Focusing & drive modes explained
By Eugene Struthers
Focusing and Drive Modes in Photography: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Focusing and drive modes are essential aspects of photography that significantly influence the quality and style of your images. Understanding these modes and how to use them effectively can elevate your photography skills, allowing you to capture sharp, well-timed shots in various conditions. This guide will delve into the different focusing and drive modes and provide a step-by-step process on how to utilize them.
Focusing Modes
1. Autofocus (AF)
Autofocus is the camera's ability to automatically focus on a subject. There are three primary types of autofocus modes:
a. Single-Point AF (One-Shot AF / AF-S)
- Ideal for stationary subjects.
- The camera locks focus when you half-press the shutter button.
- Once focus is achieved, it remains fixed.
b. Continuous AF (AI Servo AF / AF-C)
- Best for moving subjects.
- The camera continuously adjusts focus as long as the shutter button is half-pressed.
- Allows you to track subjects in motion.
c. Automatic AF (AI Focus AF / AF-A)
- Combines single-point and continuous AF.
- The camera decides whether the subject is stationary or moving and switches between modes accordingly.
2. Manual Focus (MF)
Manual focus allows you to control the focus ring on the lens to achieve precise focus. It’s useful in low light conditions, macro photography, or when autofocus struggles to lock onto the subject.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Focusing Modes
Step 1: Set Your Camera to the Desired Focusing Mode
- Access the camera menu or use dedicated buttons to select AF or MF.
- Choose between Single-Point AF, Continuous AF, or Automatic AF based on your subject.
Step 2: Adjust Focus Points
- Use the camera’s D-pad or joystick to move the focus point to your desired area in the frame.
- For Single-Point AF, select the specific point you want in sharp focus.
- In Continuous AF, ensure the focus point tracks your moving subject.
Step 3: Half-Press the Shutter Button
- In autofocus modes, half-pressing the shutter button will initiate the focus mechanism.
- For single-point AF, the camera will lock focus.
- For continuous AF, the camera will keep adjusting focus as the subject moves.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Focus Manually (if needed)
- Switch to manual focus if autofocus is not achieving the desired result.
- Rotate the focus ring on the lens to bring your subject into sharp focus.
Drive Modes
Drive modes determine how the camera captures images when the shutter button is pressed. There are several drive modes, each suitable for different shooting scenarios:
1. Single Shot Mode
- Takes one photo each time the shutter button is pressed.
- Ideal for stationary subjects or when timing is not critical.
2. Continuous Shooting Mode (Burst Mode)
- Takes multiple photos in rapid succession as long as the shutter button is held down.
- Useful for capturing action, sports, or any fast-moving subjects.
3. Self-Timer Mode
- Delays the shutter release after the button is pressed.
- Allows the photographer to be in the shot or to reduce camera shake when using a tripod.
4. Silent Shooting Mode
- Reduces the noise produced by the shutter mechanism.
- Ideal for quiet environments or when discretion is required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Drive Modes
Step 1: Set Your Camera to the Desired Drive Mode
- Access the camera menu or use the drive mode dial to select the appropriate mode: Single Shot, Continuous, Self-Timer, or Silent.
Step 2: Adjust Settings for Continuous Shooting
- In Continuous Shooting Mode, set the burst rate (frames per second) in the camera menu.
- High burst rates are better for fast action, while lower rates conserve memory and reduce processing time.
Step 3: Utilize the Self-Timer
- Select the self-timer mode and choose the delay (e.g., 2 seconds, 10 seconds).
- Press the shutter button and prepare for the shot within the delay time.
Step 4: Engage Silent Shooting
- Activate silent mode via the camera menu.
- Be mindful that some functions might be limited in this mode.
Understand the camera's focus and drive modes and you will be able to capture crystal clear sharp images even if your subject is moving.
Focus modes:-
This will depend if your subject is moving and if you need to focus automatically or manually.
Single servo AF:- In this mode your camera will only focus only once and will stay locked as long as you keep the shutter button pressed halfway down. If your subject moves you will need to re-focus. The default will only allow you to shoot once if the focus is locked.
Continuous Servo AF:- In this mode your camera will focus when you press the shutter button halfway, but with one exception. It will continue to re-focus as long as you keep the shutter button pressed halfway. This is ideal for tracking moving subjects. The default will allow you to take a shot even if focus is locked or not.
Manual:- There are many circumstances where autofocus will fail. Examples of this will be when your subject contains too much detail, geometric patterns, little contrast between subject and background, or when your model is striking a pose in a cage or is behind glass. If your autofocus fails, switch to manual focus and turn the focusing ring on the front of your camera to focus.
Focus Points:-
This will allow you to switch between your cameras different focus points in the AF area.
Single point AF:-This mode allows you to manually select a focus point to simplfy the situation when your model is off centre. The modern SLR's offer about 40 AF points. This is ideal for when the model remains stationary and does not move out side the preselected focus points.
Dynamic area AF:- This is similar to the Single shot AF, but with one very important difference. If you select continuous-servo AF a long with this mode. If your subject temporarily leaves the selected AF point, the camera will focus using the surrounding AF points. This helps to capture irregular subject movement.
Drive Modes:-
The camera's drive mode determines if shots can be taken continuously or one at a time.
Single frame:- In the Single frame mode, the camera will only take one shot at a time once the shutter button is pressed. This mode is best reserved for still life, landscapes, portraits etc.
Continuous frame:- This is ideal for capturing the moment during sports, spontaneous movement or action. This is ideal for capturing a topless model whilst riding a bicycle.
Conclusion
Mastering focusing and drive modes can greatly enhance your photography by allowing you to adapt to various subjects and shooting conditions.
By understanding and practising the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to capture sharper, more dynamic, and well-timed photographs. Remember, the key to proficiency is experimentation and practice, so don't hesitate to explore different settings and modes to find what works best for your style and needs.
