Focus Points: Hi I am new. I have a D3400 and it has 11 focus points. Do all those focus points in more expensive cameras really make a difference. And if so what did photographers do...

Love Wildlife

Hi I am new. I have a D3400 and it has 11 focus points. Do all those focus points in more expensive cameras really make a difference. And if so what did photographers do before all those focus points? I watched a video by a fairly famous photographer for National Geographic and he says it is all about the glass and the senser. Just curious I'm sure I will learn and create my own way as I go. Thanks UHHs.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Welcome!
As to focus points, the more the merrier I say. But really, learning your technique and camera sweetspots and limitations will take you the farthest.
Have fun!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I simply use one. It's worked before and continues to work now. I find a lot of the additional features on my digitals to be a waste of money, as I don't feel a need to use them. It tends to keep things simple and allow me to focus on photography rather than tricks my camera can do.
--Bob

Love Wildlife wrote:

Hi I am new. I have a D3400 and it has 11 focus points. Do all those focus points in more expensive cameras really make a difference. And if so what did photographers do before all those focus points? I watched a video by a fairly famous photographer for National Geographic and he says it is all about the glass and the senser. Just curious I'm sure I will learn and create my own way as I go. Thanks UHHs.

Resqu2 Loc: SW Va

I know my Canon 6D (full frame) doesn’t have very many and some make a big deal over that. I keep mine set to the center point only and I’m happy with it.

Love Wildlife

WOW! These are great replies thanks

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

I too have the d3400. As I am learning the abilities of the camera, I was Jonesin' for an upgraded camera body also. BUT, the more I learn (shout out to help from people here) I find that other than the focus points, the d3400 sensor is the same as the newer 5xxx series, and once you get into the 7xxx series, it is more about buffer, focus motor in the body vs. in the lens, and more customizable buttons/dials to work with. I will eventually move to a more advanced camera body (d7200), but I will take my time and practice practice practice with my d3400. Glass before bodies is probably going to be an ongoing theme in my photography journey

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

I have the Canon 7d and it has many focal points and options on how you use them and depending on what you are shooting. You need to study your manual and watch some videos and factory advice and how to use them. There is definitely a learning curve and you need to practice also. I find the options best utilized when shooting action shots. Youtube has some good videos for Canon. It is like a car with a lot of accessories you need too study and under stand how to use them. When I first got my 7D I was totally frustrated and thought it was a waste but now it is my favorite camera. Also you need to learn your settings and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the settings and when to use them. I also keep mine on center point for most shots but do change at times when I want to use different points.

Love Wildlife

The link below is one of many tools I used before determining which dslr I would purchase. It gives you a side by side comparison of the specs of just about every imaginable camera made. You are right about the D3400 being basically the same box as the 5xxx series with not enough reasons to upgrade. I will continue to upgrade with glass for now and use it with my upgrade where compatible. What is the purpose in shooting in all those different effects when you can do the same by adding it on in your photo editing software? Is there a difference?

Also someone wanted to know how to enlarge in Windows 10 Photo and save it. What I do is go into cropping drag using top, bottom or either side and then drag my picture back to the center do done and then save. Hope this was helpful since I have been getting a lot of great feed back.

Thanks.

https://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

My camera has 155 focus points, I use one, You have the ability to move them around if you don't need it to be right in the center.

jcboy3

Love Wildlife wrote:

Hi I am new. I have a D3400 and it has 11 focus points. Do all those focus points in more expensive cameras really make a difference. And if so what did photographers do before all those focus points? I watched a video by a fairly famous photographer for National Geographic and he says it is all about the glass and the senser. Just curious I'm sure I will learn and create my own way as I go. Thanks UHHs.

The D3400 has only one cross-type focus point...in the center. The other 10 can be used in their multi-point AF modes in case you can't keep the center point on subject, but they are not as accurate or reliable.

Better models have more cross-type focus points, so you can focus somewhere other than the center of the image. That way, you don't have to crop to get to a two-thirds rule or whatever other composition you want.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Love Wildlife wrote:

Hi I am new. I have a D3400 and it has 11 focus points. Do all those focus points in more expensive cameras really make a difference. And if so what did photographers do before all those focus points? I watched a video by a fairly famous photographer for National Geographic and he says it is all about the glass and the senser. Just curious I'm sure I will learn and create my own way as I go. Thanks UHHs.

If a camera has a million focus points, only one plane will be in focus. I use a single center spot. Get this book.

https://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-nikon-autofocus-system/

Larz

They are handy to enhance composition so I sometimes go left or right one point. The only other time I go off center is that I've had problems with lens flare with longer lenses with sunrises or sunsets. I've found the moving a couple of points left or right usually resolves this problem.

srt101fan

Love Wildlife wrote:

Hi I am new. I have a D3400 and it has 11 focus points. Do all those focus points in more expensive cameras really make a difference. And if so what did photographers do before all those focus points? I watched a video by a fairly famous photographer for National Geographic and he says it is all about the glass and the senser. Just curious I'm sure I will learn and create my own way as I go. Thanks UHHs.

I'll strongly second jerryc41's recommendation to look at Steve Perry's book on Nikon focusing and his website backcountrygallery.com. A great resource.

Also, make sure you read and understand the focusing section of your camera manual!

ToBoldlyGo Loc: London U.K.

If you do any kind of action photography, including nature photography, multiple focus points allow you to keep the subject in motion as it moves around the frame. Yes this is possible with just one, but it's very hard, and your hit rate will be lower too. You'll miss a lot of shots as your subject goes off centre and you can't lock focus on it.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

Resqu2 wrote:

I know my Canon 6D (full frame) doesn’t have very many and some make a big deal over that. I keep mine set to the center point only and I’m happy with it.

Ditto :-)