Team-BHP - The DSLR Thread

do built-in motor cameras like Nikon D7000 autofocus automatically even if the shutter release button is not used?

i have been noticing that placing the cam in hand or tripod and the cam autofocuses on the single focus point.

wanted to know if its a cam defect or usual for such bodies?
i had previously used D5100(has no built-in motor) and had no such instances.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariendj (Post 2999962)

I believe not. My experience with numerous Nikon bodies and the D90 currently is that they only focus when you half press the shutter release button.

I have never encountered the behavior you describe. I'm not sure about the Live View mode as I hardly use it. But I assume the camera will focus when using the rear LCD to frame a shot.

When you say you notice the lens focus, can you explain in a little more detail how you notice this behavior?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariendj (Post 2999962)

Not normal but it looks like paranormal activity :D.
May be a ghost in the machine IMHO can be posted in spooky experience thread over here.

Might be slightly off-topic on this thread, but can fellow bhpians with DSLRs and birding interest share their experiences with digi-scoping?

I mean, anybody with a DLSR and a birding-scope/telescope tried to connect the scope with the DSLR?

Specifically interrested in understanding the quality of images taken with digi-scoping and seeing samples of such wild-life shots taken by fellow bhpians.

Please share your experience in this area. Any pointers are also most welcome.

Thanks
SDP

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarScream (Post 2999996)

When you say you notice the lens focus, can you explain in a little more detail how you notice this behavior?

i too hardly use live-view and that's why i found it out only recently.

my observations are,

usually the cam auto-focuses when the shutter button is pressed half way.but here,it auto focuses by itself(without me touching the shutter button) at the focus point i have selected.
this self auto-focusing occurs only in live-view mode and not when using the view finder.

would like others to check if its so in other similar cam bodies!

i found where the issue popped up from.

there is a autofocus menu which lists Live view/movie AF under which there is choices for single servo AF( AF-S) or full time servo AF (AF-F)

mine was on AF-F and so kept self auto-focusing.
changed to AF-S and its back to good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariendj (Post 2999962)

do built-in motor cameras like Nikon D7000 autofocus automatically even if the shutter release button is not used?

I don't know if that's the case, but there is an eye start AF in Sony Alphas - camera achieves focus the moment you start looking through the viewfinder. No need to press the shutter release button half way to start focusing.

Recently bought Cannon EOS 600D with 18-105 Kit lense. Still getting used to the features of the camera. But overall really loving this DSRL (probably more because I switched over from point and shoot digital camera to DLSR).

Quote:

Originally Posted by aZa (Post 3001562)

Guys 650D or 60D ? Both are costing the same.

60D +
Higher max shutter - 1/8000
Better viewfinder coverage & magnification
Marginally higher fps shooting (5.3 fps)
Water & Dust resistance (Most important of feature advantage)
Better Battery life

650D +
Touch Screen LCD
Stereo Microphone for video - rec
Optional GPS features

Honestly its neck to neck if its only IQ you are looking for but if you are a rugged outdoor based photographer who has a keen eye & feel for better ergonomics 60D is a much better bet.

I would go for XX series 60D over XXX series 650D anyday

Quote:

Originally Posted by aZa (Post 3001562)

Guys 650D or 60D ? Both are costing the same.

For the same cost the 60D is a better camera. The 650D is newer and hence it is the same cost. As you upgrade to larger lenses the 60D will feel better balanced especially if you add a battery pack.

Thanx guys ! I only shoot raw and later post process in PS or LR. Raw comparison on Dpreview shows better quality from 60D.

Will be picking up a 60D body only during or after the Photo Fair (jan 1st week) in delhi.

If you take mostely RAW pics then the 2 camers should not make much of a difference.
As for me i think 650D is a better buy along with the new 18-135 STM lense. Also price for 60D are low as this is due for a replacment.But then thats me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariendj (Post 2999962)

I had seen this on a few cameras when the camera's AF was set to continuous mode. Check if that's the case.