Re: Dslr Live Focus?

[PhotoRoy6@xxxxxxx]

Hershel and Jim,

 

        This is where the confusion starts. There are at least two definitions of live focus floating about.. One that you can preview the picture before on the LCD screen and another that you can see it at the exact moment of exposure because you are seeing it thru another viewing system.

According to the article I read in Pop Photo Sony A700 doesn't have live focus which I took to mean you couldn't preview from it. There are no large photo stores near by so I can look at the Sony A700  but I will look at some cheaper models of different brands in local store to see if what kind of preview is available.

Roy

 

 

In a message dated 12/11/2007 9:48:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, herschel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

Live focus is when the preview image appears on the LCD BEFORE you shoot like a little video.

It’s the way little point’n’shoots and cellphone cams work. You don’t have to look through the viewfinder; you can compose on the LCD.

It’s done by using a semi-reflective mirror and directing light that passes through the mirror to a tiny video sensor. It’s great for shots where you’re holding the camera at ground level or over your head in a crowd. I’d guess you could live without it in most other circumstances. I think the Nikon D200 has it and the Fuji S5Pro (I’m currently testing the S5Pro and that’s how I know. GREAT camera BTW)

 

herschel

 

The old Minolta A1, predecessor to the Sony cameras had the option of previewing your picture either on the LCD screen, or through the viewfinder.  I think what is being referred to is being able to preview the picture on the LCD screen, from the CCD sensor.  Of course with the mirror down there is no way this can be done.  In the old A1 the view through the viewfinder was actually another screen, so showed the exact picture being taken.  With the A700 the eye viewer is fully optical, which means it works even with camera turned off.  Like the old SLR cameras. 

 

If you want sharp pictures, use a tripod (best) but if hand held, they are steadier if held against the eye using the eye viewer rather than as with most digital cameras held at arms length to see the screen.

 

If looking at the Sony A700 consider the Carl Zeiss 16-80 lens rather than the regular Sony lenses, which I recollect are 18-70  or 16-105.  Yes, the lens is more expensive (around 3 times the price of the 18-70) but it has far better reviews.

 

I recently purchased the A700 with the Carl Zeiss lens, and results have proved very satisfactory.

 

Jim Thyer

 

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