This topic is in the 2009 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2009The Beloved DEP Function
p.1 #1The Beloved DEP Function
I know that everyone is mostly excited and interested about potential image quality with new Canon model releases, both at the pixel level and in the final post-processed print result (me too), but what about real workflow and usability in the field with the new feature set? Given the resolution levels and image quality that we've already achieved relative to our 35mm film roots, don't these attributes measure up equally in importance?
For example, for those landscape shooters here, what has happened to the once beloved DEP function in Canon's DSLR line-up? (I last used it on the A2 film body many years ago). This is not to be confused with the dumbed-down A-DEP function. Here is a reference thread.
I used that function nearly all of the time to find the perfect hyperfocal distance. I really miss it for static landscape photography. I know that the new 7D is positioned more for sports and action photography, but this feature is also missing from the relatively new FF 5D Mark II. Progress? Sigh.
JCR
For example, for those landscape shooters here, what has happened to the once beloved DEP function in Canon's DSLR line-up? (I last used it on the A2 film body many years ago). This is not to be confused with the dumbed-down A-DEP function. Here is a reference thread.
I used that function nearly all of the time to find the perfect hyperfocal distance. I really miss it for static landscape photography. I know that the new 7D is positioned more for sports and action photography, but this feature is also missing from the relatively new FF 5D Mark II. Progress? Sigh.
JCR
Sep 05, 2009 at 07:22 AM
p.1 #2The Beloved DEP Function
It was removed from the 1D II series due to memory constraints. They decided to remove it so something else could be programmed (I think it was the ETTL II). I don't know how much code it needs, but surely not too much. It was never on the consumer DSLR's AFAIK.
Sep 05, 2009 at 08:58 AM
p.1 #3The Beloved DEP Function
I do love full manual lenses that have the dof chart on the lens for that reason. It's so nice to set the lens to hyper-focal and just enjoy the landscape your are shooting.
-Eric
-Eric
Sep 05, 2009 at 09:34 AM
p.1 #4The Beloved DEP Function
Eric, if you trust those lens markings for hyperfocal distance then sooner or later you're in for a disappointment, particularly if you ever want a large print. They are based on assumptions about camera (film) and print technology limits that are way out of date and give an overly optimistic DOF.
JCR, I didn't know that the DEP function was removed for memory constraints but it was first automated into A-DEP which was inherently flawed and rather dumb compared with DEP (because we had no longer had control over which AF sensors were used for determining the DOF) and A-DEP was abandoned because Canon research indicated that it was so rarely used. One can only guess why "nobody" liked A-DEP but I suspect it was just plain common sense.
I'd love to see DEP make a comeback, right alongside a mirror lock-up button but it's probably just as unlikely
Canon researchers don't ever to talk with us about what we want. I know that it was (is) on the 1V and I think it was on the 1D series 1.
For readers who don't know, DEP was a system that allowed the camera to pick an aperture and focus distance that gave sufficient DOF to capture any two subjects that we aimed a single focus sensor at prior to shooting. A-DEP used all of the focus sensors and was therefore quicker but it gave us no choice of focus sensors to be used and therefore often included subjects of no interest. It was then so useless that we took control ourselves and didn't use A-DEP.
- Alan
JCR, I didn't know that the DEP function was removed for memory constraints but it was first automated into A-DEP which was inherently flawed and rather dumb compared with DEP (because we had no longer had control over which AF sensors were used for determining the DOF) and A-DEP was abandoned because Canon research indicated that it was so rarely used. One can only guess why "nobody" liked A-DEP but I suspect it was just plain common sense.
I'd love to see DEP make a comeback, right alongside a mirror lock-up button but it's probably just as unlikely
Canon researchers don't ever to talk with us about what we want. I know that it was (is) on the 1V and I think it was on the 1D series 1.For readers who don't know, DEP was a system that allowed the camera to pick an aperture and focus distance that gave sufficient DOF to capture any two subjects that we aimed a single focus sensor at prior to shooting. A-DEP used all of the focus sensors and was therefore quicker but it gave us no choice of focus sensors to be used and therefore often included subjects of no interest. It was then so useless that we took control ourselves and didn't use A-DEP.
- Alan
Sep 05, 2009 at 01:15 PM
p.1 #5The Beloved DEP Function
I fondly remember DEP mode on my EOS 5. I too often used it. Unlike latter versions, EOS 5 DEP mode was shiftable, so you could increase or decrease DOF once the camera focused at hyper-focal distance. My old Nikkor primes have useful DOF scales. Most of my EOS primes only have one or two positions on the scale. My zooms have nuttin'
With my 5DII I just guess: use a wide angle, stop down to F16 and focus partway into the scene. Do a little focus "bracketing" and I usually nail it.
With my 5DII I just guess: use a wide angle, stop down to F16 and focus partway into the scene. Do a little focus "bracketing" and I usually nail it.
Sep 05, 2009 at 01:57 PM
p.1 #6The Beloved DEP Function
It's just plain sad that such a useful piece of functionality was removed. Memory certainly cannot be an issue for its removal.
Controlling DOF is such an important topic in landscape photography. I suppose that with "liveview" we can do most of this visually, but the old DEP method was fast and reliable. The dumbed-down A-DEP mode was/is pretty much useless, IMHO.
Are you listening, Canon?
Controlling DOF is such an important topic in landscape photography. I suppose that with "liveview" we can do most of this visually, but the old DEP method was fast and reliable. The dumbed-down A-DEP mode was/is pretty much useless, IMHO.
Are you listening, Canon?
Sep 23, 2009 at 09:23 AM
p.1 #7The Beloved DEP Function
Does anyone know what was the last Canon DSLR which incorporated this functionality?
Was it the original 1DS?
Was it the original 1DS?
Sep 23, 2009 at 11:23 AM
p.1 #8The Beloved DEP Function
cameron12x wrote:
Does anyone know what was the last Canon DSLR which incorporated this functionality?
Was it the original 1DS?
Are you talking DEP mode or A-DEP mode? I don't think any of the 1-series DSLR's had either. My old EOS Elan II film body had the DEP mode and if I recall at the time the Rebel film bodies had the A-DEP mode.
Does anyone know what was the last Canon DSLR which incorporated this functionality?
Was it the original 1DS?
Are you talking DEP mode or A-DEP mode? I don't think any of the 1-series DSLR's had either. My old EOS Elan II film body had the DEP mode and if I recall at the time the Rebel film bodies had the A-DEP mode.
Sep 23, 2009 at 11:39 AM
p.1 #9The Beloved DEP Function
John--G wrote:
Was it the original 1DS?Are you talking DEP mode or A-DEP mode? I don't think any of the 1-series DSLR's had either. My old EOS Elan II film body had the DEP mode and if I recall at the time the Rebel film bodies had the A-DEP mode.
DEP mode only, please. A-DEP mode is dumbed-down and crippled; I hardly ever use it.
I believe the 1Ds had true DEP functionality, but it may have been the last Canon DSLR to do so. Any others?
cameron12x wrote
Does anyone know what was the last Canon DSLR which incorporated this functionality?Was it the original 1DS?
DEP mode only, please. A-DEP mode is dumbed-down and crippled; I hardly ever use it.
I believe the 1Ds had true DEP functionality, but it may have been the last Canon DSLR to do so. Any others?
Sep 23, 2009 at 11:44 AM