Focus Modes in Digital Cameras and Depth of Field - Where to Focus in Which Mode

Creative Photography is about controlling a wide range of settings and factors as well as understanding what they will do. Experimenting with different sharpness adjustments and the use of depth of field will result in interesting photographs. The sharpness of the image depends on the distance between the object, the lens and the sensor. DSLRs have focusing control that changes the lens-to-sensor distance known as the focus setting.

Focus Modes in Digital Cameras
Most SLR cameras offer three different modes in order to get a sharp image: manual, single auto and continuous auto focus.

The most common type is automatic mode, meaning the camera does all the work on bringing your subject into the best possible focus.

With manual mode you, the photographer make all the decisions. This is done by adjusting the focus ring on the lens. Manual mode gives the complete creative control to the photographer.

Using single auto focus mode, the camera automatically focuses when you press the shutter button half way down to lock the sharpness. This mode is useful when shooting -static- objects.

In continuous auto focus mode, the camera continuously focuses on the objects in the range of the picture. In this mode the camera keeps correcting the focus as the objects distance from the camera changes. This mode is useful when you shoot prints of moving objects such cars, airplanes, cyclists and so on. You can hold the shutter button half way down and continuously move the camera to follow the object. During this time the camera will keep the object in focus.

Sharp Areas
Digital cameras come with single and multiple focus areas. Using single focus the photographer can move and focus over any point in the scene.
The multiple focus area makes off-center subjects easy to capture a sharp image.

Tip for using Auto Focus
If the subject is not moving, you can take the time to focus using auto focusing. Keep in mind that just because you auto focus camera doesn't know where exactly you want to focus. Start by targeting an area, when you press the shutter release button half-way, camera lacks in the focus and then you can shoot. Using focus-lock method you can you set the focus points right on center, to the right, front or back and so on. Once you lock your focus you can reposition the camera and shoot.

Setting the focus 1/3 into the scene sets the lens up for high per focal distance.

When shooting a landscape or a wide area try to use wide angle lens. Set your camera to a smaller f-stop such as f8/f11/f16.

Next look trough the viewfinder and lock the focus one third into the scene. (Caution: If there is a foreground element in the scene it may be out of focus.)

After setting the point selected you can reposition and shoot. From foreground to background you will have entire scene in focus.

Tip for using Manual Focus
As a general rule digital cameras perform focusing on contrast areas. If you are shooting a scene where there is low contrast best option is to use manual mode. Using manual focus will guide the camera to get a sharp image.