Boost your Camera Skill with these Simple Tricks

Getting best shots out of the DSLR in tricky lighting condition is a tedious task. As you have noticed that in autofocus mode camera hunts for focus point to make subject sharper, but they failed to do so most of the time. In this article, we will discuss the different array of focusing trick which can enhance your current level of photography. 

Image Credit: switchbacktravel.com

The first trick is switching to manual mode, as we know that autofocus does a fairly good job in good lighting condition but in low light, it just falls apart. Nonetheless, you can opt the modes like program mode, shutter mode, aperture mode, or full manual mode .All these mode let you choose the desired focus point. 

Moreover, for detailed and sharp focus point you just need to activate the focus grid and lock the rendering focus point. Some advanced DSLR are now packed with joystick focus controller which let a user target the focus point in a much more conducive way.

The second method is a focus and recompose, this trick comes very handy in offset object focusing. For instance, if you want to target the centre focus point by the offsetting the object this method can do wonder for you. Here you just need to put the focus point on the subject. Thereafter, hold the shutter button a halfway to lock the focus. Then recompose the camera position slightly and click the button.  

However, this method failed in the portrayed mode scenario in which DOF become relatively thin. Well, in that case, do not try to swivel the camera too much instead move it along the body. This is because you cannot get the focus right until the camera sensor becomes parallel to the subject. This will provide you smooth transition of motion with less focus rendering.

Let's talk about the third method i.e. Edge contrast. This trick caters the poor focusing in low contrast condition. If you are the using DSLR for a while then you have definitely noticed that camera always struggled to focus in auto mode while capturing low light shots. While pointing your camera towards the wall or sky it fails to lock the focus most of the time. 

This is because the camera looks for the bright and dark area and then offers the focus lock, but due to the lack of sufficient contrast it focus points renders annoyingly. In that case, you just have to swivel the camera little bit with the center focus on all the time. 

Meanwhile, the accessories like follow focus system can be used to acquire subtle focusing. With this gadget in your armoury, you can focus on different lighting condition quite easily. The wireless variant of this system comes really handy in professional videography as it allows you to focus the subject via simple trigger action.  

Get the Best Out Of DSLR Manual Focusing

For a nascent photographer, its become impossible to taste the full potential of hi-tech DSLR camera. They have to play around with its different setting to get a basic idea of generating optimum images. Furthermore, when they switch to manual focusing, their objective of snapping crisp images get shattered.

The autofocus is standard setting developed and encoded by the company to cater various focusing conditions. The autofocus offers an advantage of eliminating the need the tedious manual focusing. You target the subject and it automatically focuses on it give you clear image without any hectic interference in the camera setting.

Then why do you need manual focus?

The reasons are many and a first and the foremost factor which provoked the need of manual focus is “macro” shots. While executing macro shots, the depth of field DOF become so shallow most of the time. Its leads to focus peaking condition in which camera was not able to focus on one object. The focus point becomes distracted and photographers end up with getting sub-par image output. The autofocus works like a hell in this situation most of the time.

Another condition is focusing on a subject in a crowd of similar objects. The modern day DSLRs are equipped cutting-edge lenses but the algorithm part is somewhat not well synchronized enough to snaps that intelligent shot. Most of the time camera find it hard to identify the target subjects like blades of grass.

In case of landscape shooting, the autofocus lead to generates a blurry image with focus render on the wrong object. To get the crisp output you have to deal manual setting in which you to alter the key factor like aperture, ISO, white balance, and manual focus peaking to get the perfect shots.

In the low light scenario, autofocus is not able to deliver the good images. However, in this case, camera aperture can play the huge role. Higher the aperture, brighter the shots. Meanwhile, in the low aperture situation, switch to manual mode, crank up the ISO little bit, focus until object becomes sharp and click the photo. Done!

Moreover, if you want a subtle focus transition during the filmmaking than you can opt the wireless follow focus system as an optional accessory. This product has raised the bar of traditional filmmaking practices. This product offers a diverse range of focus transition with is belt drive and gear assembly units. All this hardware is assisted by the wireless trigger which used the control the focus speed. Moreover, you can also alter transition speed with respect to the pressure sensitive wireless trigger.

Steps to get subtle manual focus

1.On the lens side, switch from auto mode to manual mode.
2.Precisely turn the focus ring until the target subject sharpens.
3.For the close-up shot, zoom towards the object and switch the camera to viewfinder mode.
4.Focuses until the subject become absolutely sharp
5.Tap the click button

Follow Focus: A Great Technique When Using a Camcorder

While there are several different techniques that play an essential role when using a camcorder, follow focus is undoubtedly one of the most crucial. Even though it seems to be an interesting technique, you’d additional equipment when it comes to using follow focus.

So, what is a follow focus?

A follow focus is a set of parts that work together for helping one focus more accurately and conveniently for video work. In other words, it’s a focus control mechanism which is used in making films using a camera specifically designed for films.

Here are five important tips you must consider when using a camcorder:

1. Choosing the Right Follow Focus Kit - Want to implement follow focus techniques? Then you’ll have to consider investing in an extra kit. These kits are the ones that fit onto your camcorder. Not only that, they let you make an adjustment to the focus without having to touch the lens.

Using consumer level camcorders? Then it becomes crucial for you to make use of a model with a 35mm lens adapter. This kit even focuses the lens accurately for you. Can it get any better than this?

As there are a number of kits available at your disposal, you must choose the one which is in sync with your video camera. Make sure you choose a smooth kit. It should be able to move plainly and without any resistance.

The best thing about these kits is that make it easy for your to focus the camera without actually touching it.

2. Setting Up the Camera - The next step is to set up your camera. It’s important for you keep it as stable as possible, if you want to shoot a superior quality video. Using a tripod for achieving a quality video will be the most feasible decision you’ll make.

Has the camera been set up? Now you can begin reading the instructions that will guide you step by step how to use the kit.

3. Setting Up the Follow Focus - Any idea when you need to fit the follow focus kit? It’s obvious to state that the method of performing this activity will depend on the type and model of camera you choose. And there are converter rings which can be screwed onto the camcorder. 

Make sure lenses are kept away from the lenses. To do so, it’ll be good if you use a can of compressed air. By doing so, you’ll be able to blow out dust. Dust can easily get accumulated over time which can cause harm to your video quality.

4. Read the Instructions - All follow focus kits work in somewhat different way. So it’s important for you to read the instructions. By doing so, you’ll come to know how to use the device in the right way.

5. Focusing the Camera - When everything’s done, it’s now time to focus the video camera with the help of a large knob placed on the side of the camera. You won’t even have to touch the camera which could result in shaky videos.

No doubt follow focus is an interesting technique, this device is a mechanical system connecting onto the lens and can even control the same. There are a number of devices that seem appropriate for most camcorders such as mini DV and other cameras (consumer level).

However, these devices (follow focus) offer an adapter. They can be used for more extensive control over the focus of your DSLR without having to touch it. While these devices are not important, they make a lot easier for recording certain videos without knocking the camera when focusing.