Focus Magnifier in AF-C in photo mode

[phrank]

Hi,
I got a Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera and testing now a Sony 7RV, but a bit confused about the handling. Sorry, I’m not so used to Sony yet, like with my Nikons.
I'm wondering if I can use the magnifier while shooting in AF-C mode to zoom in a picture to check if it's all sharp. This works easy with Nikon with two dedicated magnifying buttons to zoom in and out for playback and while shooting. I use this function often at events / concerts on a big tele lens to see if my motive is 1000% sharp. That‘s the big plus on miirorless cameras with a EVF.
On my Sony 7RV I have these functions only for playback combined the AF-ON and AEL buttons.
I have set the "Focus Magnifier" as Custom Key on Rear2 on Button 2 (the middle of the wheel), but it's deactivated in AF-C.

It works in video mode, but it seems like "Focus Magnifier in AF-C" doens't work in photo mode… Does it?

 

[Unframed Dave]

I've only used it in manual focus, can't really see why you would use it in auto?

 

[phrank]

I've only used it in manual focus, can't really see why you would use it in auto?

well even more control if it's 100% sharp. even if the camera recognizes the eyes, it doesn't mean they are always in focus. specially if i do these concert / event jobs at super low light.

 

[iain clyne]

I think you will find that the Sony AF eye focus is spot on. I've used it in fast moving rugby and it has locked on to the eye tracked it and the shots have been sharp.

 

[phrank]

I think you will find that the Sony AF eye focus is spot on. I've used it in fast moving rugby and it has locked on to the eye tracked it and the shots have been sharp.

Thanks for reply, but I'm talking about photography in SUPER LOW LIGHT situations where I need this extra control.
Fashion, sports, daytime or locations with enough light no problem…

So in other words "Focus Magnifier" in AF-C doesn’t exist on Sony cameras?

 

[iamdlewis]

It does fine in low light

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/320 sec
• ISO 8000

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS (SEL100400GM)
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/320 sec
• ISO 8000

 

[Unframed Dave]

Fashion and sports are what I would call dynamic subjects. I can't imagine having the time to use focus magnification.

Please put up some examples of your photos so that we can better understand your issue.

 

[AlphaWorld]

The way you want to use it is to set a button (any button ) to Focus Magnify: https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2230/v1/en/contents/TP0002887713.html?search=Focus magnify - that should zoom in at the current focus point.

You may want to set the initial magnification: https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2230/v1/en/contents/TP0002919985.html?search=Initial magnification - if it’s set to x1, you won’t see any magnification until you turn the wheel.

 

[phrank]

Fashion and sports are what I would call dynamic subjects. I can't imagine having the time to use focus magnification.

Please put up some examples of your photos so that we can better understand your issue.

Thanks for th feedback. As said a couple of times i need it for event / concert photography. You canT imagine how dark and fast this subjects move and how helpful this feature is;-)
This post with sitting bird picture at you can't compare with a singer or DJ jumping around on stage with movig lights on them.
Anyway, i will look for some examples.

Please, I only want to know, if Sony got this feature, or not. Because I'm coming from Nikon i'm not so used to the buttons and funtions on Sony cameras yet. Maybe I've missed something deep in the menu. Haven't found anything on YT or web, so probably not existing. I don't know if there is something similar existing on Canon cameras, but I guess yes.

 

[AlphaWorld]

Thanks for th feedback. As said a couple of times i need it for event / concert photography. You canT imagine how dark and fast this subjects move and how helpful this feature is;-)
This post with sitting bird picture at you can't compare with a singer or DJ jumping around on stage with movig lights on them.
Anyway, i will look for some examples.

Please, I only want to know, if Sony got this feature, or not. Because I'm coming from Nikon i'm not so used to the buttons and funtions on Sony cameras yet. Maybe I've missed something deep in the menu. Haven't found anything on YT or web, so probably not existing. I don't know if there is something similar existing on Canon cameras, but I guess yes.

Please read my comment…

 

[Unframed Dave]

OK, so help me out, on photographic principles, I'm fairly well clued in, technical aspects of using a digital camera leave me a bit baffled.

I'm imagining the scenario.....

You're following a performer moving about, the focus point is locked onto the eye, either by the camera or your dexterity, you activate focus magnifier, you see that the eye isn't sharp. What next? What would you do?

 

[phrank]

Please read my comment…

As said, in video mode and AF-S it's working, but not in AF-C

 

[phrank]

OK, so help me out, on photographic principles, I'm fairly well clued in, technical aspects of using a digital camera leave me a bit baffled.

I'm imagining the scenario.....

You're following a performer moving about, the focus point is locked onto the eye, either by the camera or your dexterity, you activate focus magnifier, you see that the eye isn't sharp. What next? What would you do?

thanks for your feedback. what's next, well i will zoom in with the magnifier to check it it’s 100% sharp, adjust it manually or re-focus and shoot – on nikon. i haven't got these situations yet with the sony i test, maybe it's not necessary at all and it's a focus monster – even in super low light ;-)

 

[Angus Cameron]

Hi Phrank,

Maybe you could try the workflow described here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suc21klIPTM

This might give you a solution to the problem.

Angus