I am a newbie to DSLR. I purchased a D3100 in October and, of course, love it. However, I am plagued by some autofocus problems. A typical example is here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/80152670@N00/5284567441/) ). I am using a 18-200 VRII lens. It is possible that I have screwed around with the autofocus settings on the camera but I thought I had put them back. I routinely have photos where the focus is off. Appreciate any thoughts or advice.
Autofocus problems with 3100
(8 posts) (6 voices)-
It's hard to tell with so limited data. What was the exposure time? Can you provide us with a jpeg with full exif data? At first glance, I'd say it's more a problem of motion blur rather than focusing. However, to clear the doubts, you should check the problem systematically:
1) take a steady, non moving subject, use a tripod or very short shutter speed (say 1/250 for a 18-55 lens).
2) check AF mode, put it in single point AF (shooting menu/AF area mode/single point)
3) check that the drive mode is in "single shot" (on cameras without a selector for AF-S/AF-C, this puts the camera in focus priority mode: it won't shoot if the focus is not acquired)
4) take a picture by half pressing the shutter release while keeping the chosen focus point on the subject
4) try, in manual or aperture priority, to get the same picture with different apertures: if things improve when stopping down, then is probably a focus problem, while if thing improve when opening the aperture, then a motion blur problem is more likely.
5) try to learn to check the focus confirmation light, low left in the viewfinder. It must light steady, if it blinks, focus has not been acquiredIf you are coming from a compact, focusing (and exposure) problems are common. You have to be always aware of where your camera is focusing. It's very easy to inadvertently shift the focusing point with the cursor, and the advantage of a bigger sensor/shallower DOF becomes an impairment.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Or you might be experiencing similar issues some of us have been with the D7000 in the live view mode http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=2834 . Maybe both new models have the same growing pains.
Posted 2 years ago # -
The shutter speed was a little slow at 1/30s. With VR you have to wait 1-2 seconds after it kicks in or VR can actually add blur.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I agree, at 50mm (DX), 1/30th of a second is a bit too slow, it looks like you were moving a bit too much.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks for the feedback. I will keep a closer eye on shutter speed in the future. I am going to invest in a tripod in the new year but don't think that will help much with these types of photos (a little too spontaneous for a tripod).
Posted 2 years ago # -
Here's a great read that might be helpful, Alastair.
http://www.bythom.com/rightpixels.htmPosted 2 years ago # -
jonnyapple said:
Here's a great read that might be helpful, Alastair.
http://www.bythom.com/rightpixels.htmJonnyapple. Thanks. A really good read for me.
Posted 2 years ago #
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