| AF
& MANUAL FOCUS |
How
can I get the best performance from the D30 AF?
Instead of
letting the camera automatically select a focus point
based on contrast, it's better to manually choose which
focal point you want active. This way, the D30 can concentrate
on focusing specifically with just 1 sensor instead of
all 3.
Keep
in mind that the outer focusing points detect contrast on
a single-axis. Therefore, the outer focusing points are
aligned vertically when you hold the D30 horizontally, and
visa versa. Fortunately, the camera has a central cross-type
sensor that diverts this problem by finding the contrast
horizontally and vertically at the same time regardless
of the position of the camera. With this in mind, it's best
to use the central point as your default choice for the
majority of your shots.
For
optimal results with the D30 AF, find contrast in the image
your shooting with the central point and then reframe your
shot.
UP
How can I use the ST-E2 wireless
transmitter as an infrared light aid for AF?
The ST-E2 can be attached to the D30 for triggering external
flashes (like the 550ex and 420ex) and also as a AF aid
for the camera.
When attaching the transmitter, the camera will operate
the exact same way as if a flash is attached. Because the
transmitter has no flash, it exposes entirely to the ambient
light and uses the camera's metering the same way it would
if a flash was being used. Also, if you are using the custom
function 2-1, you will loose the ability to lock the exposure
when pressing the shutter button halfway. The side effect
of this, is that when reframing your shots, the exposure
may be off. A workaround is to use custom function 2-0 and
use FEL to lock exposure when using the transmitter.
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| DRIVE
MODES |
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How
do I decrease shutter lag when using the D30 in continuous
drive mode?
Start by manually selecting the AF point. I recommend
using the central point whenever possible. Then, change
the custom function from the default 2-0 to 2-1. After,
select AI servo and continuous drive mode.
Try to anticipate your shot. After a section of continuous
shooting, don't release your finger from the shutter button
when the buffer is full. Instead just release your finger
halfway from the button. As soon as there is space for one
or more shots, the buffer will open up the space necessary
to continue shooting. Otherwise, if you completely release
your finger, you'll have to wait until the buffer is 100%
empty before you can re-shoot.
UP
When using AI SERVO drive mode, is
there a way to determine whether or not the subject you
are tracking remains in focus?
Yes, look for a green flashing dot in the viewfinder below
the picture area. When the AF system is tracking the subject,
the indicator remains off. So if the indicator blinks rapidly,
it means that your subject is out of focus.
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| FLASH
& LIGHTING |
Can
I use the flash white balance preset when using any Canon
flashes like the 550ex or 420ex?
You can, but I don't recommend it. Studio strobes
work better with the flash white balance setting on the
D30. The Canon flashes work better with the daylight preset
which is 5500K. So, when using any of the canon flashes,
the daylight, auto, or custom white balances are your
best choices. However, it's a matter of personal taste
whether you use daylight or flash white balance with strobes
and it depends on the look you want.
UP
When using an external flash how
can I achieve perfect exposure?
There are two methods I recommend. It depends on whether
or not you are reframing the composition. First, when reframing
the composition the only way to achieve good exposure is
to use "Flash Exposure Lock," or FEL for short.
It lets the camera memorize the flash meter reading from
the D30 active focusing point by pre-flashing the subject.
Make sure to set custom function 2-0 as your default. Then,
all you need to do is press the AE lock button while making
sure that your subject is covered by the active focusing
point. After you see the pre-flash, recompose your composition
with confidence. The second method is not to reframe your
composition. Instead you can manually choose your focusing
point, and make sure that the focus point you have chosen
covers your subject.
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How do I reframe my shots when
using the built-in or external flash without using FEL and
get a good exposure?
There is no way to reframe your shots without using FEL
to get good exposure when using a flash. The workaround
is to toggle between the 3 focusing points until you have
your main subject covered by one of the points. E-TTL flash
exposure remains linked to that point. This way, you won't
have your main subject always framed in the dead center
of the image and there is no need for FEL or reframing.
However, I advise using FEL whenever possible, for better
flexibility.
UP
Can
I use FEL when using Custom function CF 2-1 or 2-3?
Unfortunately this is not possible.
The only way to use FEL is to change it back to CF 2-0.
It would be welcome as a firmware upgrade, which could give
us more options.
UP
What
recommendations does Canon make regarding the D30 when used
with their EX speedlight series?
Canon has put together a letter informing D30 users
on how to properly use their EX speedlight series (550EX
or 420EX).
You
can view this letter
here.
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