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More focus spread on dx than fx good for portraits?
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fishy wishy
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If you go by the number of AF points on the D500 instead of focus lock and recompose then it could feel like a computer game if you focus by moving the focus point around. The trouble with those off-centre focus points is they're not as sensitive as the central ones usually.
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Kerry Pierce
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I use both FX/DX cameras, Mike. I always favor the DX cameras with cam 3500 because of the AF point spread in the frame. I don't like focus/recompose, so I have always used all of the focus points available to try to avoid it.
Fishy is right. Before the d500, the outer AF points weren't X style, they were -- single line and they were not always able to focus. With the d500, the AF points cover almost the entire frame. See the DPR graphic below from the Jan 7, 2016 news on the d5 and d500.
The square boxes with the dot in the middle are the selectable AF points, 55 of them, as seen in the d500 viewfinder. The red squares are X type AF points, 35 of them, which should make it much easier to use the outer points for portraits.
Whether or not it's "better" than FX, is a subjective opinion which not all will agree upon. Personally, I think even the current DX cam 3500 is better to use than FX and that the d500 seems to promise almost AF nirvana. Of course, this will depend upon this new AF module actually working well when the production cameras get into the field. I tend to believe that it will be excellent, but time will tell.
DPReview's graphic of d500 viewfinder from Jan 7 news on the d5 and d500
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Tony Beach
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As this relates to FX, it is even worse since the AF spread will be more concentrated in the middle of the frame. Nonetheless, 3D-tracking is a better option than "focus and recompose." Also, many of those off-center AF points are quite sensitive on the D500; and you there will be various ways to limit your AF point selections, such as Group AF.
In general, my portrait subjects are not positioned at the edge of the frame. In prepared situations (subject posing and receiving directions, me having plenty of time), the focus spread is not crucial. In relatively static situations in the field (e.g. subject standing and gesturing), I use the middle AF point to attain focus and, you guess it, recompose. In dynamic situations in the field (e.g. subject moving sideways or toward me), I pre-position the AF point to where I imagine the subject's face will be in the frame and use AF-C to track the subject while firing short bursts as appropriate.
So, my brief answer to your question: no, not for me.
That is, unless the D500 will change my way of doing things.
So, my brief answer to your question: no, not for me.
That is, unless the D500 will change my way of doing things.
Suntan
Veteran Member
Moving from a D300 to a D750, the biggest issue to deal with is the lack of AF point spacing.
goactive
Senior Member
I will still do focus and recompose it just works for me 100% of the time.
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Daniel4
Guest
Not for me since my subjects often move.
calson
Forum Pro
FX and DX are not important. What is important is the working distance a given lens provides with a given camera. A 85mm on a DX camera has the picture angle of a 135mm lens on a FX camera and I find that much to restrictive for shooting indoors. I find the sweet spot to be a 105mm lens on a FX camera. One can use the 58mm f1.4 on a DX camera as an alternative or use a 24-70mm that becomes a 36-105mm f2.8 zoom. The 24-70mm works better for portrait on a DX camera. The 70-200mm works better in terms of its picture angle range and the resulting working distance with a FX camera.
Working distance is important to have room for full length shots or couple or family pictures and to have room for placing lights and reflectors unless you have a very large studio space available.
Working distance is important to have room for full length shots or couple or family pictures and to have room for placing lights and reflectors unless you have a very large studio space available.
pictureted
Leading Member
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