Steve'sDigicams

wise · May 30, 2005, 2:21 PM

Are you guys serious when you say manual focussing? I am yet to see a digital camera in the class of s2is which has reliable manual focussing results. I mean , the image on the LCD is not clear enogh to let you know if the object is sharply in focus or not. And the EVF id even worse. There is no true TTL manual focussing avaiable in this range of digicams. The best bet is to use these cameras with different modes and let the cameras autofocus do the focussing. So what is all the fuss about manual focussing?.........JMO.

Louddog · May 30, 2005, 5:34 PM

I use the manual focus quite often on my S1 without any problems. It's difficult, but can be done with success.

When you are doing set shots, a portrait, or a lot of shots where your focal length is going to be the same it works well.

atlantagreg · May 30, 2005, 9:57 PM

One thing to remember too, is that echinaceas pics were good, and that was a regular stage production. Concerts usually have better and brighter lighting than things like dance or plays.

MCSmarties · Jun 9, 2005, 4:59 PM

I heard about a cheap workaround with the bad low-light focus capability of the S1 IS (I own one myself but haven't tested this yet).

Get a cheap, WEAK laser pointer (you know, the kind you find in a dollar store for kids to play with, that projects stars and hearts)
and use it to assist the focussing (sort of a "manual AF-assist lamp").

The idea is the following:
1. use laser pointer on target
2. focus camera (pres shutter half-way)
3. shut off laser pointer while keeping shutter half way pressed
4. take your picture!

Try to use a shape that has defined straight lines (a star is recommended)

Obviously, in this age of terror paranoia, you might think twice before pointing it straight at unsuspecting people!:shock:

Another option is to make use of hyperfocal focussing as recommended somewhere in this forum...

Croman · Oct 16, 2005, 9:19 PM

Here is a picture of my keyboard. Forgive me I have only owned this camera for one day.
I had a Canon A80 which my wife dropped while at the zoo. Picked up the S1 at Walmart for 300.00. What a steal.

Croman · Oct 16, 2005, 9:21 PM

Please note this picture is unaltered and done by a newbie. Just wait when I get good at using the thing.

videosilva · Oct 18, 2005, 8:59 PM

You really need to clean that keyboard.

Oct 16, 2005, 9:19 PM	#15
Croman Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3	Here is a picture of my keyboard. Forgive me I have only owned this camera for one day. I had a Canon A80 which my wife dropped while at the zoo. Picked up the S1 at Walmart for 300.00. What a steal. Attached Images

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May 30, 2005, 2:21 PM	#11
wise Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 406	Are you guys serious when you say manual focussing? I am yet to see a digital camera in the class of s2is which has reliable manual focussing results. I mean , the image on the LCD is not clear enogh to let you know if the object is sharply in focus or not. And the EVF id even worse. There is no true TTL manual focussing avaiable in this range of digicams. The best bet is to use these cameras with different modes and let the cameras autofocus do the focussing. So what is all the fuss about manual focussing?.........JMO.

May 30, 2005, 5:34 PM	#12
Louddog Junior Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 24	I use the manual focus quite often on my S1 without any problems. It's difficult, but can be done with success. When you are doing set shots, a portrait, or a lot of shots where your focal length is going to be the same it works well.

May 30, 2005, 9:57 PM	#13
atlantagreg Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 243	One thing to remember too, is that echinaceas pics were good, and that was a regular stage production. Concerts usually have better and brighter lighting than things like dance or plays.

Jun 9, 2005, 4:59 PM	#14
MCSmarties Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 13	I heard about a cheap workaround with the bad low-light focus capability of the S1 IS (I own one myself but haven't tested this yet). Get a cheap, WEAK laser pointer (you know, the kind you find in a dollar store for kids to play with, that projects stars and hearts) and use it to assist the focussing (sort of a "manual AF-assist lamp"). The idea is the following: 1. use laser pointer on target 2. focus camera (pres shutter half-way) 3. shut off laser pointer while keeping shutter half way pressed 4. take your picture! Try to use a shape that has defined straight lines (a star is recommended) Obviously, in this age of terror paranoia, you might think twice before pointing it straight at unsuspecting people!:shock: Another option is to make use of hyperfocal focussing as recommended somewhere in this forum...

Oct 16, 2005, 9:21 PM	#16
Croman Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3	Please note this picture is unaltered and done by a newbie. Just wait when I get good at using the thing.

Oct 18, 2005, 8:59 PM	#17
videosilva Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 243	You really need to clean that keyboard.