find focus.
You should play some with an Nikon D3100/D5100 that only have one cross-type focus point or Canon 1100D/600D. Both Nikon D7000 and Canon 60D have 9 cross-type points.
@gregorycazillo Just wanted to add, I tested out the various focus points. Zeptome was right in the sense that some Focus Points don't lock in properly. It gets close, but's no-where near as sharp as the centre one. I've turned my focus points from 39 to 11, in hopes that within the 11, they're all Cross-Type Points.
@zeptome I think this Video is perfectly acceptable... I understand what he's trying to say... I'm not entirely sure what you're trying to say... I have shot with a Nikon 3100 which is an entry level DSLR and I can shoot Focus points on that... I don't understand what your problem with the video is...
@leo140485 Take your D3100, set it to one of the focus point that isn't the center one, point it to some low contrast dark spot where it can't find focus, switch to center point and point it to that spot and you will find focus.
The center focus point is more accurate, it's even better at 2.8 or better, that's just how it is, ask Nikon or Canon if you don't believe me. :)
@zeptome I don't own a D3100, I just have shot with one... I don't notice any issues with my D7000... Next time I have my friends D3100 in my hands I'll give it a go...
@leo140485 Ok. D7000 have more of those cross-type focus points, think it has 9.
For this experiment to work you need to make sure you find a spot where you can't focus tho, so turning of AF assist light my also be needed. Say it again, the other points are not totally worthless, the middle one is just better. :)
@zeptome I don't understand? There are Focus Points and Cross-Type focus Points? I just know the D7000 has 39 focus points total. Are you saying some are Cross-Type and some are standard? I just thought a Focus Point was a Focus Point...
@zeptome only the 15 center points of the d3 and d300 are cross type. others are sensitive in one direction only just like your amateur camera. the key is to focus where there is contrast (@ 1:45) and you'll be ok. the cross type is really needed only if very quick focus acquisition is very important and when working in low light
@zeptome only the 15 center points of the d3 and d300 are cross type. others are sensitive in one direction only just like your amateur camera. the key is to focus where there is contrast ( @1:45 ) and you'll be ok. the cross type is really needed only if very quick focus acquisition is very important and when working in low light
@zeptome To bad I can't show you since when I do liveview videos with my Canon 450D it won't use the same focus system and if I do use it, it turn off liveview when it focus and won't show. (Canon 450D can't do video native so do it hooked up to the computer.)
@gregorycazillo Even tho what you say is the best solution it's not always possibility to do so, it depend on your gear. It's better to find focus then not be able to get any focus at all. :)
Dude, how close and what lens were you using to get the deer footage? I have a 90-300 mm tamron, but I don't know if its good enough for wildlife. Please reply as I am a newbie and want to photograph wildlife
@gregorycazillo yeah. a term from us video-editors. tweaking the washed out video into sexy colors. I send you a D/L link via pm. I couldn't resist to do that, when I saw the cute, little deer.
@gregorycazillo yes. decent and for free: redgiantsoftware*com Colorista 1 is for free. nifty tutorial is on their page. or just use Curves (under video effects/color correction)
I LOVE YOU GREG!!
cmayoprowlerful 19 hours ago
Single point is 99% my focus type to..else? Well then manual, smooth lovely manual!
masticina 4 weeks ago
Hi Greg, when you are talking ahout metering and focussing modes, are you reffering to having spot metering turned on? what focus mode should you be on to focus on a specific point on canons?
josephtgarton 2 months ago
@josephtgarton Not sure what its called on a Canon, sorry. The vid is only about focusing not metering.
GregoryCazillo 2 months ago
@GregoryCazillo Thanks for the quick response - If anyone can enlighten me then pls comment. Out of interest, are you going to do a vid on metering modes?
josephtgarton 2 months ago
@josephtgarton Its on my list. I did a quick tip that pertains to exposure and metering watch?v=10wtlprdJXk
GregoryCazillo 2 months ago
EXCELLENT INFORMATION! Thanks, Greg!!
larkolena 2 months ago
Greg, how can you tell if the focusing on the camera body is off instead? I have the D7000.
PhotographsbyDavid 3 months ago
@PhotographsbyDavid Do you mean not accurately focusing?
gregorycazillo 3 months ago
Hi Greg, Great video. I'm an Semi-Amateur Wedding Videographer. And I'm in search for a DSLR camera. And I've found that Auto-Focus works best, without the shutter sounds and it is a lot more comfortable. I really want a camera with great video quality, preferably, basic 720p maximum 1080p. What would you suggest? For an Auto-Focus DSLR camera? I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix GH2. Are there any other you may recommend?
kpaznflyboix 3 months ago
@kpaznflyboix I've never used the Panasonic cameras, I can't say if they are good or bad. If you want maximum flexibility and a system you can grow with I'd suggest buying the Nikon D7000 and a couple of lenses.
gregorycazillo 3 months ago
Hey Greg! I am a Semi-Pro Photographer and I got a question for you! I was wondering if their is a method for confirming a good and sharp focus? I use a Canon 50D and will hopfully get a full frame like the 5D Mark ll or Mark lll once it becomes avaliable. Sometimes after shooting a session I come back to edit my photos and some photos are more sharper than the others, even though they are on the same area of focus and the same distance from the DSLR. The LCD isnt always clear to show focus.
UnitJato 3 months ago
@UnitJato I'm not sure I can make any suggestions. I'm so used to the new Nikon screens which are super sharp and accurate, never had an issue myself. Sorry!
gregorycazillo 3 months ago
@UnitJato if you are shooting on an automatic setting like Tv, the aperture is being manipulated to expose correctly - images are sharpest when the aperture is set within its sweet spot, around f/8. it's different for each lens. Point is, all other things equal, the aperture setting can alter sharpness.
yourlogicalfriend 2 months ago
Great information...
AsHxxxxAsH 4 months ago
Subbed, and looking forward to watching more videos! I like your approach, and appreciate that you don't condescend to beginners. :) I learned on single point AF, and that's the one I use most often, but as a beginner it means I sometimes miss photos that others have told me I would get by using the 3D focus mode. Personally, I have never had luck with that mode, and it's a relief to hear it's not just me! I will try Continuous Focus mode in active situations, though.
LydiaKrow 4 months ago
Be nice if you actually used a camera and showed us examples of what you are talking about..Kinda boring to just watch you on a bridge talking..
Thx for your time thou :)
Pezby69 4 months ago
Great video. I shoot with a Pentax K-r and the three focus modes are AF.S (Single), AF.C (Continuous) and AF.A (Auto).
One thing you might mention is focus calibration. I'm not sure about the Canikons but the Pentax has the ability to fine tune your focus. If a particular lens is backfocusing or front focusing slightly, there is a menu option to adjust the focus and get is spot on. Might be worth mentioning.
ablundon 4 months ago
@ablundon That doesn't really fit into this video. Its an advanced subject not used by many people, especially beginners or intermediate photographers.
gregorycazillo 4 months ago
Hi Greg I use a Nikon D3s so I should know what I'm doing and have to say 95% of the time I do. I'm also a wildlife photographer and was interested in your observation you use Spot metering most of the time, where I tend to use Matrix. I wondered what your view would be on using spot for the majority of the shoot if shooting butterflies, birds in flight, static birds or animals in motion. Thanks Mate.
xfilion 5 months ago
@xfilion I rarely use spot metering, did I say that? This video is about AF, I might have said spot incorrectly. I meant to say single point AF most likely.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@xfilion Sorry Greg I think I lost track there.
xfilion 5 months ago
@xfilion Sorry Greg I think I lost track there.
xfilion 5 months ago
thx
M3mPHiS 5 months ago
I understood what you are saying in this video... But I think that's because I understood it from before...
I saw comments from Zeptome, and s/he doesn't understand... Maybe try be more visual with your explainations. If you can show it through the camera somehow... or example pictures of bad focus and show how they were shot... and then how you can correct...
leo140485 5 months ago
@leo140485 I understand completely what Greg was saying. You won't see any of my photos with bad focus online (if that wasn't the point of the photo tho. :))
zeptome 5 months ago
Great video. There is a lot of great info in this one! :D
vwralph 5 months ago
good lesson this is where im having problem .. focus .........
thank you
fahim76uk 5 months ago
Great! Thank you once again, Greg!
whereLIFEhappens 5 months ago
You may want to show examples of what your explaining in pictures Greg
GENOMCHAOS 5 months ago
@GENOMCHAOS thats coming soon.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo Good stuff!
GENOMCHAOS 5 months ago
Something I haven't seen you or Jared discuss is focusing if you're shooting a couple. Can you use single-point AF with a couple? If so, where do you focus on with two faces and two pairs of eyes? If that's not the best way, which AF type do use for 2 people or 2 subjects in the same frame? Thanks!
BWIBrendan 5 months ago
@BWIBrendan You can focus on either person's eye. You'll just need to make sure your Aperture is wide enough that both faces are within the plane of focus. Using 2.8 probably isn't best. Try f4 or higher to make sure to get them both focused. In larger groups, with more rows of people, you'll need to go up to f8 or so.
MisterFrosty 5 months ago
@MisterFrosty Thanks, dude. I figured that about the aperture, but wasn't sure if focusing on just one subject would decrease the focus on the other.
BWIBrendan 5 months ago
@BWIBrendan all depends on the pose.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@BWIBrendan sure, you just need to take into consideration the 1/3-2/3 rule and be careful about picking your aperture.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
you are doing an awesome job greg, congrats. subscribe and support!
CyberJuanito 5 months ago
@CyberJuanito thanks, keep sharing my posts! that way the cazillion community grows!
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
I usually have to focus and recompose with my 550D, since I only got 9 AF points :(
ibrahimalghamdi94 5 months ago
@ibrahimalghamdi94 use what you have...it will get you closer than just using the center point all the time.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
...perfect ending to a video about focus when two fuzzy bokeh people walk into the background. Great video,
Cheers
BLEURfangers 5 months ago
Jareds not gonna like this when he always says focus and recompose. He said when you focus and hold the shutter half down and recompose
kmedina419 5 months ago
I bumped into you on that bridge today. Great site =D
kiteofdark 5 months ago
@kiteofdark Thanks!
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
wouldnt mind seeing examples or your focus technique in action. another great vid.
artawesome 5 months ago
52 AF points!!! wow not sure if i would know what to do with all those! i think my canon 50d has 9
WJFLorida 5 months ago
Sorry but this kind of tutorial kinda fail when the only camera you referring to is the top of the line and the tutorial is aiming for ppl that are using a much simpler camera. For example, entry level camera's only have the middle point as cross-type making the others hard to use sometimes.
zeptome 5 months ago
@zeptome not at all. I used to only use 9 points on my D3, D200, D100 and DCS cameras with the same results. I now have the option of using 52, have gotten used to it, and use them all the time now. Cameras have had adjustable focus points for over 10 years, not sure what you are speaking of.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago 7
@gregorycazillo What I'm saying it that the center focus point on entry level cameras is cross-type the rest ain't and that makes it sometimes a lot harder to even get focus so it's often not even possibility to use any other focus point then the one in the middle. This is not the case in any of those pro/prosumers cameras that you did list, they all have lot more cross-type focus points then just one....
zeptome 5 months ago
@zeptome If they can't be used then why would Canon/Nikon put them in the camera? Argument makes no sense.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago 10
@gregorycazillo ... Come on... Ofc they are useful but not as accurate as the center one, that one of the downside with the cheaper cameras and sometimes the center one is the only one that will find focus.
You should play some with an Nikon D3100/D5100 that only have one cross-type focus point or Canon 1100D/600D. Both Nikon D7000 and Canon 60D have 9 cross-type points.
zeptome 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo ... Come on... Ofc they are useful but not as accurate as the center one, that one of the downside with the cheaper cameras and sometimes the center one is the only one that will find focus.
You should play some with an Nikon D3100/D5100 that only have one cross-type focus point or Canon 1100D/600D. Both Nikon D7000 and Canon 60D have 9 cross-type points.
zeptome 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo Just wanted to add, I tested out the various focus points. Zeptome was right in the sense that some Focus Points don't lock in properly. It gets close, but's no-where near as sharp as the centre one. I've turned my focus points from 39 to 11, in hopes that within the 11, they're all Cross-Type Points.
leo140485 3 months ago
@zeptome I think this Video is perfectly acceptable... I understand what he's trying to say... I'm not entirely sure what you're trying to say... I have shot with a Nikon 3100 which is an entry level DSLR and I can shoot Focus points on that... I don't understand what your problem with the video is...
leo140485 5 months ago
@leo140485 Take your D3100, set it to one of the focus point that isn't the center one, point it to some low contrast dark spot where it can't find focus, switch to center point and point it to that spot and you will find focus.
The center focus point is more accurate, it's even better at 2.8 or better, that's just how it is, ask Nikon or Canon if you don't believe me. :)
zeptome 5 months ago
@zeptome I don't own a D3100, I just have shot with one... I don't notice any issues with my D7000... Next time I have my friends D3100 in my hands I'll give it a go...
leo140485 5 months ago
@leo140485 Ok. D7000 have more of those cross-type focus points, think it has 9.
For this experiment to work you need to make sure you find a spot where you can't focus tho, so turning of AF assist light my also be needed. Say it again, the other points are not totally worthless, the middle one is just better. :)
zeptome 5 months ago
@zeptome I don't understand? There are Focus Points and Cross-Type focus Points? I just know the D7000 has 39 focus points total. Are you saying some are Cross-Type and some are standard? I just thought a Focus Point was a Focus Point...
leo140485 5 months ago
@leo140485 9 out of your total 39 is cross-type. Or that at least what it say on the web. Don't use Nikon myself so... :)
zeptome 5 months ago
@zeptome only the 15 center points of the d3 and d300 are cross type. others are sensitive in one direction only just like your amateur camera. the key is to focus where there is contrast (@ 1:45) and you'll be ok. the cross type is really needed only if very quick focus acquisition is very important and when working in low light
valdezapg 5 months ago
@valdezapg Ah I see. Thought more on the sides was cross-type on pro cameras, then I rest my case, should have done it a long time ago tho. :)
zeptome 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@zeptome only the 15 center points of the d3 and d300 are cross type. others are sensitive in one direction only just like your amateur camera. the key is to focus where there is contrast ( @1:45 ) and you'll be ok. the cross type is really needed only if very quick focus acquisition is very important and when working in low light
valdezapg 5 months ago
@zeptome To bad I can't show you since when I do liveview videos with my Canon 450D it won't use the same focus system and if I do use it, it turn off liveview when it focus and won't show. (Canon 450D can't do video native so do it hooked up to the computer.)
zeptome 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo Even tho what you say is the best solution it's not always possibility to do so, it depend on your gear. It's better to find focus then not be able to get any focus at all. :)
zeptome 5 months ago
Thanks Greg ... nice video as always
AbdulazizAlShammari 5 months ago
So out of One Shot, Al Focus, and Al servo which one should i be using for sports photography? thankks and nice video
DanKPhotography 5 months ago
@DanKPhotography THANKS!
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@DanKPhotography the continuous one, I think thats servo in the canon.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo exactly, Servo
pixelcomet 5 months ago
Canon focus modes: One Shot, AI Focus, AI Servo
pixelcomet 5 months ago
Dude, how close and what lens were you using to get the deer footage? I have a 90-300 mm tamron, but I don't know if its good enough for wildlife. Please reply as I am a newbie and want to photograph wildlife
jwdesign336 5 months ago
@jwdesign336 she was about 30 feet from me, shot it with a D3s and 70-200 2.8.
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
best intro ever. good idea as for a mascot. so sweet. color grading would be up to me pls.
pixelcomet 5 months ago
@pixelcomet color grading?
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo yeah. a term from us video-editors. tweaking the washed out video into sexy colors. I send you a D/L link via pm. I couldn't resist to do that, when I saw the cute, little deer.
pixelcomet 5 months ago
@pixelcomet Yeah as you can see that is raw footage. Is that something I can do in Premiere?
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo yes. decent and for free: redgiantsoftware*com Colorista 1 is for free. nifty tutorial is on their page. or just use Curves (under video effects/color correction)
pixelcomet 5 months ago
Greg, @7:09, I think you're talking about the dynamic area.
IABoomerTube 5 months ago
Thanks Greg. Yet another great video!!
ffrostengren 5 months ago
My old Nikon D60 only has 3 focus points... xD
vcbabis 5 months ago
No comments about the deer?
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo He/She was in focus ; )
eforce1200 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo sooooo about that deer?
DanKPhotography 5 months ago
@DanKPhotography what about her? cool huh!
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo Prettyyyyy coooool lol. Sounded like you wanted a comment about the deer so I commented about her lol
DanKPhotography 5 months ago
Excellent Greg!...Just one thing, it would be great if you could show us how to do it, like you using you camera and showing how to...
Thanks man!...
SiDKiLLeR666 5 months ago
@SiDKiLLeR666 Don't worry, more coming soon!
gregorycazillo 5 months ago
@gregorycazillo you'r THE MAN!
SiDKiLLeR666 5 months ago
Also I can't wait for the give-away tonight :D
SilentEcho8 5 months ago
Thanks Greg, I used to focus and recompose. Not any more!
SilentEcho8 5 months ago
watch out. Those guys behind you look shifty..
xboxcrazee 5 months ago
very good
SnsDncr 5 months ago
Informative
novahauhnar 5 months ago