A-DEP mode - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

07/02/2005 01:34:46 PM · #1

Is this a common feature between manufacturers?
I was experimenting with this mode today - first time I used it - and I wish I had tried it before.

A-Dep shot:

Non A=Dep shot:

NOTE: No post processing at all except crop and resize.

Anyone use this mode somewhat regularly? Is there any tricks/tips when in this mode?

Message edited by author 2005-07-02 13:36:25.

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

07/02/2005 01:42:35 PM · #2

I used to use it - until I figured out that there is DOF preview button on my camera. That button actually closes the aperture to your selected value and lets you experience it through the viewfinder. I use manual to somewhat same effect. (That's where digicam comes handy - you can experiment with different aperture/shutter settings and see which one is the best)

What it does it tries to optimize your picture, I guess by trying to focus on all focal points and measures focal distance difference, and calculates necessary DOF (aperture) with given data.

What can happen is that you get looong exposure, so tripod is a must when you use this one.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/02/2005 04:04:53 PM · #3

Originally posted by srdanz:

What it does it tries to optimize your picture, I guess by trying to focus on all focal points

Not all, just the ones that flash red.

deapee

Kodak V803

07/02/2005 04:08:28 PM · #4

wow the DOF in the A-DEP one is perfect. Classic example of how easy it is to choose too large an aperture yourself. Does it add extra sharpening too? That looks great for out of the camera.

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

07/02/2005 04:43:17 PM · #5

Originally posted by Alienyst:

Not all, just the ones that flash red.

For us that have only 3 focal points (D60) it is all of them :-)

Balko

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/02/2005 04:48:09 PM · #6

I used to use it when I started out with this camera, but prefer the shutter or aperture modes and control the DOF myself :)

07/02/2005 05:54:04 PM · #7

Originally posted by deapee:

wow the DOF in the A-DEP one is perfect. Classic example of how easy it is to choose too large an aperture yourself. Does it add extra sharpening too? That looks great for out of the camera.

I just re-read the section of the manual that covers this mode. Nothing about sharpening. What it does is in auto-focus (will not work in manual) when shutter is pressed halfway, all focal points that flash red will be in focus. Messing around with it I found that with the same shot you can change it by slightly moving the camera to get different points to flash.

cpanaioti

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

07/02/2005 06:11:11 PM · #8

A-DEP to me is a quick way to check what aperature is needed to get the DOF I am trying for. Lately I've been using the DOF preview instead.

I much prefer how the DEP mode on my film camera works to A-DEP.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/03/2005 09:53:55 AM · #9

Although you can see the image when you press the DOF preview, it is dark and hard to really see. After more experimenting I have found the A-DEP mode to work better and more consistently than when I use it to get the right settings and take the picture without it. Just my opinion. Still learning a lot about the camera itself. It may change as I get used to the features and settings/functions. Not at all like my last SLR (a Canon T-70) and the Sony is basically a nice p&s.

Gauti

Canon EOS-7D

07/03/2005 12:37:29 PM · #10

Like many others here I used to use the A-DEP quite a lot, but now use Av (and sometimes Tv) much more. I will probably graduate to M later this year when my understanding and experience have reached a higher level.
Maybe I should switch every now and then to A-DEP just to see what it does, and use that as an input to what I want to do.
The setting I find most frustrating to change is ISO, too many buttons and the ISO setting is so very critical when it comes to low light.

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/03/2005 12:56:23 PM · #11

I'm guessing this is similar to the DEP mode on the 1D where you focus on your first subject and then again on your second and the camera picks the settings to make it all in focus? Or is this a full auto version of that?

07/03/2005 01:23:55 PM · #12

Only focus once - it is auto and the DOF preview button only seems to work in this mode - I tried the other modes and nothing. As said above what it does is in auto-focus (will not work in manual) when shutter is pressed halfway, all focal points that flash red will be in focus and to see the DoF you press the DoF preview. By moving the camera a bit to change which point flash/focus you can change the picture and preview it to get the shot you want.

kyebosh

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

07/03/2005 01:37:44 PM · #13

The DOF preview button should work in any mode where you have the lens stopped down at all.