Autofocus focusing on background and not on the people. Has this ever happened to you? (Page 2): I don't want to sound like an ass and I can sense the sarcasm, but really, what was...

KG

skidooman wrote:

Ok then, I won't argue it's a handy tip. Have a nice evening.

I don't want to sound like an ass and I can sense the sarcasm, but really, what was there to argue about in the first place?

I posted a tip that's useful to me. I believe it would be useful to others as well.
Yet, here you all are going off on a tangent.

I'm still waiting for JR1 to return :)

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

KG wrote:

I don't want to sound like an ass and I can sense the sarcasm, but really, what was there to argue about in the first place?

I posted a tip that's useful to me. I believe it would be useful to others as well.
Yet, here you all are going off on a tangent.

I'm still waiting for JR1 to return :)

You took this as something other than a civil response? The arguement I was referring to was about the focus points, that's it, I should've placed a comma in there so it was clear. You have read way too much into my response, calm down and relax. Yes, it's a handy tip. Again, have a nice evening.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

KG wrote:

I find it hard to believe. Either you haven't shot enough in such circumstances, or most likely, you just didn't notice.

Absolutely right on scale, I was thinking DOF, you are correct, I stand corrected, and unlike some I admit when I am incorrect.

As for centre focus point, if a subject is that small, I would manual focus anyway, as for waiting for people to return, some of us are busy and it is only one day so far, patience is a virtue

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

JR1 wrote:

Absolutely right on scale, I was thinking DOF, you are correct, I stand corrected, and unlike some I admit when I am incorrect.

As for centre focus point, if a subject is that small, I would manual focus anyway, as for waiting for people to return, some of us are busy and it is only one day so far, patience is a virtue

I have no understanding of Canon cameras other than that they probably do have problems focusing on the area of that one little spot. That is why many photographers who doggedly cling to using them often develop a "suck it and see" methodology in their cameramanship. LR1 has not one but two wonderful Nikon cameras as do I and so we have dispensed with the worries that Canon users are burdened daily.
It is understandable therefore that he might slip momentarily in responding to an issue which has not come to mind from the moment a Nikon found its way into his most able and capable hands. Rob.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

KG wrote:

I find it hard to believe. Either you haven't shot enough in such circumstances, or most likely, you just didn't notice.

Actually, it doesn't happen to me either. I've never shot a subject that was so small that my tiny focus point would be larger than the subject, and (though I don't only use the center focus point) I'm very deliberate about using only one point and focusing carefully.

Sometimes I'm shaky and if the object is moving rapidly I "miss" but that's just me...not the situation you are describing.

timwarduk Loc: Kislingbury, Northants

I understand your problem and I had the same so long as I was using the Shot button also to do the focusing. Unless you complete the shot just after you have set the focus on the subject you risk the lens refocusing on the background the next time you press it. I solved my problem after I read about Back Button focusing. Have a look at that and you may find it interesting and useful. :)

winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia

rpavich wrote:

Actually, it doesn't happen to me either. I've never shot a subject that was so small that my tiny focus point would be larger than the subject, and (though I don't only use the center focus point) I'm very deliberate about using only one point and focusing carefully.

Sometimes I'm shaky and if the object is moving rapidly I "miss" but that's just me...not the situation you are describing.

I know you wouldn't have a problem. Focusing on the background is a clear case of ye olde "finger trouble" rather than a problem with the camera. (Even if it IS a Canon!) The camera will focus where it's 'told' to....Rob.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

KG wrote:

I'm sure you all had those shots where you took a picture of a person or a group of people outdoors. And later when looking at the pictures on the bigger screen you realized that the subjects weren't in focus, the background was.

That happens to me all the time. I'll be talking to someone, and I see a beautiful woman in the background. Immediate focus shift. It's automatic; I can't help it. :D

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

KG wrote:

I find it hard to believe. Either you haven't shot enough in such circumstances, or most likely, you just didn't notice.

"Any focus point you pick is actually larger than what's shown in the viewfinder. With Canon cameras, for example, it's almost twice the size of the little square that you see."

I didn't know that the focus point was larger than what is shown in the viewfinder. Does Canon mention that in their manuals? Is it the same for Nikon? That would seem to be something a photographer should know.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

jerryc41 wrote:

"Any focus point you pick is actually larger than what's shown in the viewfinder. With Canon cameras, for example, it's almost twice the size of the little square that you see."

I didn't know that the focus point was larger than what is shown in the viewfinder. Does Canon mention that in their manuals? Is it the same for Nikon? That would seem to be something a photographer should know.

I THINK that if you are using "continuous" AF...there is a setting for "focus point expansion" that sort of broadens the center focus point a bit....but not sure that's what's being referenced.

spikejone Loc: California

Most shots are out of focus. You would think AF systems woult be better by now.
I focus in the subject, slightly in front of the subject and slight to the rear, taking a shot each time. My 7D is has taught me to use Spot Focus that way.
Oh, yes, not continuous, and -1 click slower than default to extend the period between refocusing.

KG

jerryc41 wrote:

I didn't know that the focus point was larger than what is shown in the viewfinder. Does Canon mention that in their manuals? Is it the same for Nikon? That would seem to be something a photographer should know.

I've seen it mentioned by multiple sources.
Here is one:

http://vimeo.com/38503555

Start watching at 32m30s.

This is what initially got me started on researching the AF point boundaries back when I first got the 7D.

There are other sources too. I just don't have the links handy.

(It's one of those things with Canon that are not widely publicized. The flash power reduction above 13 EV and exposure halving below 10 EV are two other notable things.)

In any case, here is a frame from the video. This is from a Canon rep.

Focus point boundaries
Focus point boundaries...

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

FilmFanatic wrote:

If the person's face is smaller than the focus zone I would think that you have more problems with your photography than autofocus

I was thinking the same thing. I would move the old feet towards the subject, firmly believing that the body and the hand holding the camera would follow the feet.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

jerryc41 wrote:

That happens to me all the time. I'll be talking to someone, and I see a beautiful woman in the background. Immediate focus shift. It's automatic; I can't help it. :D

The pretty lady is an optical illusion. Such Illusions result in the majority of OOF images.

Usually the optical illusion is captioned, "If you look at this image intensely for 15 seconds, a beautiful lady may appear."

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

winterrose wrote:

I have no understanding of Canon cameras other tha... (show quote)

I own nothing but Canon SLRs. They have no trouble with spot focusing. I can set it spot focus, aim it at a bird partly hidden by vegetation and focus on the bird rather than its surroundings every time.