manual focus or autofocus?

[Spoon]

getting close to the subjects and focusing manually was such a balancing act, was wondering if you could get the same effects with autofocus, i have already decided never to use the AI-AF feature as it does wonders to wear and tear the internal mechanisms. some help thanks

 

[Silvertip57]

Spoon, I have been using an S50 for a couple of years now and probably got 5 or 6 thousand pictures. I have found that the only problem with autofocus has been when trying to get something out in the abyss. Without the "normal" contrasts, it is some times difficult to make the camera focus. Of course when up close and personal......the speed of the focus is pretty good and you don't have to try to remember to stay out of the coral, breathe, check you fins, etc. etc etc. all while trying to focus on that parrot fish who won't hold still. Try it for a while, I think you'll like it.

 

[Spoon]

Spoon, I have been using an S50 for a couple of years now and probably got 5 or 6 thousand pictures. I have found that the only problem with autofocus has been when trying to get something out in the abyss. Without the "normal" contrasts, it is some times difficult to make the camera focus. Of course when up close and personal......the speed of the focus is pretty good and you don't have to try to remember to stay out of the coral, breathe, check you fins, etc. etc etc. all while trying to focus on that parrot fish who won't hold still. Try it for a while, I think you'll like it.

thanks so much for the advice. ok then for long shots i can use the manual focus but for macro and close up i can use the autofocus? copy that will have more pics by next week.

 

[sprain]

thanks so much for the advice. ok then for long shots i can use the manual focus but for macro and close up i can use the autofocus? copy that will have more pics by next week.

I do it differently.

For macro and closeup, I use manual focus because alot of times the autofocus just simply doesn't work.

For wide-angle I use auto, though I have to say my wide-angle shots simply doesn't cut it.

Cheers.

 

[alcina]

I don't think I have ever gone to manual focus on my Canons Not had a problem with macros or WA.

 

[midwestdvr]

Never had to use manual focus with my canon either and never had any problems yet (as far as I know, anyway). Just get used to using your camera underwater first using manual settings. You'll have enough to worry about like aperture and shutter settings. I don't know about the a95 but my a70 has a macro button that seems to work fairly well.

 

[Chad_Ordelheide]

Macro works great for me without Manual Focus. Personally with the small screen and poor underwater contrast without a spotter light. I think Manual Focus would be a waste of time! If you have that much time to play with the focus just take a few extra shots with autofocus, macro, etc. I'm sure you'll get a few that are in focus!!
Good Luck.
Chad

 

[justleesa]

what you might want to try, if you camera allows, is to select a focal distance for macro, i.e. 5 or some cm and then you just have to move in and out until it is in focus. This way you don't have to play around with the buttons until you get the picture

 

[sprain]

I agree with justleesa. That's exactly what I do. It works a treat.

 

[ChrisA]

getting close to the subjects and focusing manually was such a balancing act, was wondering if you could get the same effects with autofocus, i have already decided never to use the AI-AF feature as it does wonders to wear and tear the internal mechanisms. some help thanks

The little screen on the back of the camera is not nearly good enough for focusing and the controls, the little push bottons are very slow acting. Manual focus works well on an SLR but is just good on a digital point and shoot

I find that if there is not enough contrast for the AF to work then the photo will be very uninterrresting

If the camera had a split screen focaus aid and a manual focus ring on the lens then manual focas would be a god option but you don't get that without spending three grand.