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Module 10 · Level 2 — Intermediate

Focus and Sharpness

You shoot still and moving subjects sharply, and diagnose the cause of blur.

9 lessons · 1 h 21 min video · Animation + Field shoot · · 9/9 in English
Recommended prerequisite:
M8
  1. 10.1How does autofocus work?In EnglishHow does the camera know what to focus on?Contrast and phase detection: two different ways of "seeing".9 min · visuals described in the audio version
  2. 10.2AF-S and AF-CIn EnglishHow does a moving subject stay sharp?Single-shot focus for a still subject, continuous focus for a moving one.9 min
  3. 10.3Focus areasIn EnglishWhere should the focus point go?Don't leave the focus point to the camera; choose it yourself.9 min
  4. 10.4Eye and face trackingIn EnglishHow does the camera find eyes?Modern cameras can recognize eyes, animals and vehicles.9 min
  5. 10.5Manual focusIn EnglishWhen does autofocus get it wrong?Manual focus in the dark, behind glass and in macro; focus peaking and magnification help.9 min
  6. 10.6Back-button focusIn EnglishWhy do professionals separate focus from the shutter button?Focus on the thumb, the shot on the index finger.9 min
  7. 10.7Why is it blurry?In EnglishWhy is my photo blurry? 7 reasonsCamera shake, subject movement, wrong focus point, wrong focus mode, shallow depth of field, a dirty lens, not enough light.9 min
  8. 10.8Safe speed and stabilizationIn EnglishWhich speed is safe when shooting handheld?The safe shutter speed rule (1/focal length) and image stabilization.9 min
  9. 10.9Hyperfocal distanceIn EnglishHow does everything from the foreground to infinity become sharp?Focus at the right distance and sharpness stretches to infinity.9 min · visuals described in the audio version

Module project

Photograph a moving subject (a running child, a dog, a cyclist) sharply.