mikemyers
Member
The Nikon D780 is two cameras in one - it's both a DSLR, and has the Nikon Z6 technology built in as well, when the camera is switched from using the viewfinder, to turning on "Live View". For right now, I'm mostly asking about using the camera viewfinder.
My first specific question, about photographing stationery birds, is what focus settings are best. Some people recommend single point, which is what I've been using. Others recommend the "four" points mode, so it covers a bit more area. I was wondering if using one of the "tracking" modes is a good idea. I'm sure I'll have more questions, but this one seems to be a good place to start.
I've been reading where a lot of people prefer a D? camera, D5 or D6 usually. I've got a D3. My D780 has 24 megapixels on the sensor, and the D3 has half of that - and is a rather old camera. The D3 is rugged, fast, and solid. I bought it new, what seems like a lifetime ago (after buying a D2x and using that for several years). For those who are familiar with the D3, is it a suitable camera for bird photography?
Anyway, the main point for this post is to find out what the best focus settings are for me.
I'm pretty sure I need AF-C (continuous), not AF-S (single).
One option is "area mode", where the camera looks all over to focus - or "spot" mode where the camera looks right in the center of the view.
I expect to try the "diamond" setting, with four spots surrounding the center of the viewfinder.
Not now, but later, I'd like to ask about how it will work for me if I use "mirrorless" mode (by switching on live view).
......and I need to add, it sounds much easier for me to shoot normally, with the viewfinder, than moving my head back and looking at the rear screen, for "mirrorless" shooting.
I've been on birdwatching trips twice, my latest one two days ago. I'll post one image I like from that trip:
My first specific question, about photographing stationery birds, is what focus settings are best. Some people recommend single point, which is what I've been using. Others recommend the "four" points mode, so it covers a bit more area. I was wondering if using one of the "tracking" modes is a good idea. I'm sure I'll have more questions, but this one seems to be a good place to start.
I've been reading where a lot of people prefer a D? camera, D5 or D6 usually. I've got a D3. My D780 has 24 megapixels on the sensor, and the D3 has half of that - and is a rather old camera. The D3 is rugged, fast, and solid. I bought it new, what seems like a lifetime ago (after buying a D2x and using that for several years). For those who are familiar with the D3, is it a suitable camera for bird photography?
Anyway, the main point for this post is to find out what the best focus settings are for me.
I'm pretty sure I need AF-C (continuous), not AF-S (single).
One option is "area mode", where the camera looks all over to focus - or "spot" mode where the camera looks right in the center of the view.
I expect to try the "diamond" setting, with four spots surrounding the center of the viewfinder.
Not now, but later, I'd like to ask about how it will work for me if I use "mirrorless" mode (by switching on live view).
......and I need to add, it sounds much easier for me to shoot normally, with the viewfinder, than moving my head back and looking at the rear screen, for "mirrorless" shooting.
I've been on birdwatching trips twice, my latest one two days ago. I'll post one image I like from that trip: