Digital camera focus modes and the difference between them
Today some of the least expensive digital cameras have only automatic focus, meaning the camera does all the work on bringing your subject or object into the best possible focus. There are usually three different types of focus modes when it comes to digital cameras, and they are: manual, single auto focus, and continuous auto focus. This post will address these three.
Let’s start with manual focus. It is when the camera stays out of the focus equation and you, the photographer, will make all the important decisions regarding this. If you are one of those who would like complete control on the finished product, this will be your best focus option. This setting is located in different places in different cameras, so please take a look in the manual that came with you camera. In the single auto focus mode, the camera will automatically focus when you start pressing the shutter button. It will begin either when you press the shutter button all the way down or half way down to shoot a photo. It is arguable best to only go half-way down, so that your camera gets the chance to lock the focus. Probably the best situation use this focus mode is when shooting static objects.
The third and final focus mode is of course the continuous auto focus mode. It is were the camera will continuously focus on the subjects in the photo. The good thing about this is that the camera will continuously correct the focus on your subjects when the distance from the camera changes. If you now think that this mode is best to use on moving objects, you are of course right. If you are watching for instance a race of some sort, or even airplanes during an air show. Then this mode is the way to go. You would then start pressing the shutter button half-way down, and then start moving the camera, and try to follow the object you are trying to take a picture of, while the camera will continuously keep your selected object in focus.
Like any other camera function, there are pros and cons to each function. Really the best way of learning about these three focus modes are to experiment with them, now that you understand what they were designed for.
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