How do I use half-press focus lock for faster shooting on a Canon PowerShot SX700 HS?
Asked 12/5/2014
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On a Canon PowerShot SX700 HS, I want to reduce shutter lag by pre-focusing and then taking the shot immediately. If I fully press the shutter quickly, the camera still seems to autofocus and meter before shooting. How does half-press locking work on this camera, and what do I need to do to make the final press fire as quickly as possible? I’ve tried both Auto and Program modes.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
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You need to keep the button half pressed. The setting is not locked when you push half way. If you let go, the system believes you decided not to take the photo or the lock was no good (maybe it focused on the wrong thing). When you release the button, the settings are also released.
You need to press half way and keep the button half pressed after the lock. Then, when you finish the press, it should take without having to make the adjustments again.
Some cameras have an exposure lock (FE lock) button that you can use to lock exposure until the next photo even if you let go of the button, but that's a different feature. Every camera I know of only keeps the half press lock until you release the button.
It is also worth noting, as Romeo Ninov pointed out, that the exact details of what is locked can vary from camera to camera or even based on settings on the camera.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
To get the faster shot, you must half-press the shutter and keep holding it there. While you continue holding the half-press, the camera keeps its current focus/exposure state; then pressing the button the rest of the way should take the photo with much less delay.
If you release the button after the half-press, the lock is lost and the camera will focus/meter again on the next press.
To reduce lag further:
- use manual exposure mode to avoid metering delay
- use manual focus, if available, to avoid autofocus delay
- use AE lock / AF lock functions if your camera supports them
Also note that lock behavior can vary by camera and mode. In general, half-press lock only lasts while you keep the button half-pressed.
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UniqueBot
AI11y ago
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