I got the D300 last week and I used it as my main camera this weekend at a wedding. I really like the images it creates, but there is one thing that really bothered me about it. Coming from the D200 w/grip I lost 2 things that I used quite a bit and I don't know how to compensate. Those 2 things are 1) the group dynamic auto focus mode, and 2) the ability to select focus points with the AF-ON and sub-command dial on the grip.
The first I would use during processions/recessions, dancing, me walking and shooting without looking through the view finder, etc. Well I tried to use the full auto and it worked fine most of the time but I got more blurry pictures than with my D200. The second I used to select focus points very fast when shooting vertical with the grip. I know by "feel" the clicks to move the focus point from where it is to where I want it, and since I focus with the back focus button, my thumb is already there and to switch focus points I simply spin the sub-command dial to select a different focus point. Well, in upgrading to the D300 that feature is gone. Yeah, I know that there is the small directional pad on the grip, but that is so ineficient compared to the D200, because now I have to move my thumb from the back focus button, move the focus point with the directional pad to where I want it, then press the back focus button again, while on the D200 as I am jumping through the different focus points it's focusing with, so when it lands where I want it it almost focuses immidiately. I found that because of this, I missed shots, and that really bothered me. What bothers me really bad is the Nikon took away that feature, when it's software feature, why not leave it there and give people the option to choose.
Unless I need to change something in the way I use the focus mechanism on the D300, I am thinking of using my D200 as a primary and my D300 as secondary. 'Cuz the way I see it, the better image quality, better high ISO noise, more saturated colors, etc. are irrelevant if I can't get the shot I want when I need to.
For those that use the D300, I greatly appreciate your inputs.
Full Version: D300 focusing...
QUOTE(ramjpc @ May 27 2008, 04:05 PM) 
I got the D300 last week and I used it as my main camera this weekend at a wedding. I really like the images it creates, but there is one thing that really bothered me about it. Coming from the D200 w/grip I lost 2 things that I used quite a bit and I don't know how to compensate. Those 2 things are 1) the group dynamic auto focus mode, and 2) the ability to select focus points with the AF-ON and sub-command dial on the grip.
The first I would use during processions/recessions, dancing, me walking and shooting without looking through the view finder, etc. Well I tried to use the full auto and it worked fine most of the time but I got more blurry pictures than with my D200. The second I used to select focus points very fast when shooting vertical with the grip. I know by "feel" the clicks to move the focus point from where it is to where I want it, and since I focus with the back focus button, my thumb is already there and to switch focus points I simply spin the sub-command dial to select a different focus point. Well, in upgrading to the D300 that feature is gone. Yeah, I know that there is the small directional pad on the grip, but that is so ineficient compared to the D200, because now I have to move my thumb from the back focus button, move the focus point with the directional pad to where I want it, then press the back focus button again, while on the D200 as I am jumping through the different focus points it's focusing with, so when it lands where I want it it almost focuses immidiately. I found that because of this, I missed shots, and that really bothered me. What bothers me really bad is the Nikon took away that feature, when it's software feature, why not leave it there and give people the option to choose.
Unless I need to change something in the way I use the focus mechanism on the D300, I am thinking of using my D200 as a primary and my D300 as secondary. 'Cuz the way I see it, the better image quality, better high ISO noise, more saturated colors, etc. are irrelevant if I can't get the shot I want when I need to.
For those that use the D300, I greatly appreciate your inputs.
The first I would use during processions/recessions, dancing, me walking and shooting without looking through the view finder, etc. Well I tried to use the full auto and it worked fine most of the time but I got more blurry pictures than with my D200. The second I used to select focus points very fast when shooting vertical with the grip. I know by "feel" the clicks to move the focus point from where it is to where I want it, and since I focus with the back focus button, my thumb is already there and to switch focus points I simply spin the sub-command dial to select a different focus point. Well, in upgrading to the D300 that feature is gone. Yeah, I know that there is the small directional pad on the grip, but that is so ineficient compared to the D200, because now I have to move my thumb from the back focus button, move the focus point with the directional pad to where I want it, then press the back focus button again, while on the D200 as I am jumping through the different focus points it's focusing with, so when it lands where I want it it almost focuses immidiately. I found that because of this, I missed shots, and that really bothered me. What bothers me really bad is the Nikon took away that feature, when it's software feature, why not leave it there and give people the option to choose.
Unless I need to change something in the way I use the focus mechanism on the D300, I am thinking of using my D200 as a primary and my D300 as secondary. 'Cuz the way I see it, the better image quality, better high ISO noise, more saturated colors, etc. are irrelevant if I can't get the shot I want when I need to.
For those that use the D300, I greatly appreciate your inputs.
Thanks for posting this. I've been having similar frustration. I miss the group dynamic focus mode too.
~rc
Bump. Anyone?
I'm sure someone will chime in eventually, but in the meantime you should pop over to Nikonians and ask the question there.
Thanx Matt, I just checked the Nikonians site but didn't find anything there. I'll ask the question later tonight after I register.
Hey Ramiro!
During the Processional I use 51 point 3D AF selection on the D300 in continuous AF. So far, it has yeilded me the best in focus processional images I've ever captured.
Custom Setting Menu > a Autofocus > a3 Dynamic AF area
On the back of the camera I select either the middle or top option.
As far as your second issue... I cannot be much help there since I prefer to use the directional pad when I am selecting AF points.
During the Processional I use 51 point 3D AF selection on the D300 in continuous AF. So far, it has yeilded me the best in focus processional images I've ever captured.
Custom Setting Menu > a Autofocus > a3 Dynamic AF area
On the back of the camera I select either the middle or top option.
As far as your second issue... I cannot be much help there since I prefer to use the directional pad when I am selecting AF points.
QUOTE(Johnny @ May 28 2008, 11:02 AM)
Hey Ramiro!
During the Processional I use 51 point 3D AF selection on the D300 in continuous AF. So far, it has yeilded me the best in focus processional images I've ever captured.
Custom Setting Menu > a Autofocus > a3 Dynamic AF area
On the back of the camera I select either the middle or top option.
As far as your second issue... I cannot be much help there since I prefer to use the directional pad when I am selecting AF points.
During the Processional I use 51 point 3D AF selection on the D300 in continuous AF. So far, it has yeilded me the best in focus processional images I've ever captured.
Custom Setting Menu > a Autofocus > a3 Dynamic AF area
On the back of the camera I select either the middle or top option.
As far as your second issue... I cannot be much help there since I prefer to use the directional pad when I am selecting AF points.
Thanx for the reply Johnny. What I found with the middle option is that one I select the focus point on the face, as people are moving it starts jumping around a lot and sometimes it goes outside of the face, like to the neck or chest areas, regardless if there's skin there (bride) or not (groom). I'll double check that option you mentioned above because that is normally how I shoot, but I'll double check. Thanx for the inputs.
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