Understanding focus tracking to get sharp images

With the DSLR or mirrorless cameras, there are three basic autofocus, focus tracking settings to choose from: single, continuous, and automatic. As a Nikon user, I have written about the Nikon DSLR camera in this post. Other DSLR or mirrorless cameras will have comparable options and functionality.

Himalayan Yak - Focus tracking
One of my award winning shots. Captured at Kanamo base camp at 16,000 feet above sea level in the Himalayas.

What is Focus Tracking?

Continuous auto-focusing mode (AF-C) allows you to track moving subjects by allowing the camera to change the focus constantly while the shutter button is half-pressed, allowing you to track subjects moving towards or away from your DSLR camera. When your DSLR is in AF-C mode, it immediately shifts to predictive focusing, which analyses the subject’s movement and attempts to forecast where the subject will be when the shutter button is half-pressed.

Focus Tracking on Nikon Cameras

It’s not simple to get crisp photos of moving subjects. In my photography workshop outdoor/photo walk, I’ve noticed a lot of people trying to catch moving scenes with their normal camera settings. All they receive is a blurry or out-of-focus image; yet, some of them do get it perfectly, which is sheer chance. To get crisp shots, make sure your camera’s focusing setting is set to manual. Focus tracking is possible with almost all DSLR cameras, regardless of brand, because they all contain this capability. It’s only a matter of learning how to use it.

How do you use focus tracking?

The back of the screen’s focus tracking button may be customized/programmed. I’ve set it up on my Nikon D610 full-frame camera since it’s easier for me to operate. On high-end cameras, a dedicated button controls focus tracking. There’s a chance you’ll press the button too hard, capturing an image rather than focusing it, which is where the dedicated or programmed button comes in handy. It may be assigned to the AE-L/AF-L button on the camera’s back.

What is autofocus tracking sensitivity?

3D AF Tracking is a new feature available on the most recent cameras. This works fine, however when the subject is too near to the backdrop if the background is of a similar tone/color, your DSLR may become confused.

Focus tracking

When another subject intrudes on the current subject you’re monitoring, tracking sensitivity influences how sensitive your autofocus point(s) are. How does your camera behave if you’re focusing on someone racing towards you and someone else walks across the area and crosses your AF point?

It is not about having an expensive camera

Understanding all of these aspects of your current DSLR camera will help you capture outstanding photographs. Having a high-end camera does not necessarily imply that you will be able to produce the greatest results. I’ve seen many people spend thousands of dollars on a camera but only shoot in auto mode and in.jpg format, and they have no idea what any of the buttons on their camera do, leading them to make negative judgments about the camera and its functions.

Well, thanks to the technological advancements, even in auto mode, you can obtain some great images these days. There’s a lot going on in the world of mirrorless cameras. Cameras make mistakes, too, so experiment and learn how to use your camera in and out. Even though auto mode performs a decent job, it’s always preferable to have complete control over your camera than to rely on it.

Also read – Focus on getting Sharp Eyes – Capture better Portraits

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3 Replies to “Understanding focus tracking to get sharp images

  1. Random User says:

    keep up the good work on the blog. I love it. Could use some more frequent updates, but i am quite sure that you got better or other things to do like we all do. 🙂

  2. Random User says:

    Naprawdę podoba mi się twój szablon wp, skąd go pobrałeś? Z góry dziękuję!

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