I’m an intermediate-beginner, keeping same status for the last 4 years; throughly discouraged about my lack of progress. Last 3 days I’ve watched 20 videos x 3 of your presentations. I thought you spoke too fast and didn’t give me enough time to write down important points, upset, and so I put down my pen and reclined. Interestingly, I grew in you after first set of 20; soon hooked as your contents so very different from others. I went back and watch all 20 again and again once more, total of 60. By listening to you I grew badly needed excitement, renewed motivation and inspiration. Thank you!!
I can understand your frustration with how fast he talks but for me I love it because there is so much info in a short video and i can just rewind it over and over till i understand. I love these videos!
Plus, Simon is the contrary of a gatekeeper. Photography can be a daunting hobby for us newbies and having someone share his knowledge and experience in a way that encourages new people to improve is a very wholesome thing
@@TheDonCucaracho So well said-the encouragement goes a long way when learning anything and as a teacher, I strive to be that every day as the teachers I respond to best are just that. The smug gatekeepers are the absolute worst.
Simon, I think I'm just beginning to appreciate just how much effort you must be putting into your videos. They are always so clear, concise and very well thought out. I feel I've always gained a much clearer understanding of the subjects you cover. I am forever greatful. 🙏
hey simon! a friend and i recently started getting into photography quite seriously as of late and i just wanted to mention that your videos are absolute lifesavers and contain a bunch of incredibly useful information, all told in a super enjoyable and understandable format. i seriously can’t thank you enough for sharing your secrets and practices with us, it’s just absolutely amazing how much you can teach us in a few short minutes. ever since we started watching you, the quality of our pictures have skyrocketed and people have started recognizing us as “proper” photographers because of it. truth be told we’re just two 17 year olds trying to make the most of our hobbies but your videos and passion towards photography have led us to believe this very well might be something we want to do full-time in the future. we would like to join those many people and express how grateful we are for your work and will to help us out beginners. seriously, thank you so much!!!
Simon, everytime I'm having a specific issue your videos are reccomended to me and they have ALWAYS come out that day. It's like you're reading my mind
One low light trick I use is: If the subject is fairly stable, I crank my shutter speed to a very long exposure which in turn gives the camera enough light to focus. i then bring shutter speed back to where I want it then take the pictures. I am using back button focusing so this means my focus will not change when taking the pics.
I don't get that at all. What the camera sees to focus is not dependent on shutter speed is it? The camera focuses at full open aperture in the given light, and the chosen aperture and shutter only come in at exposure. Perhaps you are talking about live view?
@@johnsmith1474 The camera does not focus at full open apperature. It can only use the light allowed in by the app/shutterspeed. It is easy to test. Set app to f22 in moderately dark setting and you have 0 chance of focus, Open wide open and you will be able to focus. Same idea with shutter speed. Super slow lets in a bunch of light and you will be able to focus
@@ianrazey8412 So you are saying if I have AP set at 22 and focus the camera open AP to full AP, focuses, then closes it back down within one shutter click? sorry but try my suggestion above then reply
Thanks Simon. Another issue is getting your subject in focus when the subject isn't anywhere near the center or under a focus point. I use single mode, move on to said subject, focus, then reframe the shot. The thing I want in focus is, even though it's off in a corner or such.
I had more useful advice that I can use in real life from this channel than all the other photography U-tube channels put together. And these tips are just as useful on my bridge camera as they are on DSLR's Result, better pictures. Thanks Simon, keep the good videos coming.
Fastest way to focus into/beyond obstacles.. have autofocus do as well as it can, and then… adjust using manual focus on the lens barrel… especially awesome on high end lenses with programmable barrel-placed buttons for focusing (achieves auto focus). On the new Fuji 150-600 lens, the four autofocus buttons are placed adjacent to the manual focus ring, making it possible to autofocus and manually adjust with the fingers of one hand… the other hand is free to trigger the shot on the camera… really fast to learn this method, and gets brilliant results!
I’m currently starting off my adventure by attempting to learning Macro photography. I started playing around with my iPhone 14 pro max in my back yard and was surprised when I randomly took a picture of a mantis up close. Something about seeing things clear and extremely close is just cool to me. So a couple weeks later here I am learning to use my canon t7 I got for a simple trade.
The only thing about this video that was different, is I wish it came out last week. You just explained why some of my shots were slightly out of focus!!! Now I know and know what to do to lower the chances of that happening again!!! Thank you!! Also, I shoot wildlife, landscape, city scape and action photography. I just took some classes on flash and abstract images as those are areas out of my comfort zone. I do this as a hobby, but I will want to try and make the best pictures I can. Thank you for your help!!
This is the best "How to" channel I have found. That's why I subscribed. The tip a few videos ago about setting an emergency button is the best tip I have ever heard. I do mostly indoor sports but your videos have inspired me to try some birding.
Thanks again for another video! The sun is shining out here (which makes my m4/3 setup a lot happier), so I'm going to try these things out as soon as possible. Most of the things I knew and/or had heard before, but what I always forget is skill is acquired by doing!
That's a reasonable simple overview that correctly infers the fact that although modern focus systems act very energetically, they have a mind of their own, which causes problems. For instance the Canon system I am told will always prefer any nearest object if a large array of sensor points are in use, so for a bird in reeds a single point is suggested. d'Entremont works successfully in one of the most challenging areas for focus. By contrast I very often focus a landscape manually, to purposefully get the autofocus out of the way, as it tends to cause more problems than it solves off of a tripod. This means that I don't actually learn a lot about my 5D4 focus system's sophisticated methods of obtaining focus, which I should do and want to do. As I review both video & written learning materials, I find that most trainers tend to teach around their specialty and downplay other methods. For instance the skillful group-trainer Nina Bailey has published some good explanatory manuals for the 5D4, but she dismisses back button focus, which I use exclusively. She also suggests always shooting jpegs as the software process has a huge learning curve. I am the opposite there. So I'd love to see some hours of Simon discussing the Canon focus system in depth, as there are a number of excellent ways to get to a good end. Bells go off when the various paths to success are demonstrated by someone for whom the system poses no mysteries, and who does not tend to say, " best if you just don't use that feature." One point about a sophisticated camera like a 5D4 is that Canon expects it to be used in a certain way, but that way is not stated. For instance the idea that you would meter and focus at the same instant makes no sense to a landscape guy, thus I separate the two by assigning two back buttons. I meter the scene, I focus, frame, and shoot. That is very different than chasing moving birds. I therefore need to know in particular where various setups for focus &/or metering interfere with each other, or override each other, or prevent focus, including touch focus via the LCD. When you generally manually focus landscapes, the autofocus is a bear. One area I'd like Simon to discuss is the utility and pitfalls of holding down back button focus, while racking the focus ring manually instigating focus confirmation in the viewfinder.
fantastic production value on this channel :) another point that's missed by beginner photographers is the af microadjustment. if the focus seems to consistently be too far or too close and everything is done properly, check if your camera offers the option to offset the focusing distance of a particular lens. w/ the camera stable and a measuring tape pointing away from the lens, focus on a particular number, take a photo, focus on some other spot and then focus again on the same number and take another picture. after a few pictures it will become easier to tell how the camera behaves w/ that particular lens by looking at the small lines on the measuring tape, be it mm or 1/16inch...
Simon, can I firstly say thank you for your excellent videos. Since switching from my Canon EOS 1DMKII which served me very well for a number of years, I bought a very low use Canon EOS 1DMKVI. I got so used to my MKII and had it set up for my style, I was struggling to be honest in fine tuning this MKIV. Your videos are a wealth of information, but with great explanation. Seeing a particular setting in action makes it very easy to understand. Ironically I had never used the back focus, but after just watching your video about it, I can really see the benefits. Your photographs are testament to your skills and understanding. Something as simple of not changing the focus points from automatic to a single or group has eradicated why my photos were pin sharp on a certain part, but slightly adrift elsewhere in the frame. I am now beginning to really enjoy this new to me camera, and realise just what potential it will give to me.
Brought my dslr after quite a few years have to learn all over again your videos are so helpful getting me back into it and your from the east coast I’m from Cape Breton
Greetings from central Canada. Your site is now my new and best find. Your gentle yet strong voice and teaching style are perfect for guiding new photographers to understand the cameras and gear. Thank you.
Great advice as always. For nighttime focusing on, for example, a static cityscape pix, I use the camera's LCD screen to manually focus. By zooming in with the LCD screen, and then manually adjusting the lens' focus, I can achieve more accurate focus than the camera's AF. Of course, this only works well for landscape.
I am going through photos from a year ago. And I noticed a lot of focus issues in my photos! I recently switched from m4/3s to full frame, and these tips will definitely help me get those great crispy shots!
Yes, mirrorless cameras, are more accurate zooming out. And get stuck on the background. ALWAYS point a long zoom at the ground, and half press. Do it out of habit. 1. to wake it up from sleep mode. 2. so that the focus racks outwards to catch a bird.
Hi Simon it is so easy to see why you have over 90K subscribers. Thank you so much for your videos that are so easy to follow and helpful. I do not know what you get out of it but it should be more.
Wow.... this is one of the best explanations of this topic I've seen. And, your speaking pace is really easy to follow. You're sequencing of the subtopics was really well done too. Thanks!! Have a great week......
There's this little camera maker based out of Japan who never seems to get a mention, Peny, pen, pana... Something?? 😉 Kidding aside, I'm really enjoying all of your videos. I've only discovered your channel a few weeks back. The way you explain things makes it's so clear. I'm working on trying to improve my bird photography and this has been truly some of the most concise info I've found. Thanks.
Learning so much from your videos. Taking a photo trip tomorrow at Chincoteague wildlife refuge. Cannot wait to put your tips into use. Thank you. I will be shooting mainly birds but also the horses and lighthouse. I have a Nikon D850 with 70-300. Also a fixed 500mm f5.6 I started out with a Nikon Z50. Your tips have helped me with both cameras.
Great content & education for we viewers. My problem with sunsets is usually in unwanted items that can't be removed unless with software. I need to look through your library to see if software for editing is contained within. Thank you again Simon, your information is helpful to me just being an average photographer.
Simon - I'm a frequent watcher of Photography UA-cams Video's, ecspecially wildlife. I'm guessing that over the years I have subscribed to 100-200 and I can say that your videos and channel are at the top of my list. Your topics are perfect and youur explainations are great. So thank you for all you do and I look forward to watching more!!
Except that at large apertures you may not have enough DOF depending on where this edge is. If you focus on an edge with the back button, then snap the focus ring a predetermined distance that subtracts the depth of the animal, as indicated by the distance scale on the lens (if you have one), you are even closer to the front. It's a rock fight!
As always, thank you for a well-made professional video. Cannot tell you how much I enjoy your videos. A wealth of concise information in a short period of time.
I just discovered your UA-cam photography video's. Enjoy watching and learning in your easy to digest format. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and special tips with your audience.
A Very informative and helpful channel. It’s nice to have practical photography tips instead of the usual hardware comparisons. These focus tips are gold. Thank you.
I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. In a short time this channel has become one of my favorites. And I follow many. Your videos are very informative and well presented. And not too long. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience Simon.
Thanks Simon for another informative video. I know that it is a headache to give settings information specific to each brand of camera, but it really helps us viewers. I also liked your recent video about transforming your photography, especially the part about the beneficial effects of shooting a different genre. I have one small suggestion. The studio lighting used to film yourself seems a little harsh. I know nothing about studio lighting, but it seems that your main lights are pretty far to the side, rather than front, and not very diffuse.
I want you to be my uncle,I got so many useful information thankyou!..btw im using a 4000d camera as my first camera and by using ur tips i did improve my focus more easily despite of the deficiency of my camera.
I use "pre-focus" when I'm taking pictures of the kids swinging on a swing. I watch them through the viewfinder, and when they get to that point where the swing stops going up and just before it's on its way down, I focus there and then the next time they're there, I shoot. Works great for me.
Great content as usual! One note: mirrorless cameras (as well as cell phone cameras) often have numerous phase detection pixels built right into the image sensor. I think slow contrast based focusing might be reserved for low light AF…
Hello Simon! This is a general comment about all your videos. I am very happy to have “stumbled” upon them! I have learned a lot already, and I have been photographing for a very long time. My kids are delighted with the “incredible” photos I just took of their dog. I have Nikon cameras and lenses, but your videos give me the specific concept of the photography issue and then I can look for my specific Nikon details in my manuals. Thank you for the great work!
I shoot mostly outdoor; flowers, plants, canyons, mountains, but many times it’s wildlife. I’ll be using these tips for getting those birds in flight. Thank you, as always! I share your channel with all of my photography friends. Why? Well, I get so much from your videos! And, I can’t say your name as well as you do! 😏😉
Let's not forget that your eyes need to be in focus for your camera to be in focus. Wear proper eye correction for distance & near especially if you're over 40yrs old and using your screen as you focus. Although limited in range, also set your viewfinder's dioptric adjustment.
I recently had my focus point on a squirrel in a tree. Camera focused on the background and I blamed my Z 5 for it because it didn't find it as I kept the focus point on the animal. Your explanation helped me understand why. Next time I'm ready for quick moments by pre focusing on the branch. :)
On DSLR, autofocus sensor optic are located on the bottom, right under the mirror. After sometimes, the dust will cover the optic surfaces. Blow or clean the optic with angled cotton bud and clean all the mirror surfaces from the cloudy stain. It will enhancing the speed performance of autofocus.
I really dig your educational series. You present technical details along with practical advice in an understandable format. Thank you for putting these out.
You videos have helped me. Thanks you excellent information. I've been practicing with my old Nikon D5100. I've been wondering why I was taking pictures of my cat. I couldn't figure out when he was moving why I was getting slightly blurred so set the shutter speed to 1/1000s but still having problems. Now I watch this and change my settings it better. 👍
Nice advises as usual. I made better flying birds photos since i apply Auto ISO with manual speed (high speed around 1600) and aperture settings. It is the Tav mode with my Pentax K5 iis. In that mode, the exposure setting is the goal i assign to the Auto Iso.
Had to stop by for some tips. My Canon R7, which I'm using with a couple of used EF lenses, was taking good pictures at first. Recently, although it seems to be focusing properly, all of the pictures are coming out a little blurry. I've been going nuts trying to chase down the problem. On the plus side, I've gotten to know the camera's menus really, really well. :)
Happy-ish follow-up. Since I was on the road, I couldn't easily get the camera into Canon to be checked. Now I'm back in town for a few weeks, and I just got the R7 back from Canon service. Turns out the image sensor assembly was out of position, so it wasn't operator error. I'm a bit peeved that I have a bunch of marginal photos that would be expensive and time-consuming to reshoot, but I'll be heading to the Texas Gulf Coast soon, and there are birds, hermit crabs, and ships to photograph.
Simon, you are the "Monet of Photography" - a great artist! Thank you for all the effort you put forth to help beginners like me! I learn so much! Do you offer field training/trips like Mark Smith?
I found that f/stop/aperture is easier to understand for beginners if the f number is viewed as a fraction like shutter speed; for example F4 equates to 1/4,. f16 = 1/16 etc. It shows a correlation to lens opening and the amount of light transmitted through the lens. Also explains those depth of field marks on mostly old school lenses. I guess I am giving away my age and my Nikkormat.
Thank you very much for taking the time to post your tips videos. I'm new to bird photography and I'm using the great information you provide to better my bird photos. I'm struggling right now with long distance sharp photos. I may just be pushing the range of my gear. Nikon D500 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary.
Great video as always, you da G.O.A.T. Simon!!! I wanted to add another point that took me a few motorsport events to pick up on. At higher apertures a camera will switch from phase to contrast detection. I use a Sony a9 that uses phase till f16, many will switch around f8/f11. I use an ND filter to stay at the sweet spot for my lenses (5.6-11) and keep phase detect for slow shutter pans/harsh light at motorsport events. Having phase available has helped me big time for faster subjects.
Thanks Simon for Your advice on the focus limiter. I saw it on my lens, but had no idea, what is was good for! You pictures and videos are really amazing!
There are scammers pretending to be me and offering prizes via telegram. Stay away and report them! Thanks!
So I've noticed.
they did it to me too!
pay attention to how the name is spelled! the S is written in lowercase unlike the original!!
It's quite simple: Telegram = Scam. It literally is not used for anything else lol.
Thank you for the tip Simon!
One thing I appreciate about Simon is that he never looks down on crop sensors and always takes it into account when giving tips.
Each sensor has their uses. I don't get the hate that people give it.
I’m an intermediate-beginner, keeping same status for the last 4 years; throughly discouraged about my lack of progress. Last 3 days I’ve watched 20 videos x 3 of your presentations. I thought you spoke too fast and didn’t give me enough time to write down important points, upset, and so I put down my pen and reclined. Interestingly, I grew in you after first set of 20; soon hooked as your contents so very different from others. I went back and watch all 20 again and again once more, total of 60. By listening to you I grew badly needed excitement, renewed motivation and inspiration. Thank you!!
Awesome!
Dont underestimate the power of D'Entremont haha
I can understand your frustration with how fast he talks but for me I love it because there is so much info in a short video and i can just rewind it over and over till i understand. I love these videos!
UA-cam has a settings button (shaped like a cog)
Therein you can change the playback speed to slow down the video, giving you time to take notes.
Lol: you think he talks fast and I play Simon at 1.25x 😅
We’re all different 😉
Glad you found your mojo dude!
What makes your videos great is they are all concise and right down to the point. Thank you
Plus, Simon is the contrary of a gatekeeper. Photography can be a daunting hobby for us newbies and having someone share his knowledge and experience in a way that encourages new people to improve is a very wholesome thing
Simon is very generous to transfer his knowledge as well.
@@TheDonCucaracho So well said-the encouragement goes a long way when learning anything and as a teacher, I strive to be that every day as the teachers I respond to best are just that. The smug gatekeepers are the absolute worst.
Simon, I think I'm just beginning to appreciate just how much effort you must be putting into your videos. They are always so clear, concise and very well thought out. I feel I've always gained a much clearer understanding of the subjects you cover. I am forever greatful. 🙏
Glad you like them!
hey simon! a friend and i recently started getting into photography quite seriously as of late and i just wanted to mention that your videos are absolute lifesavers and contain a bunch of incredibly useful information, all told in a super enjoyable and understandable format. i seriously can’t thank you enough for sharing your secrets and practices with us, it’s just absolutely amazing how much you can teach us in a few short minutes. ever since we started watching you, the quality of our pictures have skyrocketed and people have started recognizing us as “proper” photographers because of it. truth be told we’re just two 17 year olds trying to make the most of our hobbies but your videos and passion towards photography have led us to believe this very well might be something we want to do full-time in the future. we would like to join those many people and express how grateful we are for your work and will to help us out beginners. seriously, thank you so much!!!
Excellent! I need to train up my replacements! I’ll want to kick up and relax some day!
@@simon_dentremont you’re taking care of that excellently! we hope to make you proud :)
@@simon_dentremont pretty much same here for me!!! Learning. And your videos have been the most helpful. THANK YOU SO MUCH! ❤️❤️❤️
I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont absolutely! it would be an honour :)
Sir! I am an Indian. I have benefited a lot from your post. I have been looking for this for so long. Thank you very much 🙏😍
The teacher. Clear and concise.
Simon, everytime I'm having a specific issue your videos are reccomended to me and they have ALWAYS come out that day. It's like you're reading my mind
Maybe it’s UA-cam thats reading it! haha thanks.
The algorithm is listening..... 😁
hahahaha
Me too!!
At last! Somebody with practical tips and no bla bla about which camera is better
One low light trick I use is: If the subject is fairly stable, I crank my shutter speed to a very long exposure which in turn gives the camera enough light to focus. i then bring shutter speed back to where I want it then take the pictures. I am using back button focusing so this means my focus will not change when taking the pics.
I do same for milky way exposures to take test shots.
I don't get that at all. What the camera sees to focus is not dependent on shutter speed is it? The camera focuses at full open aperture in the given light, and the chosen aperture and shutter only come in at exposure. Perhaps you are talking about live view?
@@johnsmith1474 The camera does not focus at full open apperature. It can only use the light allowed in by the app/shutterspeed. It is easy to test. Set app to f22 in moderately dark setting and you have 0 chance of focus, Open wide open and you will be able to focus. Same idea with shutter speed. Super slow lets in a bunch of light and you will be able to focus
@@dennisharris144 Incorrect with Canon cameras taking photographs.
@@ianrazey8412 So you are saying if I have AP set at 22 and focus the camera open AP to full AP, focuses, then closes it back down within one shutter click? sorry but try my suggestion above then reply
Thanks Simon. Another issue is getting your subject in focus when the subject isn't anywhere near the center or under a focus point. I use single mode, move on to said subject, focus, then reframe the shot. The thing I want in focus is, even though it's off in a corner or such.
Thanks for finding the names of the focus modes for different camera makes
I could never seem to get good photos but I have watched around 50 of your videos and have improved soo much, thanks!
I had more useful advice that I can use in real life from this channel than all the other photography U-tube channels put together. And these tips are just as useful on my bridge camera as they are on DSLR's Result, better pictures. Thanks Simon, keep the good videos coming.
Fastest way to focus into/beyond obstacles.. have autofocus do as well as it can, and then… adjust using manual focus on the lens barrel… especially awesome on high end lenses with programmable barrel-placed buttons for focusing (achieves auto focus). On the new Fuji 150-600 lens, the four autofocus buttons are placed adjacent to the manual focus ring, making it possible to autofocus and manually adjust with the fingers of one hand… the other hand is free to trigger the shot on the camera… really fast to learn this method, and gets brilliant results!
Coming back to photography I find Simon's knowledge and approach via bitesize content has jumped me up the curve rapidly - superb!
I’m currently starting off my adventure by attempting to learning Macro photography. I started playing around with my iPhone 14 pro max in my back yard and was surprised when I randomly took a picture of a mantis up close. Something about seeing things clear and extremely close is just cool to me. So a couple weeks later here I am learning to use my canon t7 I got for a simple trade.
The only thing about this video that was different, is I wish it came out last week. You just explained why some of my shots were slightly out of focus!!! Now I know and know what to do to lower the chances of that happening again!!! Thank you!!
Also, I shoot wildlife, landscape, city scape and action photography. I just took some classes on flash and abstract images as those are areas out of my comfort zone. I do this as a hobby, but I will want to try and make the best pictures I can. Thank you for your help!!
This is the best "How to" channel I have found. That's why I subscribed. The tip a few videos ago about setting an emergency button is the best tip I have ever heard. I do mostly indoor sports but your videos have inspired me to try some birding.
Thanks again for another video! The sun is shining out here (which makes my m4/3 setup a lot happier), so I'm going to try these things out as soon as possible. Most of the things I knew and/or had heard before, but what I always forget is skill is acquired by doing!
That's a reasonable simple overview that correctly infers the fact that although modern focus systems act very energetically, they have a mind of their own, which causes problems. For instance the Canon system I am told will always prefer any nearest object if a large array of sensor points are in use, so for a bird in reeds a single point is suggested.
d'Entremont works successfully in one of the most challenging areas for focus. By contrast I very often focus a landscape manually, to purposefully get the autofocus out of the way, as it tends to cause more problems than it solves off of a tripod. This means that I don't actually learn a lot about my 5D4 focus system's sophisticated methods of obtaining focus, which I should do and want to do. As I review both video & written learning materials, I find that most trainers tend to teach around their specialty and downplay other methods. For instance the skillful group-trainer Nina Bailey has published some good explanatory manuals for the 5D4, but she dismisses back button focus, which I use exclusively. She also suggests always shooting jpegs as the software process has a huge learning curve. I am the opposite there.
So I'd love to see some hours of Simon discussing the Canon focus system in depth, as there are a number of excellent ways to get to a good end. Bells go off when the various paths to success are demonstrated by someone for whom the system poses no mysteries, and who does not tend to say, " best if you just don't use that feature."
One point about a sophisticated camera like a 5D4 is that Canon expects it to be used in a certain way, but that way is not stated. For instance the idea that you would meter and focus at the same instant makes no sense to a landscape guy, thus I separate the two by assigning two back buttons. I meter the scene, I focus, frame, and shoot. That is very different than chasing moving birds. I therefore need to know in particular where various setups for focus &/or metering interfere with each other, or override each other, or prevent focus, including touch focus via the LCD. When you generally manually focus landscapes, the autofocus is a bear. One area I'd like Simon to discuss is the utility and pitfalls of holding down back button focus, while racking the focus ring manually instigating focus confirmation in the viewfinder.
fantastic production value on this channel :)
another point that's missed by beginner photographers is the af microadjustment. if the focus seems to consistently be too far or too close and everything is done properly, check if your camera offers the option to offset the focusing distance of a particular lens.
w/ the camera stable and a measuring tape pointing away from the lens, focus on a particular number, take a photo, focus on some other spot and then focus again on the same number and take another picture. after a few pictures it will become easier to tell how the camera behaves w/ that particular lens by looking at the small lines on the measuring tape, be it mm or 1/16inch...
Simon, can I firstly say thank you for your excellent videos. Since switching from my Canon EOS 1DMKII which served me very well for a number of years, I bought a very low use Canon EOS 1DMKVI. I got so used to my MKII and had it set up for my style, I was struggling to be honest in fine tuning this MKIV. Your videos are a wealth of information, but with great explanation. Seeing a particular setting in action makes it very easy to understand. Ironically I had never used the back focus, but after just watching your video about it, I can really see the benefits. Your photographs are testament to your skills and understanding. Something as simple of not changing the focus points from automatic to a single or group has eradicated why my photos were pin sharp on a certain part, but slightly adrift elsewhere in the frame. I am now beginning to really enjoy this new to me camera, and realise just what potential it will give to me.
Thanks and you’re welcome!
Words can't explain how much I appreciate your videos. Thank you!!
Great explanation on improving focus. You’re a natural educator of photography and make it simple to understand.
Absolutely the best photography I've ever seen!!! Terry Nikon, Sony and now a Fuji Man in Las Vegas, NV
Brilliant video. Thank you !!
Brought my dslr after quite a few years have to learn all over again your videos are so helpful getting me back into it and your from the east coast I’m from Cape Breton
Great to hear neighbor!
This is the best video on Focus I have watched. Thank you Simon
Simon, your videos are pure gold. Just good solid tips to help improve your photography. Thank you.
Dennis, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont Yes. You are welcome to use my comment
Greetings from central Canada. Your site is now my new and best find. Your gentle yet strong voice and teaching style are perfect for guiding new photographers to understand the cameras and gear. Thank you.
Oh man, trying to take photos of deer on my m4/3 that end up focusing on the background or otherwise leaving blurry deer... this video speaks to me.
Most Likely the Best Camera Content on the Internet / So Comprehensive Wonderfully Refreshing.
Appreciate that
As always, such a detailed, well-produced, and insightful video. Thank you very much sir!
Buddy, you are one talented guy! Actually seeing the cold breath coming from the birds beak is crazy! Bravo!
That's one of my favorite bird videos ever.
Thank you Simon for this very important lesson this technique is very useful.
Great advice as always.
For nighttime focusing on, for example, a static cityscape pix, I use the camera's LCD screen to manually focus. By zooming in with the LCD screen, and then manually adjusting the lens' focus, I can achieve more accurate focus than the camera's AF. Of course, this only works well for landscape.
I am going through photos from a year ago. And I noticed a lot of focus issues in my photos! I recently switched from m4/3s to full frame, and these tips will definitely help me get those great crispy shots!
Great to hear!
Bless you, this is giving me hope, I'm glad you shared your expertise thank you.
Yes, mirrorless cameras, are more accurate zooming out. And get stuck on the background.
ALWAYS point a long zoom at the ground, and half press. Do it out of habit.
1. to wake it up from sleep mode.
2. so that the focus racks outwards to catch a bird.
Another great video, Simon. Very high quality tips and techniques. Thanks.
🕛 Time line:
00:00 Intro
02:00 Wrong settings
02:50 Low contrast subjects
03:42 Backlit and low light
04:50 Focus points
05:58 Focus stuck on background
Hi Simon it is so easy to see why you have over 90K subscribers. Thank you so much for your videos that are so easy to follow and helpful. I do not know what you get out of it but it should be more.
You are an excellent instructor. Clear and concise. Thank you.
Wow.... this is one of the best explanations of this topic I've seen. And, your speaking pace is really easy to follow. You're sequencing of the subtopics was really well done too. Thanks!! Have a great week......
Charlie, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont Sure thing!! Yes!
Thank you so much for sharing all your awesome experience, knowledge and insight!
There's this little camera maker based out of Japan who never seems to get a mention, Peny, pen, pana... Something?? 😉
Kidding aside, I'm really enjoying all of your videos. I've only discovered your channel a few weeks back. The way you explain things makes it's so clear. I'm working on trying to improve my bird photography and this has been truly some of the most concise info I've found. Thanks.
I'm trying to be as inclusive as possible, but if I include every brand in every setting mention, we'll be here a loooong time! lol
Learning so much from your videos. Taking a photo trip tomorrow at Chincoteague wildlife refuge. Cannot wait to put your tips into use. Thank you. I will be shooting mainly birds but also the horses and lighthouse. I have a Nikon D850 with 70-300. Also a fixed 500mm f5.6 I started out with a Nikon Z50. Your tips have helped me with both cameras.
Great content & education for we viewers. My problem with sunsets is usually in unwanted items that can't be removed unless with software. I need to look through your library to see if software for editing is contained within. Thank you again Simon, your information is helpful to me just being an average photographer.
Cracking video, Simon. Your presentation is brilliant. Have subscribed. 👍
Another great detailed explanation of common problems and tips for reducing or fixing the problem. Great work!
Thanks and you’re welcome!
Simon - I'm a frequent watcher of Photography UA-cams Video's, ecspecially wildlife. I'm guessing that over the years I have subscribed to 100-200 and I can say that your videos and channel are at the top of my list. Your topics are perfect and youur explainations are great. So thank you for all you do and I look forward to watching more!!
Ken, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
Brilliant, the tip of focussing on the edge of the subject when contrast is insufficient is so good. Thanks so much.
Except that at large apertures you may not have enough DOF depending on where this edge is. If you focus on an edge with the back button, then snap the focus ring a predetermined distance that subtracts the depth of the animal, as indicated by the distance scale on the lens (if you have one), you are even closer to the front. It's a rock fight!
@@johnsmith1474 👍
As always, thank you for a well-made professional video. Cannot tell you how much I enjoy your videos. A wealth of concise information in a short period of time.
amazing educational video, Thank you Simon
Always informative. Thank you for continuing to share your tips to make me a better photographer
Amazing video as always, so helpful. Thank you for making and sharing this.
Thankyou for this video! I am photographing my artwork & this helped with understanding focus points.
Fantastic video!!❤ straight to the point and 10/10 tips
I just discovered your UA-cam photography video's. Enjoy watching and learning in your easy to digest format. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and special tips with your audience.
Beautiful stunning shots ❤
A Very informative and helpful channel. It’s nice to have practical photography tips instead of the usual hardware comparisons. These focus tips are gold. Thank you.
Good video Simon. Well illustrated with photos from the real world.
I follow your channel.
I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. In a short time this channel has become one of my favorites. And I follow many.
Your videos are very informative and well presented. And not too long.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience Simon.
Wow, thank you!
Hans, I’m working on a video course for wildlife photography. Can I use your comment in promotional material, with attribution?
@@simon_dentremont Decent of you to ask. I appreciate that. Yes you can use my comment. Good luck with the video course.
Slow moving vs fast part. This is great thank you, I had focus set on wide area single shot for everything.
Thanks Simon for another informative video. I know that it is a headache to give settings information specific to each brand of camera, but it really helps us viewers. I also liked your recent video about transforming your photography, especially the part about the beneficial effects of shooting a different genre. I have one small suggestion. The studio lighting used to film yourself seems a little harsh. I know nothing about studio lighting, but it seems that your main lights are pretty far to the side, rather than front, and not very diffuse.
Very nice photography and some great tips!
I want you to be my uncle,I got so many useful information thankyou!..btw im using a 4000d camera as my first camera and by using ur tips i did improve my focus more easily despite of the deficiency of my camera.
I use "pre-focus" when I'm taking pictures of the kids swinging on a swing. I watch them through the viewfinder, and when they get to that point where the swing stops going up and just before it's on its way down, I focus there and then the next time they're there, I shoot. Works great for me.
Great content as usual! One note: mirrorless cameras (as well as cell phone cameras) often have numerous phase detection pixels built right into the image sensor. I think slow contrast based focusing might be reserved for low light AF…
I have been enjoying all of your tips and I have made great improvements. Thanks
You are no less than James Bond 👌 Superb talent
Hello Simon!
This is a general comment about all your videos.
I am very happy to have “stumbled” upon them!
I have learned a lot already, and I have been photographing for a very long time.
My kids are delighted with the “incredible” photos I just took of their dog.
I have Nikon cameras and lenses, but your videos give me the specific concept of the photography issue and then I can look for my specific Nikon details in my manuals.
Thank you for the great work!
Welcome aboard!
@@simon_dentremont Thank you. And if you are ever in Toronto, please let me know. They tell me that my honey cake and cappuccino are very good!
I shoot mostly outdoor; flowers, plants, canyons, mountains, but many times it’s wildlife. I’ll be using these tips for getting those birds in flight. Thank you, as always! I share your channel with all of my photography friends. Why? Well, I get so much from your videos! And, I can’t say your name as well as you do! 😏😉
Thanks very much!
Let's not forget that your eyes need to be in focus for your camera to be in focus. Wear proper eye correction for distance & near especially if you're over 40yrs old and using your screen as you focus. Although limited in range, also set your viewfinder's dioptric adjustment.
Probably overlooked by some photographers. Great tip! Cheers.
You Sir, are absolutely fantastic teacher!! My regards to you!!
Many thanks!
I recently had my focus point on a squirrel in a tree. Camera focused on the background and I blamed my Z 5 for it because it didn't find it as I kept the focus point on the animal. Your explanation helped me understand why. Next time I'm ready for quick moments by pre focusing on the branch. :)
Exactly!
On DSLR, autofocus sensor optic are located on the bottom, right under the mirror. After sometimes, the dust will cover the optic surfaces. Blow or clean the optic with angled cotton bud and clean all the mirror surfaces from the cloudy stain. It will enhancing the speed performance of autofocus.
I really dig your educational series. You present technical details along with practical advice in an understandable format. Thank you for putting these out.
Glad you like them!
You videos have helped me. Thanks you excellent information. I've been practicing with my old Nikon D5100. I've been wondering why I was taking pictures of my cat. I couldn't figure out when he was moving why I was getting slightly blurred so set the shutter speed to 1/1000s but still having problems. Now I watch this and change my settings it better. 👍
I like your videos with the succinct narrative.
Hey Simon. Great video. Thanks for including Fuji users!
Excellent tutorial- thanks!
Another great educational tip Simon. Thanks so much. Judy
Nice advises as usual. I made better flying birds photos since i apply Auto ISO with manual speed (high speed around 1600) and aperture settings.
It is the Tav mode with my Pentax K5 iis. In that mode, the exposure setting is the goal i assign to the Auto Iso.
I had a problem with out of focus/not sharp photos you have cured this. Many thanks
Awesome. So happy it helped.
Had to stop by for some tips. My Canon R7, which I'm using with a couple of used EF lenses, was taking good pictures at first. Recently, although it seems to be focusing properly, all of the pictures are coming out a little blurry. I've been going nuts trying to chase down the problem.
On the plus side, I've gotten to know the camera's menus really, really well. :)
Happy-ish follow-up. Since I was on the road, I couldn't easily get the camera into Canon to be checked. Now I'm back in town for a few weeks, and I just got the R7 back from Canon service. Turns out the image sensor assembly was out of position, so it wasn't operator error.
I'm a bit peeved that I have a bunch of marginal photos that would be expensive and time-consuming to reshoot, but I'll be heading to the Texas Gulf Coast soon, and there are birds, hermit crabs, and ships to photograph.
Love these videos they are always so helpfull and well explained! Thank you!
All your vids are soooo under rated ! Should have way more likes and waaay more followers
Simon, you are the "Monet of Photography" - a great artist! Thank you for all the effort you put forth to help beginners like me! I learn so much! Do you offer field training/trips like Mark Smith?
Not yet!
Excellent information Simon. Thank you!
these videos are very helpful! thank you Simon!
Awsome as always!! So glad I found your channel.
Right on focus!
I found that f/stop/aperture is easier to understand for beginners if the f number is viewed as a fraction like shutter speed; for example F4 equates to 1/4,. f16 = 1/16 etc. It shows a correlation to lens opening and the amount of light transmitted through the lens. Also explains those depth of field marks on mostly old school lenses. I guess I am giving away my age and my Nikkormat.
Thank you very much for taking the time to post your tips videos. I'm new to bird photography and I'm using the great information you provide to better my bird photos. I'm struggling right now with long distance sharp photos. I may just be pushing the range of my gear. Nikon D500 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary.
Great Videos that provide a wealth of information !!!! Thank you !
Great video as always, you da G.O.A.T. Simon!!! I wanted to add another point that took me a few motorsport events to pick up on. At higher apertures a camera will switch from phase to contrast detection. I use a Sony a9 that uses phase till f16, many will switch around f8/f11. I use an ND filter to stay at the sweet spot for my lenses (5.6-11) and keep phase detect for slow shutter pans/harsh light at motorsport events. Having phase available has helped me big time for faster subjects.
Great tip!
Thanks Simon for Your advice on the focus limiter. I saw it on my lens, but had no idea, what is was good for! You pictures and videos are really amazing!