This topic has been on my mind for a while. And I figured it would be a handy thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for sharp quality images. Someone I know expressed this issues not that long ago and I mentioned that their autofocus might be back/front focusing. In order to diagnose a problem you need to know a little about how a dslr’s autofocus works. I came across this site, Tim Jackson’s Nikon D70 site, a long time ago that gives good insight into the camera inner workings . And I just found another that gives a bit more info on the topic,  Jeffrey Friedl’s Blog. Both sites even provide a focus chart you can download and print to perform the necessary test. I won’t go into the details of the test since i’d just be repeating what they have written so well already. One other thing you can also look into buying is a product called Spyder Lens Cal which is designed for just this reason. But the charts you can download do the trick.

Now originally if there would be a problem you would have had to send the camera out for adjustment. Meaning it would cost you to have it repaired and you’d be without a camera for a bit. Now things are a bit simpler, with lens micro adjustments being available in your camera’s menu. On my particular camera (canon 5dmII) you can either adjust the focus universally or by each lens. Which was necessary for me since each lens I had needed unique adjustments. I have yet to put the results to work in real world scenarios but so far so good. I just feel better knowing i’ve looked into it, since I had a few shoots that were slightly soft focussed.

Like i said, I tested all my lenses. Which if you have more than one, you would need to do the same to see if the camera has an issue or the lens. There is always the possibility that the lens elements may be off which would cause improper focus or even uneven focus across the frame. One more thing i would suggest. Don’t compare your focus to the results from a different camera, particularly one with higher resolution. If you are working with an APS sensor camera, the pixels are more tightly packed compared to a full frame. Which means you would have more grainy/pixelated images and less crisp and clean results. You could easily mistake the graininess for soft focus.

Not the most thrilling topic to read about, but something to consider.

So before I begin let me just say “Hey… I still have this thing?” Yes i know I haven’t written in ages. For several reasons I must add. Partly cause I”ve been quite busy. And after sitting full days in front of a computer, spending an extra hour to write something is too much to ask. But don’t worry blog, I haven’t forgotten you. If only it weren’t for all the spam comments I get. Too be honest, that really killed my enthusiasm to return.

But that’s in the past. And i’m here to say this.  RAM. Wow, is it ever important. Ok i know you know that, but it really is something to take into consideration. And you know me, i’m a huge Capture One enthusiast. And that alone needs as much ram as your computer can offer. Not to mention working with large RAW files. And I just spent the last week upgrading my laptop and desktop and its was the best $160+ dollars i’ve spent in a long time. And to think that I was considering selling my imac for a new 27″. Not that I wouldn’t love having a larger screen to retouch on. But a 2-4gb increase in RAM was more than enough to breathe new life into my (2008) trusty friend.

Up until know I became accustomed to C1Pro crashing randomly or at the very least take ages to just show an image preview. it was getting ridiculous. How can one live like that. Anyway, so far it runs smooth and not a crash to date. I know they are inevitable, but i’m sure they will be less frequent. And after addressing the desktop I couldn’t resist upgrading the macbook pro too. I certainly would like to not have it crash on another photoshoot ever again. It frustrates me to no end and all i can think is the client can’t be liking this either. No fun indeed.

So it leaves me to wonder why computers don’t come better equipped. But i guess it suits the needs for all those that just use them as internet machine. So I won’t criticize. But in the same breath I put off upgrading, assuming this was the best these machines could do. Clearly i was uninformed. So i say to you, if you want speedy uninterupted post production. It is a relatively inexpensive expediture to make. You’ll be happy you did it. I know i am.

Oh and P.S. don’t even bother buying RAM from the apple store. Perhaps there is a reason why is so insanely expensive, and please someone enlighten me if i’m missing something. But over 200$ as opposed to 70$ at Best Buy? Who could go wrong. I’ve certainly had no issues so why pay the high price.

Happy computing!