daves cliches wrote:
Configuring the D500 to have instant four modes of focus.
I was out yesterday shooting with the D500 configured in the following way:
With "3D" selected from the AF/M center button (this is the only way of configuring the 3D mode to a button because it is not available in the configuration menu). The shutter button is turn "off" for AF. Select AF-C.
Pressing the:
1, Back focus button: focus (AF on) configured to single point....BBF chooses single point and activates focus.
2, PV button: chooses 3D mode and activates focus.
3, FNI button chooses group mode and activates focus.
4, Multi function joystick "center button" chooses auto mode and activates focus. The joystick it's self still moves around the AF mode however!
As the three dynamic modes are now next to useless (IMHO), in this configuration they are now available only from the AF/M focus button, however, any one of these could still be selected with this configuration from the AF/M button via the front wheel by replacing the selected 3D mode with one of the dynamic modes; it would then be used via the AF joystick center button.
The net result is you have the four main AF functions instantly there under your finger tips with no need to change focus modes via the AF/M center button. This is incredibly useful when shooting a heavy telephoto where the left hand has to reach round for the button leaving the heavy lens unsupported, putting strain on the camera mount. (something I don't like to do)
Your pinky finger gains you group mode (FN1), your index gives you 3D (PV) and your thumb BBF/AFon gives you "single point" and the "center button" of the joystick for using the "auto area mode"
You can switch from one AF mode to another instantly on the fly whilst shooting and what's more the AF point follows on from the last mode, so if were in say in auto mode with the point on the bird,it will continue to follow when changing to say group mode or 3D mode.
The center button within the selector NSEW crown still centers the focus point.
I made a special test of the AF auto area mode.
Normally it focuses on the nearest object in the frame, however it is also well suited to following BIFs when most of the screen is covering the sky. It's a mix between 3D mode and dynamic in it's effect and functions like dynamic mode only across the whole screen "without the hassle/difficulty" of having to put the focus point on the erratic bird or keep it on the bird. In the event of the bird becoming low in the sky, press FN1 and continue in group mode.
In practice I found I became accustomed after a few hours, well worth the time of investment!
It also reports the focus point which you see following the bird to Nikon's View NX-i, so when reviewing you know whether the point was on your bird. It worked fine!
I think we can safely assume that Nikon is going to do "diddly squit" in the way of FW update to change the three dynamic modes and this configuration seems to cover it's crippled shortcomings.
Any comments Steve?
Personally, I get too confused with that many choices
What I do is set my AF mode to whatever I think I'll need and assign my Pv button to an alternate. For instance, if I'm doing action, I may have my AF Area set to Group, but Single Point on the Pv button. If I'm doing mammals, I can probably get away with Single Point, so I'll have that as my main and Group on the Pv. Just easier for me (I've never been accused of being coordinated), certainly not the only way to manage it
One thing I won't do however is have AF on any of those buttons with an area mode. WIth Back Button AF, you're in AF-C, so if you have focus + area mode set you lose the ability to focus and recompose. I keep my AF on the back button and just switch between area modes as needed.
Oh, and agree 100% - not sure Nikon is going to do anything. However, at this point we still may just be talking to the front line people, I'm still (very slightly) hopeful for an eventual solution that maybe involves a switch for both the old and new Dynamic behaviour. (fingers crossed).
Mar 31, 2017 at 08:22 AM
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