Comments on: HowTo: Use The Depth-Of-Field Preview On Your Camera

By: Tim Solley

Tim Solley — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 02:38:15 +0000

Sam, thanks for that info. I’ve been a Canon guy since I got my first DSLR (a D30) and don’t have much exposure to Nikons. I had no idea those cameras lack that feature. You’re absolutely right, it is a shame. While it’s not really a showstopper to be missing the feature, it is nice to have from time to time.

By: Sam

Sam — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:23:43 +0000

Hey Tim,

Just wanted to let you know — the Nikon D40 and D40X are examples of modern digital SLR cameras that lack a depth of field preview button. Real shame — I really like the D40 and wanted to buy one until I found that out. I’ll either have to go with a D50 or D80 or go with another brand (I am currently shopping for my first DSLR).

By: Tim Solley

Tim Solley — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:15:15 +0000

Thanks for the comment Mohan. This is something that I didn’t even think to mention in the article. When you’re looking through the viewfinder, the depth of field is as shallow as your lens will allow. This means that objects that are extremely close (such as that grid, or even closer…dust on your lens) won’t be visible because they’re so blurred. Narrow down the aperture and boom…they come into view.

By: Mohan

Mohan — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 05:16:17 +0000

Nice article. Even i never used it before taking this shot http://www.flickr.com/photos/mohan_subramanyan/1036458331/

When the DOF button was not used, the image in the viewfinder didn’t show the metal-grid. I got suspicious and then I used the DOF button and i composed this. The DOF button is very helpful in similar shots.

By: CameraPorn

CameraPorn — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:44:36 +0000

Do you use Depth of Field Preview?…

Depth of field preview is a function included with most DSLRs, but most people tend to not use it… I know its a rarely used feature for me. For those who don’t use it but want to learn how, Sublime Light has written an informative article e…

By: Tim Solley

Tim Solley — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:33:26 +0000

Hi Scott. Yep, the DOF button isn’t quite as useful in the studio, since you start to really know your equipment well when you’re in such a defined space that you’re used to. But for outdoor stuff it really comes in handy.

Let us know how your shoot goes. Why not post a few keepers to the forum…

By: HowTo: Use The Depth-Of-Field Preview On Your Camera at Imaging Insider

HowTo: Use The Depth-Of-Field Preview On Your Camera at Imaging Insider — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:34:19 +0000

[...] Read More… [...]

By: Scott Hampton

Scott Hampton — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:30:43 +0000

Hey Tim
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever used my DOF preview button. O know what it is, and where it is, but never really used it. I generally shoot portraits wide open. If I’m doing studio work it has usually been f/8 on a solid background.

I’m doing a headshot tonight, so I think I’ll give it a crack, just for the geekiness factor. I’ll be in midtown NYC with a lot of stuff in the background. I’ll give it a shot.

Cheers,
Scott