Release mode or focus mode

Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
willowdogger said:
Simple question - when would each of these modes be at their most useful AND give excellent images?
Click to expand...

This isn't a question with a black and white sort of answer. I think the best answer is to understand what each mode does and decide for yourself which mode to use based on what you're shooting and the prevailing conditions.

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nickt

Senior Member
Generally you want focus priority unless there is a situation where you want that shutter to fire even if the subject is not in focus.
One such situation is the back button focus technique.
This video is great on explaining the 'why' of bbf, but he neglects to mention that you need to be in release priority for it to work as described.
How To Use AF-On And Back Button Autofocus - YouTube
 
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Vincent

Senior Member
I had a panic last week on this. Switching to back button focussing recently, leaving the focus mode on AF-C and avoiding refocus when I do not want it, I got stuck. I would focus, reframe and the shutter would refuse to fire. I had to go and switch AF off to take a picture. After some research it showed that AF-C was on Focus Priority and AF-S on Release Priority.

That actually makes sense:
AF-S you choose your focus point, reframe and should be able to shoot.
AF-C you let the camera follow the target and when it is in focus it shoots.

I now have both in release priority, I prefer the out of focus picture then not having a picture. If you want to be sure to have AF finished when the picture is taken, put focus priority.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
Also be aware of menu A3 setting when shooting in AF-C. I like it off. Having it on introduces a delay to continuous shooting. The delay is good if distractions occur in the frame or you pan across a pole, but most times the delay is undesirable.
 
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Frands

Senior Member
Most of the time you'll want to stick with Focus priority. Sometimes maybe you're shooting a really fast subject or you're in a quickly changing situation where you're moving around a lot and you don't care about pinpoint-perfect focus; you don't want to miss a moment, even if it's a blurry moment, just because the camera is hunting around. At that time you may want to change to Release priority
 
willowdogger

willowdogger

Senior Member
Vincent said:
I had a panic last week on this. Switching to back button focussing recently, leaving the focus mode on AF-C and avoiding refocus when I do not want it, I got stuck. I would focus, reframe and the shutter would refuse to fire. I had to go and switch AF off to take a picture. After some research it showed that AF-C was on Focus Priority and AF-S on Release Priority.

That actually makes sense:
AF-S you choose your focus point, reframe and should be able to shoot.
AF-C you let the camera follow the target and when it is in focus it shoots.

I now have both in release priority, I prefer the out of focus picture then not having a picture. If you want to be sure to have AF finished when the picture is taken, put focus priority.
Click to expand...

Just experienced the same thing after watching the youtube video. I need to read replies far more carefully! I'm a kinaesthetic (correct UK spelling?) learning. Not good at reading or listening. :D Both now on release mode!
Will try this tomorrow when I'm out walking.
Thanks to everyone for your help. Much appreciated.
 
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Camera Fun

Senior Member
Right now I have both AF-S and AF-C on focus priority. I plan to keep AF-S that way as I want it to lock the focus under that mode. AF-C was set to focus priority as I was in a situation last fall where getting pictures in focus was more important than just getting pictures and I was happy with how it worked out; I can always change it when/if needed. I don't use the AF-On option through he AE-L/AF-L button as I'm comfortable using the shutter button for auto focus.
 
willowdogger

willowdogger

Senior Member
Thanks for that. My shutter button is ULTRA sensitive and it's difficult to press halfway.

Trying the BBF thing today and we'll see what happens.

I just love getting out there and taking shots, it's the thrill of seeing what images are produced.
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