Can a Nikon D800 autofocus at the end of the self-timer delay?
Asked 9/18/2012
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2 answers
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I’m using a Nikon D800 for self-portraits and, with the self-timer, the camera focuses when I press the shutter rather than right before the photo is taken. That means it often locks onto the background instead of where I’ll be standing. Is there a way to make the D800 autofocus at the end of the timer delay, just before the exposure, or does the self-timer only use focus acquired when the timer starts?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
10
To do the self-portraits you can use interval timer shooting.
[Menu] [Shooting menu] [Interval timer shooting] (check the manual if you cant find it) [Start time = now] (you waste the first shot but it saves you having to wait a minute) [Interval time 00:00:10 seconds] ( or however long you need between shots ) [Set 5 intervals X 1] ( this will take 5 timed shots 10 seconds apart) [Start = On] Put it on the tripod Hit [OK] and run round the front.
It will focus just before it takes each of 5 shots.
Originally by user20465. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user20465
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On the D800, the self-timer generally uses focus acquired when you start the timer; there isn’t a normal self-timer setting that makes it refocus right before the shot.
Workarounds mentioned by users:
- Use interval timer shooting instead of the self-timer. Set a short interval and multiple shots; users report the camera will focus before each frame.
- Use a remote release or shoot tethered.
- Pre-focus using a stand-in object placed where you’ll stand, then switch to manual focus so focus doesn’t change.
- Stop down to a smaller aperture to increase depth of field and make slight focus errors less noticeable.
For self-portraits, the most reliable approach is usually to place an object at your position, autofocus on it, then lock focus manually before taking the shot.
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