Photographing with DSLR cameras allows you to explore a world of options and varieties, all professionally, with great refinement and high quality.
One of the most extraordinary functions of these machines is undoubtedly the blur tool, which allows the photographer to focus more on the other elements surrounding the landscape while, the camera, works to find the best scenario for each particular capture.
- Autofocus ensures that the photo’s climax is explored to the fullest.
- Reinforcing its importance in each set of recorded images.
However, there are many cases where this machined function ends up making it difficult to record a particular image and this is due to many internal and external factors to the DSLR camera.
To eliminate this problem in your daily working life, let’s talk a little bit about autofocus, what it’s for, what it’s for, and how to avoid those small mistakes that can interfere with a good job.
If you are a beginner in the field of photography or just a lover of this art, who photographs as a hobby, you may be wondering now: But, after all, what is autofocus?
Well, autofocus is a wonderful feature available in many ranges of cameras, professional and amateur, that works directly on the autofocus of an image.
This tool highlights a particular point of the portrait, being a person or object, depending on the tastes and preferences of the photographer, which makes the photo more differentiated and unique, since it records the look of the professional who performs the work.
And if you think this feature is just one part of the most modern and novel photography, of the digital age, you’re wrong. The use of autofocus, designed in standard cameras, dates back to 1977. Since then, this feature has been constantly improved for more dynamic and complete work.
DSLR cameras today offer the widest range of autofocus options
Easy to use, because to activate the function it is usually sufficient to lightly press the shutter button, this feature saves the photographer time, allowing him to direct his attention to other elements that make up the photo being taken. See.
It is important to note that there are two different types of autofocus: active autofocus and passive. See the differentiation of each of them:
Active autofocus: Commonly used in compact cameras, it is the function that works in the camera emitting a type of energy that detects, by itself, how far from the photographed object.
Older camera models performed this calculation using sonar systems, such as ultrasound, to determine this distance and adjust focus. The latest models, on the other hand, perform this calculation using pulses of infrared light.
The great advantage of these systems is that even in low light environments, the focus on objects or people becomes very effective because, using ultrasound, the amount of lighting present in the environment is enormous.
But, among its main limitations, it is worth mentioning that the active autofocus will not be useful for images that are recorded through the windows, for example, since the barrier imposed on it, the glass, will dictate what to focus on differently. the photographer’s wish.
Darker or darker objects can also cause momentary confusion in the camera, as they can absorb infrared light and interfere with the interpretation of the focus sensor.
Warning: the infrared sensor is usually located near the camera lens and to focus objects or people, it needs to be placed in the middle of the frame, then pull the camera trigger, always halfway through, so that the system recognizes what needs to be directed.
Once the camera points out that it has found the object, which can be through a whistle or signal shown directly on the screen, the photographer can make changes to the image, always by pressing the trigger, until he finds the perfect time to complete the image.
Passive autofocus: Present in the most professional digital cameras with interchangeable lenses, as in DSLR cameras, the passive autofocus system works by focusing through the analysis of the light entering the sensor.
The mechanism of this resource looks for the most important contrasts between the two pixels closest to the camera, interpreting that the image is correctly focused when it encounters this contrast.
The camera’s microprocessor analyzes images, looking at pixels within the frame, while making the best possible focus between contrasts.
It should be noted that this differentiation is analyzed in advance due to camera-specific focus points, and this number, i. e. the number of autofocus points, varies greatly depending on the model and brand of your DSRL.
This feature is amazing and very advantageous, as it opens up a wide range of work options in the same landscape, just add with a good artistic look to the stage and you’re done: an excellent result will definitely appear!
The main advantage of passive autofocus is, therefore, that it does not depend on the distance between objects or people and the camera, since it has a high focus power.
Among its limitations is the need to use light, both natural and artificial, to focus, which requires additional devices, such as auxiliary lanterns, for example, for photo shoots in which the environment is darker or cloudier.
Another common problem is the automatic orientation of the camera to a more important point of contrast than the one previously chosen by the professional to highlight, which in this case is the focus.
Remember: each DSRL camera model has several points for autofocus. The newest and most modern cameras have more than 60 AF colliders.
Of course, this resource is very interesting and helps to put creativity to work, but it is important to note that the photographer’s knowledge of how to use all this power is really essential to make good imaging followed by a satisfactory result of the work. . Right?
And because errors and autofocus issues in DSLR cameras are constant and common, we’ve selected some tips to help you find the fastest and most perfect solution to your doubt, ensuring the photo shoot doesn’t stop!
Often, the problem with autofocus that doesn’t work properly is that the camera doesn’t fit the lens correctly.
To help the photographer, most machine models on the market provide a brand that indicates what alignment should exist between the parties.
Therefore, identify this brand directly on your model, place the lens base on the DSRL camera, and rotate it until you hear the click, confirming that the setting has been successful.
In a hurry from one session to the next, could your camera be in MF mode?Manual? A small distraction that can greatly disrupt the work of the professional.
This can be simple, a simple distraction, but so you don’t run the risk of breaking your head for nothing, it’s always worth checking whether AF mode is enabled or not, and only then can you start shooting.
Then we will see that it is important to know the variations of the autofocus modes of your DSRL camera, after all, this important function assumes many different postures, depending on each model.
Another simple tip, isn’t it? But, of course, it makes a difference in the result of the job and therefore you must remember it!
DSLR cameras are quite different and can cause a lot of remoteness, especially for those who are beginners or amateurs in the photographic industry. Lack of intimacy with such machines can cause button shooting and unexpected functions at this time, which is very common. confusion at first!
All attention is therefore due when handling the camera!In addition, with time and practice, this problem also tends to be minimized.
Dirt, regardless of nature, size or shape, can significantly affect the quality of photos, so care is taken to manipulate each of the equipment that makes up the project’s photographic structure, such as cameras and lenses.
It is normal for the lens to get dirty between one session and the next, after all, it is extremely exposed to the environment, which ends up directing the autofocus, which is confused by the possible proximity of spots and scratches.
Obviously, lenses are the simplest part of cleaning the cameras. To go further, it is also essential to keep the interior of the DSRL camera clean, as in addition to keeping all the hardware longer, it ensures that all functions can be used freely. at full capacity.
To perform this cleaning, the photographer can either purchase specific kits for his DSRL camera, which are available on the market, or go to an authorized store for the device to go through this procedure, at the discretion of each professional.
The most essential rule in a photographer’s life is to know all the details and details of his team, why am I talking about this?Easy! Autofocus goes far beyond the choice between manual or automatic.
That’s right, as mentioned above, each DSRL camera has a specific structure with respect to the AF: autofocus function. Some models have predefined options, others range from 9 to more than 60 AF collimators. Knowing what your camera is capable of will make all the difference at the time of the session.
Each option offered by the AF function is best suited to a specific occasion or environment and you need to know this differentiation before simply moving to take pictures.
See the following example to better understand the possibilities of using autofocus.
Autofocus modes
One Shot: The best autofocus option for static object photographs, the system works to focus a single object every time the professional presses the shutter mid-run. In this mode, it will not be possible to follow a moving point, so it becomes extremely interesting for landscape photographs, for example.
AL Servo: Totally opposite to One Shot autofocus mode, it is most appropriate for photographing moving objects, as the focus follows the highlight while pressing the button with half a click. Focus area settings are set only when the button is pressed.
AL Focus: Basically, it works as an automatic mode in the autofocus function. When this option is selected, the DSRL camera switches between One Shot and AL Servo as each image is recorded.
As in many other fields and fields, in photography it is necessary to exercise all theory to achieve the desired level of quality and professionalism.
Photographing requires a lot of meaning, creativity, technical knowledge and, above all, dedication. Every photographer is responsible for his performance, there is no doubt!
Autofocus photos are beautiful and unique!Two different photographers are unlikely to make the same image, and that’s because it’s an art that varies greatly depending on each artist’s vision.
The most useful and valuable tip is this: Practice!
Search, know, experiment, always seek to improve. Whatever your level, whether as a novice photographer or as a renowned and renowned photographer in the market, always try to practice, because only practice can drive perfectly.
Always dare to explore new horizons, new points, new axes!I’m sure you’ll do an extraordinary job if you dare and take a chance!