Manual focus "on the fly"

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

The manual focus on the D7 series is accomplished electronically. It is not mechanical in the way the manual zoom is. As best I can determine the focus is locked in as long as the shutter his fully depressed. Even if the focus was not locked, because it is electronically controlled, you would not get the responsiveness that you are looking for.

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Oh......

Thank you Jim. Shame that it wont work. If it had, that would have tipped me into the D7Hi camp, over the 717, 5700 etc, for sure!
J2
===========================================

Jim_Collins said:

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

J2D2 said:

Jim_Collins said:

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

You should be aware that none of the rest of the cameras in this class will do anything like what you are looking for either.
Regards,
--
DaveMart

I don't think any of the cameras you mentioned will do any better in terms of manual focus. They certianly won't stand up to the D7Hi in terms of the manual zoom or the ability to capture in continous mode full resolution images. I think what you are looking for as far as focusing at the same time as shooting is just not available in the price range you are looking at in these cameras.

BTW, because digicams have such a large depth of field, most people pick a small apature setting (big fstop) and do a manual prefocus. You are going to have a fairly good range of distances in which the object you are shooting is in focus. So if you have sufficeint buffer you can get a good number of shots off. I may be wrong, but I don't see how either the F717 or 5700 can come close to the D7Hi in this regard.

Jim

J2D2 said:

Jim_Collins said:

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Thank you all....

It wasnt that I expected this feature in the 7Hi's competitors, it was that if this feature was on the 7Hi, then it would be the deciding factor.
Now I'm confused again!!

I see lots of headers regarding the HI,5700 and 717, and find myself mulling over the same issues as everyone else. It isnt often I can afford £1000 on a camera, (never, actually). I can only do it now due to a small windfall. I simply cannot afford to be wrong in my choice!!
Ah well, at least these investigations keep me busy.

Regards to all,

J2 (Midlands UK)
============================================

Jim_Collins said:

BTW, because digicams have such a large depth of field, most people
pick a small apature setting (big fstop) and do a manual prefocus.
You are going to have a fairly good range of distances in which the
object you are shooting is in focus. So if you have sufficeint
buffer you can get a good number of shots off. I may be wrong, but
I don't see how either the F717 or 5700 can come close to the D7Hi
in this regard.

Jim

J2D2 said:

Jim_Collins said:

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

If manual focus while shooting in ultra high speed capture (i.e., motordrive) mode is your primary requirement you should save a few thousand more pounds and get yourself a Canon 1D and a couple "L" lenses. Trying to accomplish the task with any of the 5MP cameras you mention is like pounding nails with a screwdriver. A 5MP prosumer just isn't the correct tool for the job.

Beyond the focus issue -- which as Jim correctly states is not a problem in most situations due to the the camera's great DOF -- you'll find that the D7Hi, with its D7Hi buffer, is the only one of the 5MP prosumer camera which comes close to being able to even capture more than a few frames before stopping to refresh the buffer.

Someone on the forum recently posted some UHS photos of a horse jumping event which demonstrated the capabilities of the D7i/D7Hi for capturing action, but I haven't been able to find the thread. If anyone remembers it, please point J2D2 in its general direction for his continued edification.

Chuck Gardner

J2D2 said:

Regards to all,

J2 (Midlands UK)
============================================

Jim_Collins said:

BTW, because digicams have such a large depth of field, most people
pick a small apature setting (big fstop) and do a manual prefocus.
You are going to have a fairly good range of distances in which the
object you are shooting is in focus. So if you have sufficeint
buffer you can get a good number of shots off. I may be wrong, but
I don't see how either the F717 or 5700 can come close to the D7Hi
in this regard.

Jim

J2D2 said:

Jim_Collins said:

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
////////////////////////////////////////////////////
http://super.nova.org * http://www.cyberbayan.org
////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Chuck Gardner said:

If manual focus while shooting in ultra high speed capture (i.e.,
motordrive) mode is your primary requirement you should save a few
thousand more pounds and get yourself a Canon 1D and a couple "L"
lenses. Trying to accomplish the task with any of the 5MP cameras
you mention is like pounding nails with a screwdriver. A 5MP
prosumer just isn't the correct tool for the job.

Beyond the focus issue -- which as Jim correctly states is not a
problem in most situations due to the the camera's great DOF --
you'll find that the D7Hi, with its

Click to expand...

64MB

Chuck Gardner said:

buffer, is the only one of
the 5MP prosumer camera which comes close to being able to even
capture more than a few frames before stopping to refresh the
buffer.

Someone on the forum recently posted some UHS photos of a horse
jumping event which demonstrated the capabilities of the D7i/D7Hi
for capturing action, but I haven't been able to find the thread.
If anyone remembers it, please point J2D2 in its general direction
for his continued edification.

Chuck Gardner

J2D2 said:

Regards to all,

J2 (Midlands UK)
============================================

Jim_Collins said:

BTW, because digicams have such a large depth of field, most people
pick a small apature setting (big fstop) and do a manual prefocus.
You are going to have a fairly good range of distances in which the
object you are shooting is in focus. So if you have sufficeint
buffer you can get a good number of shots off. I may be wrong, but
I don't see how either the F717 or 5700 can come close to the D7Hi
in this regard.

Jim

J2D2 said:

Jim_Collins said:

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
////////////////////////////////////////////////////
http://super.nova.org * http://www.cyberbayan.org
////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Click to expand...

--
////////////////////////////////////////////////////
http://super.nova.org * http://www.cyberbayan.org
////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I know how you feel. It took me some time to decided on what camera to get. I just knew, I wanted a camera with a real view finder, something that let me be in control, and a camera without never ending menus. I also don't like power zooms. I ended up with a D7i back in June. Good luck in your search

Jim

J2D2 said:

Regards to all,

J2 (Midlands UK)
============================================

Jim_Collins said:

BTW, because digicams have such a large depth of field, most people
pick a small apature setting (big fstop) and do a manual prefocus.
You are going to have a fairly good range of distances in which the
object you are shooting is in focus. So if you have sufficeint
buffer you can get a good number of shots off. I may be wrong, but
I don't see how either the F717 or 5700 can come close to the D7Hi
in this regard.

Jim

J2D2 said:

Jim_Collins said:

Jim

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Thanks in advance,

TTFN,

J2 UK

===========================================

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Photography should be fun

http://www.pbase.com/jcollins

Chuck Gardner said:

Someone on the forum recently posted some UHS photos of a horse
jumping event which demonstrated the capabilities of the D7i/D7Hi
for capturing action, but I haven't been able to find the thread.
If anyone remembers it, please point J2D2 in its general direction
for his continued edification.

Chuck Gardner

Click to expand...

Couldn't find the show-jump pics but I did lolcate some impressive shots from Anthony - in low-light too. It doesn't get much better with this level of camera.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=3831955
Best regards,
--
DaveMart

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Click to expand...

I just tested this by putting my 7i on continuous mode and manual focus, and you can change the manual focus during the interval between pictures when the image is visible in the viewfinder. The focus does not change during the exposure, but after each exposure ypu can adjust the focus somewhat before the next picture.

Useful to know Aaron - thanks.

Also worth mentioning that the D7i and the E20 are the only cams that can manually ZOOM while shooting in continuous drive mode and even during the exposure. This can provide some really neat action effects.

Aaron Bredon said:

J2D2 said:

I hope I can clearly explain this question to you folks. I'm
considering, (very seriously), a 7Hi and I wonder if the following
is possible.

Whilst shooting continuous frames in "motordrive" style, can I
simultaneously manually re-focus?
To re-word the question:

Is the manual focus control active WHILST actually shooting?

I know that it takes a bit of manual dexterity to achieve, but this
is, (or would be, if it does it), a valuable action shot trick.

Click to expand...

I just tested this by putting my 7i on continuous mode and manual
focus, and you can change the manual focus during the interval
between pictures when the image is visible in the viewfinder. The
focus does not change during the exposure, but after each exposure
ypu can adjust the focus somewhat before the next picture.

Click to expand...

--
Steve

http://www.arnason.no/modules.php?set_albumName=album17&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Do you mean the Boekelo horse event: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1024&message=3562917 ?

Raymond

Chuck Gardner said:

Someone on the forum recently posted some UHS photos of a horse
jumping event which demonstrated the capabilities of the D7i/D7Hi
for capturing action, but I haven't been able to find the thread.
If anyone remembers it, please point J2D2 in its general direction
for his continued edification.

Click to expand...

MANY thanks people!

I think that I'm 80% likely to go the 7Hi route.

J2

==============================================