What does a depth-of-field preview button do on a DSLR?
Asked 11/27/2013
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I’ve noticed that some DSLRs include a depth-of-field (DoF) preview button while others do not. What is this feature for, and why would it be useful when shooting?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The importance is being able to see a closer approximation of what the image will look like. Normally when looking through a viewfinder (unless the lens has a manual aperture) the aperture is open all the way. This means what you see is a) very bright and b) has a very narrow field of view. This is done because it helps the autofocus work better and also makes it easier to see the subject.
By stoping down the lens to whatever aperture is selected for the photo, This makes it darker and harder to see the subject, but it also makes the correct depth of field to preview what will and will not be in focus.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A depth-of-field preview lets you see a closer approximation of the final image through the viewfinder.
Normally, on a DSLR the lens stays wide open while you compose and focus. That keeps the viewfinder bright and makes autofocus easier, but it also shows a shallower depth of field than you may actually use for the shot.
When you press the DoF preview button, the camera stops the lens down to the aperture you’ve selected. The viewfinder gets darker, but you can better judge how much of the scene will appear in focus in the final photo.
So its main value is previewing what will and won’t be in focus at your chosen aperture before taking the picture.
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