Dynamic-area AF vs 3D-tracking autofocus: I am not sure if I understand the difference between those two AF-area modes (for Nikon) even after reading manual. Can anyone explain ? For...

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

I am not sure if I understand the difference between those two AF-area modes (for Nikon) even after reading manual.
Can anyone explain ?
For example if I am photographing my two grandsons playing with ball which one do I use? Thank you.

amehta Loc: Boston

dandi wrote:

I am not sure if I understand the difference between those two AF-area modes (for Nikon) even after reading manual.
Can anyone explain ?
For example if I am photographing my two grandsons playing with ball which one do I use? Thank you.

I believe 3D-tracking will follow the subject all the way across the frame, while dynamic-area AF (especially 9-point) is better when you are going to move the camera to track the subject, but probably won't get it perfectly right the whole time. The 21-point and 51-point/39-point help you track a subject which is moving more erratically. If you are taking a picture of one grandson or the other, and can track him, then use dynamic-area. If they are going to move across the frame, use 3D. If you want to get both as focused as well as possible in the frame, you might want to use auto-area AF, and the camera will do the best it can.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

Thank you.

amehta Loc: Boston

dandi wrote:

Thank you.

Good luck! :-)

mikeg492 Loc: WIlmington, NC

The 3d tracking on the 7100 seems to only work well when a subject is coming pretty close to straight at you.

DEBJENROB Loc: DELRAY BEACH FL

dandi wrote:

I am not sure if I understand the difference between those two AF-area modes (for Nikon) even after reading manual.
Can anyone explain ?
For example if I am photographing my two grandsons playing with ball which one do I use? Thank you.

According to David Busch ..... 3d focus only works in AF-C .... you pick the focus point and then the camera will use any or all of the other focus points available to track the subject and keep the subject in focus ..... In dynamic , you chose the number of focus points, 9/21/51 and the camera will track by using the number of focus points selected ....I guess that you would chose the number of focus points to use would be dependent on the speed at which the subject is moving ....that being said ... as you increase the number of focus points ...the speed at which the camera focus slows ...

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

DEBJENROB wrote:

According to David Busch ..... 3d focus only works... (show quote)

I use Nikon D5100, it has one choice of 11 focus points. In both modes it tracks the object around the frame using these focus points. Sorry, I am still not getting it.

amehta Loc: Boston

dandi wrote:

I use Nikon D5100, it has one choice of 11 focus points. In both modes it tracks the object around the frame using these focus points. Sorry, I am still not getting it.

With 11 points, there really may not be a big difference. They may just give you the options because it was easy to include the software that is used for other cameras.

Perhaps try single point, and see if you can track the grandson you are focusing on. If you can't then try the other two modes. If you are having trouble tracking them, zoom out at first, get comfortable with the speed a which you have to move the camera, and then start zooming in again.

BTW, what sport are they playing, how old are they, and are then indoors or outdoors? Having a sense of that can help us give you some more specific tips.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

amehta wrote:

With 11 points, there really may not be a big diff... (show quote)

They are small (5 and 2). They just running around in the backyard. If I can't track them I will ask them to slow down :-). Most of the time pictures are okay, I just wanted to understand the difference.
I use primes 35, 50, 85 1.8G. I love these lenses. Thank you.

amehta Loc: Boston

dandi wrote:

They are small (5 and 2). They just running around in the backyard. If I can't track them I will ask them to slow down :-). Most of the time pictures are okay, I just wanted to understand the difference.
I use primes 35, 50, 85 1.8G. I love these lenses. Thank you.

Good luck having them slow down! :-)

The primes are great. You can use the wider ones to practice, then use the longer ones when you're better.

DEBJENROB Loc: DELRAY BEACH FL

dandi wrote:

I use Nikon D5100, it has one choice of 11 focus points. In both modes it tracks the object around the frame using these focus points. Sorry, I am still not getting it.

Sorry .... I have a D800 ... I suggest you get David Busch's book for your camera .... and check Lark Photography .... they sell a DVD for your camera ... also checkquickproguides.com ...also a video ... and check Cheatsheets by Bert Sirkin .... he sells a small laminated card that describes all of your camera function buttons and menus...

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

DEBJENROB wrote:

Sorry .... I have a D800 ... I suggest you get David Busch's book for your camera .... and check Lark Photography .... they sell a DVD for your camera ... also checkquickproguides.com ...also a video ... and check Cheatsheets by Bert Sirkin .... he sells a small laminated card that describes all of your camera function buttons and menus...

Thank you.