Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 500-page camera-specific eBooks, member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars + cameras settings files & access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler
Thank you Mark,,, I've been following you for about three years. I bought the A 6000, my first camera almost three years ago.. Today,,,, as of this day of writing I now own my own A/7/3.. Now I have something very new to learn. I love the camera, it has been my dream for two years and today it's mine... I'm in Perth Mark,,, You did a photo shoot last year up at the Pinnacles but i just couldn't afford it at the time so I cried myself to sleep that night.. LOLOLOLOL.. Thank you Mark.... I'm watching you... Neville J.... I hope your area was not one of the fire regions a couple of weeks ago.. Stay safe and well.. Nev...
@Mark Galer you sir are the best when it comes to real tips & tricks on sony alpha cameras. But only one problem.... we cant get enough of your videos... thank you.
Well, I'm a bit hard-of-hearing but I never have a problem understanding what you're saying, your voice is actually quite soothing. :) My questions: You say that as soon as you've achieved manual focus you half-press the shutter button to pop out of magnified view so you can compose. 1. You also could have just waited the 5 seconds, as you already set the magnification hold time to that interval, right (just checking to see if I understand all the settings correctly)? 2. This is where I run into problems with other cameras: Why doesn't the camera attempt to refocus if you half-press the shutter (destroying your manual focus setting)? Have you set the option to focus with a half-press of the shutter button to off? Sorry if I missed something in your video, they really are very detailed and informative, thanks for making them available.
The half press locks focus (DMF works like AF-S in this regard). Turning the focus ring magnifies the view if you have Focus Assist switched on in the menu. Keeping the shutter release half pressed as you focus prevents the camera from trying to autofocus during the focus fine-tuning.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you for responding. Yes. I understood that: You press the AEL button to initiate focus and go into magnified view, but then at about 11:15 you say that as soon as you achieve critical manual focus you'll half-press the shutter release button to come OUT of magnified view (so you can compose the image). My question was why doesn't that half-press of the shutter release make the camera autofocus again (unless you've set the option to not AF with a shutter press)? On other cameras I have the problem that, while the magnified view for manual focus is great, I then need to exit the magnified view so I can compose and I can only do that by half-pressing the shutter button, destroying whatever manual focus setting I've achieved.
Awesome quick a mental workout and I only have the Sony A7. However followed along as best I could and learnt more tonight. Feel more confident of the process. Thanks Sir Mark.
I just stumbled across this setting today after updating my camera and my Metabones adapter. One of those updates, likely the adapter, has made AF on my Canon lenses a disaster, so I went looking through the settings to see what I could tweak to make it workable. I bought this Sony A7iii for the Eye AF if nothing else, but this DMF takes that Eye AF and bitch slaps it for giving that critically sharp focus on your subjects eyes, or anything else you want with tack sharp focus. I'm wondering where this has been all my life. I used to love the magnification to help focus on my Canon DSLR's but just the way this engages when you simply touch your focus ring sets it above all else. LOVE IT
It is interesting that I could not find this feature (made for Mirrorless) on the the new Nikon and Canon full-Frame Mirrorless cameras - seems like a bit of an oversight if it is indeed missing.
First off, you have absolutely the best channel for Sony Alpha camera users! I recently bought my 1st camera in 40 years, an a9ii. My previous camera was a Pentax 6x7 (cell phones don't count). Needless to say, I'm totally blown away with the camera and digital photography. I feel like Rip Van Winkle times two. Your videos are excellent in production quality and more importantly, in the clarity of explaining the topics at hand. Question: Would I be correct in saying with the DMF focus mode on the top left dial of the a9ii, there's no reason to assign the DMF settings to AEL?
I wish I had learnt these video before I left my house with my Sony A7. Already had it 6 months and taken 15,000 photos. However just with one lesson from Mark yesterday I was taking better photos today, and that will happen again tomorrow after today's lesson.
So helpful thank you. I agree, way too many options on these cameras and I get overwhelmed so a guide like this to tease out some of the more advanced ways to use a cam is great. I was super impressed that the A7iii had this feature. Thanks Mark 🙂
This is a very useful technique but such a pity that it's only available in recently developed cameras - I now use it all the time on the A7R III (Thanks!). If only Sony were more inclined to apply newly developed features in firmware updates to earlier models, like the A6500, where a Reg Cust Shoot Set option would be very welcome. Do you have any influence in that direction, perhaps? Maybe we'll just have to wait for its implementation in the A6700/A7000...
Just to clarify for other readers of this thread - DMF can be used on all Alpha cameras but Register Custom Shoot Settings, that makes DMF available with the single press of a custom button, is the new feature. For Owners of cameras that predate the A7Rlll, DMF would have to be accessed from the Fn menu or by programming a custom button to Focus Mode. I have only had the opportunity to talk to a Sony engineer once about the Alpha cameras.
Awesome, thank you Mark! This is the most powerful instructional video for AF using the A7iii. Just a question, I prev used AEL button for Eye AF, and now moved it to the centre button of multi selector. Some of my lenses eg. Sigma and Zeiss 55mm do not have a Focus hold button. In such instance, is there a better button that I could customise for eye AF ?
Multi Selector is OK so long as you don’t mind losing the default settings that allows you to override a wide focus area and AF-C with Center AF and AF-S. The default button for Eye-AF is the Center button. The most commonly assigned button is the AEL button. After the April firmware update you won’t have to hold down a button at all.
Another excellent and informative video Mark. Thank You. Question - does this mean that the AEL button is now only for DMF and cannot be used as a normal exposure lock button?
Paul Hutson - yes. I don’t use AEL so I have used the button for DMF instead. AEL is the least used option by many photographers. When using Multi as their metering mode most photographers will use exposure compensation when they observe the finder image is too bright or too dark and can fine-tune the exposure compensation by looking at the live histogram (so have no use for AEL). I don’t only use AEL button for DMF as I make use of Recall Custom Shoot Setting 2 and 3. I have just got very quick at changing the custom setting for the AEL button.
Thanks for clarifying this Mark. I do use the AEL button to 'lock' an exposure reading so I will stick with my current method for selecting DMF, which I have set on the customised button C2. Thanks again.
Hi Mark, Thank you for this informative video. You mention it is available for newer cameras. I have an a6000, I'm guessing I would need to move to an a6400 or a6600 to get this functionality?
Great content and clear advice. I can't get focus peaking to work with my 400 2.8 with the DMF switch on the lens. It overrides AFC with the ring but no peaking. Is this normal mark?
Focus Peaking stopped working on my A9, A9II and A1 cameras when DMF was assigned to a Recall Custom Hold button so it wouldn't surprise me if this was the case with the 400 2.8. I am still waiting for delivery of my own 400 2.8
Super handy, thanks Mark. I have another custom hold registered setting I call my “Tasmanian Tiger” button. It is the OMG, get that shot right now before it is gone button!
I have set Reg Cust Shoot Set. Select an available Recall Custom hold. Shoot mode = Shutter, Shutter speed = 1/1000, Drive mode = Cont shooting, Exposure +0.0, ISO = Auto ISO, Metering mode = Multi, Focus Mode = Cont AF, Focus Area = Lock-on AF. Settings for this button came from Daniel Ockeleon, Whilst it is handy to have it there, I have rarely used it (probably because I have not seen a Tasmania Tiger yet 😂 😂 ) Think assigning the DMF settings as you have outlined in this video to AEL button would get used regularly. Thank you for continuing to provide such clear and useful guidance in your videos.
@@goldenstardust - Thanks for sharing these - I would probably use a similar group but I would probably lower the shutter speed to 1/500 or even 1/250 second and hope to be able to pan the running tiger. Reasoning behind this is the ambient light might be low and the camera goes back in my bag with the general purpose FE 24-105 F/4 lens - so I wouldn't want the ISO to be hitting the 12,800 maximum I have set in my Auto ISO range. I love Lock-On AF but would wonder about the suitability of a Lock-on AF option as my default (you first have be reasonably sure you have time to lock-on - this can be problematic when subject/background contrast is low). Good luck with spotting that tiger ;-)
I really like your tutorials and learning a great deal from watching them repeated for my Sony A9 totally new to me, 1st Sony, but I would like to see you update some of your videos to work with the current A9 settings. Focus Mode on your video and my camera Version 5.01 are different - I actually followed you video and search for the right commands and now have DMF assigned to AEL Button Thank you Mark
I have just updated my Free A9 eBook and created a movie called "Sony A9 Custom Settings Masterclass for Capturing Action" that uses all of the new firmware settings (including Focus Area). As this is largely unpaid work I have to create free time to make these movies. As this DMF movie does not use the new Focus Area settings it will have to wait while more pressing videos are created.
Mark, thank you for this and your original Focus masterclass video. If I can make a suggestion it would be amazing if you could show some of your techniques recording live the HDMI output of the viewfinder, demonstrating - in real time - the focusing heuristics, particularly when you identify a problem and then fix it with a backup mode. Sometimes a video is worth a thousand settings screenshots. Again thanks so much for this series and your generous sharing of your technique discoveries.
Location work is tricky as I don’t have someone to film me or an assistant to help with the AV production - mainly because I am giving this content away for free.
Mark hopefully Sony is paying you decent amount of money because you truly deserve it like always “outstanding work my friend “ within time hopefully I’ll have a big brother to my A6300 witch is still a nice Rig.
Again a very practical video! One (possibly stupid) autofocus question comes to my mind: Just recently I came across the Aurora borealis and wanted to capture it with my 16-35 GM. As it was pitch black and I wanted full control I went with manual AF. But I couldn't make out a single star in the EVF (although they were to be seen). So I dialed in infinity AF on the lens. Strangely (at least to me) neither the stars, the Aurora, nor a bunch of trees in about 30-40m distance came to focus this way. In the end I managed to acquire focus on the trees via dialing in "3 meters" on the distance scale. The things I'd like to know are: is there a pathway to modify live view for very dark surroundings? How to explain the infinity focus problem of mine? Thank you!
Watch my Fast AF in low light movie or my Setting Effect movie. The setting you are looking to change is Live View Display and switch the ‘Setting Effect’ to OFF.
I love my a6000...I had Nikon d5100 and I was struggling to understand ( I'm poor in cam) but Sony a6000 very easy to operate n understand ... thanks for video.
Hi Mark, I have the A9II + Sony 90mm f2.8 Macro. Does this unique lens negate the use of DMF ? When you go to manual on the lens it magnifies with peaking.
You are using Focus Assist in Manual Focus. DMF lets you use Autofocus to snap focus on the subject and then focus assist in Manual Focus when you turn the focus ring. Give DMF a workout and see if it offers any advantages for you.
Hi Mark, Great video, I enjoy reviewing and studying these videos. I am attempting to get a clear focus on the moon with my a7riii, using a sony 1.4 teleconverter and a 70-200mm zoom (only lens I have now). The aperture priority, auto exposure, and shutter priority don't do a proper job, over exposing to the point of uselessness. I can only come close to a usable image in manual, with F22 or higher and a shutter speed of ~1/250. The image is clear enough to want to improve the focus. Any thoughts or recommendations?
Mark - as always , your tutorials (and Gary Friedman's books) helped me figure out soooo many details of the way my A7iii and RX100VI work and how to improve my shooting. I have rarely used DMF prior to this video and normally shoot in AF-C and back button focus. I have programmed the custom shoot set per this video and am just a little confused about how the focus mode is maintained after I push the AEL custom button. (1) Once I've obtained sharp focus via DMF can I let off the AEL button? Assume that I was in AF-C mode prior to recalling the custom shoot set. (2) Or do I need to keep the AEL custom button depressed while I recompose the shot prior to hitting the shutter button? Any clarity appreciated.
You have to keep the custom button held down. DMF will lock focus on your subject and then you fine-tune the focus. You must take the shot before you release your custom button.
question. If I use the peaking assistance, when I see the red.or white color when I have peaking display on, that's when I reached critical focus correct? When the color I chose for peaking is shining that's where I should stop because I reached critical focus , correct?
Hi Mark. Hope all is well. I got the first part, which I had already done ironically myself (setting up the AEL button to recall custom hold in the DMF focus mode)...but I am having a little trouble connecting the dots to how you included the magnify view also. Could you please walk me through how turning the ring on the lens is doing that exactly?
Good to hear from you - Check the following. 1. MF Assist is switched on. 2. Initial Focus Mag is set to x6.2. 3. In your Register Custom Hold settings you have AF On ‘checked’ and you have ‘registered’ this setting. This should now have linked DMF and Focus Magnifier so long as the AEL button is being depressed and the focus ring has been turned slightly.
Is it okay to use DMF for landscape shots? I find my shots end up deciding there own focus points when I really want the entire image to be in focus. Would dmf help?
Hi Mark I'm new to the Sony Alpha universe comming from Nikon i found this tutorial is giving me that edge i was looking for when doing the switch :) A question: Is there some way to set a FN-Button to just toggle between DMF and regular AF-C ? I think that would be an awsome feature..
Depends on the camera - On late models full frame cameras C3 is set o Focus mode and DMF can be accessed in 2 seconds - you can also assign a custom key to Recall Custom Hold set to DMF
I got the a7r iv and I'm realy happy with it so far :). I tried to set it to a custom key but i didn't get it to work as a toggle but I'm using the setup you show up here but i used the C2 button and did some other modifications and saved all settings as memory 3 after looking to youre "Camera Settings for Shooting Landscapes" tutorial :) so thanks again I'm at youre site 24/7 for the moment lol.
Hello Mark, when you set a custom button to DMF, what is the difference between setting a button for MF/AF toggle? I have a button set to MF/AF focus toggle, but now I saw your video but I couldn't understand the difference. When I can't AF, I press the button, it goes to MF and when I turn the MF dial on the lens, it magnifies, I achieve focus, press the shutter and then toggle back to AF. What is the difference between this and what you described in the video with DMF? Thank you so much
MF is different to DMF as outlined in this video. DMF is a combination of AF-S and MF. AF-C first locks focus on your subject prior to fine-tuning the focus with MF. Watch the video a second time to gain a full understanding of this difference.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Ohhh thank you so much, I didn't notice the detail of the AF-S... I will watch it with "other eyes", although I did it more than once. Thank you
Thanks, Mark, another very useful video. I also discovered that when holding down the AEL button (or whichever custom button) and rotating the focus ring, if you can do some finger gymnastics you can double the magnification to 12.4X by pressing the Centre Button within the 5s! Perhaps C1 or C2 may be a better alternative, do you know what is the name of the function that doubles focus magnification? My Centre Button is currently "Centre Lock-on AF" which I doubt is the right one to double focus mag. Albert
Whichever button is assigned to Focus Magnifier will magnify and then magnify again after it is pressed a second time. Unfortunately the menu for Focus Magnifier doesn't give the option for the increased magnification as the first view.
Great video, is there a way to have focus peaking on display, shooting stills, on a a74, using autofocus, it apears only in manual focus or video.. thank you.
DMF uses a combination of AF-S and Manual Focus. I have it assigned as a Recall Custom Hold feature that includes AF-On and hold down my custom key for the duration of the process.
Hi Mark, Is the Focus Magnifier scaled different on the A7iii compared to the A7Riii. I own the A7iii and when I use the Magnifier it initially goes to x5.9 and then 11.7 watching your tutorials when the A7Riii is used the Magnifier does to 6.2 and 12.4. Can I set the A7iii to 6.2 and 12.4 or are the differences related to the 24.2MP and 42.4 MP sensors?
Thanks for another great video! Some questions though: Why is “AF on” used in register custom set? Doesn’t MF override AF when the AEL (if used) button is pressed. Is it possible to toggle between AF and DMF?
AF-On is On because it works. You must be holding a button down before you can turn the focus ring and use Focus Assist. Try turning it off and see what happens. AF disengages when you turn the focus ring in DMF so the AF-On button is not really behaving as an AF-On button when it has also been assigned to DMF.
Peaking doesn't work on an A9 if DMF is accessed via a Recall Custom Hold - this could possibly be a bug that was carried through to the A9II and A1 cameras as it works on the A7 models.
Wouldn't it be better to have the option to have manual focus override in any AF mode? So in any AF mode, as soon as you turn the focus ring it switches to manual focus. I particularly miss this in movie mode since DMF is unavailable there (A7RII). A simple "enable/disable focus ring" in the menu would suffice, which in turn could be set as a custom key setting.
Thanks for the great tutorial!! I have the RX100V and would like to manual focus wide (full frame) for video. With my Sony PXW-X70 I usually zoom all the way in, manual focus with the focus ring, zoom back out for the shot. I can't find how to do that on my RX100V. Could you point me in the right direction on doing so? Thank you again for your great tutorial, very useful! Ray
I don’t use the technique you have outlined and I have not created a supporting eBook or movie series for the RX100 - my recommended focus techniques are outlined in this movie and my 90-minute Focus Masterclass movie.
Hi Mark, I've been watching your videos the last week since I bought my Sony A7III and I already learned a lot. However, It is not clear to me how peaking works with MF. When I move the focus ring and and see details go red (or the color you choose, does that mean these parts are sharp ? Thank you so much.
very interesting ! I have an a74 in french. is custom hold 1 M1 on a74 which is stored on memory card and dispappears when we format ? I have heard on youtube that it can be destructive to use manual focus with a lens set to AF... is that true we must take some care to turn the lens ring in af-c,... ?
M1 to M4 memories are stored on the card and deleted when the card is formatted. Don't believe everything you hear on TH-cam. Modern Sony lenses (all E-Mount lenses) have their manual AF mechanism disabled when the AF is set to Auto. This is called focus by wire. Avoid advice when the person doesn't tell you the reason behind the advice they are giving.
On my a7III in the recall custom hold 1, the shutter speed option is greyed out and it says This operation is'n available in shoot mode and program mode, and yet I'm in manual mode. Is there a solution? Thank you so much.
I was hoping by some magic your vid would give me the key to making DMF work for me but alas. I find I just can't hold the camera at a half-press whilst turning the focus ring and pointing the lens at the thing I'd like to focus on. Am I just doing this wrong? Or too clumsy? I feel like I'm missing something. I realize I could tyr to set up back-button focus but so far I haven't wanted to retrain myself to use it, and it seems like you don't find it that useful either. BTW I'm on an A6400. Thanks for any advice! Charlie
If you assign DMF to the AEL button as part of the Recall Custom Hold feature you do not need to keep the shutter release half-pressed - you do not even need to be pressing the shutter release at this time. The AEL button is fully depressed. You focus using the focus ring (still no need to touch the shutter release). You then take the shot at you own leisure when the time is right (still depressing the AEL button).
@@AlphaCreativeSkills That’s perfect thanks! Was that in the video and I missed it? If so I’m embarrassed; if not it should be! And um, one other question- is there a way to cancel the focus magnification invoked by Magnification Assist in order to recompose? I’m also concerned about trying to press another button for controlled magnification, while holding one for DMF. Thanks so much for your help.
I think I set up DMF as a Recall Custom Hold in the video and then showed a live feed from initial subject acquisition and then fine-tuning the focus in Magnify View. Once you have fine-tined the focus if you tap the shutter release it should cancel the magnify view allowing you to recompose and shoot.
Mark I set my camera up to the DMF settings and in the viewfinder I got these fluctuating fluorescent green and yellow spots moving around on my picture when I was in DMF. In any other focus mode the viewfinder was back to normal. So what did I do wrong?
Can't see how to get the magnifier or peaking to work with AF on the A9. BBF, DMF set to on on the body and lens. Isn't it supposed to be able to focus in using AF and then be fine-tuned with DMF?
You half press with DMF to autofocus in the equivalent of AF-S mode and then with your finger still half-pressing the shutter release you turn the focus ring to modify the point of focus. If you have focus assist enabled you will magnify the view as soon as you turn the focus ring.
Thank you for this, but is there a way to trigger Peaking ONLY when I am in DMF mode as I hold AEL button? It isn't working for me because I am in AF-C / Subject Tracking mode and when I press AEL to trigger the DMF as you explained, everything works except peaking / red highlighting doesn't work .... any recommendation? I am using an A7C. Thank you!
Peaking does not show up when DMF is assigned to a custom key on some late model Alpha cameras. It appears to be a bug that has been carried through the firmware of 4 or more cameras.
Hi Mark! I programed my ael as above on my a7iii and a92. On the a92 the focus peaking color is not showing up even though it says it is on. What could be happening please?
Hi Mark. Thanks for your job. Did you manage to use DMF with 90 oss macro ? Impossible for me with the a7II du to the AF/MF switch on the lens... Do you have a solution?
DMF works on my 90mm Macro - the MF/AF ring should be pushed forward into AF mode. When AF has been acquired then you can use magnify view and focus peaking to move focus.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks Mark. But if your ring is pushed into AF mode, can you move the focus with the ring ? I can't, and I can't use magnification too...
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Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 500-page camera-specific eBooks, member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars + cameras settings files & access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler
Mark, as a Sony Alpha shooter, this channel is easily the most helpful I've found on TH-cam. Thank you so much!
You are truly a great teacher of the Sony system- thank you so much for creating these tutorials.
The best!!!
I had a6500 for almost 8 months. And today I come to know how to use dmf... Thanks the video was very informative.
Thank you Mark,,, I've been following you for about three years. I bought the A 6000, my first camera almost three years ago.. Today,,,, as of this day of writing I now own my own A/7/3.. Now I have something very new to learn. I love the camera, it has been my dream for two years and today it's mine... I'm in Perth Mark,,, You did a photo shoot last year up at the Pinnacles but i just couldn't afford it at the time so I cried myself to sleep that night.. LOLOLOLOL.. Thank you Mark.... I'm watching you... Neville J.... I hope your area was not one of the fire regions a couple of weeks ago.. Stay safe and well.. Nev...
@Mark Galer you sir are the best when it comes to real tips & tricks on sony alpha cameras. But only one problem.... we cant get enough of your videos... thank you.
Shah dawon - thanks for the positive feedback - more to come :-)
Well, I'm a bit hard-of-hearing but I never have a problem understanding what you're saying, your voice is actually quite soothing. :) My questions: You say that as soon as you've achieved manual focus you half-press the shutter button to pop out of magnified view so you can compose. 1. You also could have just waited the 5 seconds, as you already set the magnification hold time to that interval, right (just checking to see if I understand all the settings correctly)? 2. This is where I run into problems with other cameras: Why doesn't the camera attempt to refocus if you half-press the shutter (destroying your manual focus setting)? Have you set the option to focus with a half-press of the shutter button to off? Sorry if I missed something in your video, they really are very detailed and informative, thanks for making them available.
The half press locks focus (DMF works like AF-S in this regard). Turning the focus ring magnifies the view if you have Focus Assist switched on in the menu. Keeping the shutter release half pressed as you focus prevents the camera from trying to autofocus during the focus fine-tuning.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you for responding. Yes. I understood that: You press the AEL button to initiate focus and go into magnified view, but then at about 11:15 you say that as soon as you achieve critical manual focus you'll half-press the shutter release button to come OUT of magnified view (so you can compose the image). My question was why doesn't that half-press of the shutter release make the camera autofocus again (unless you've set the option to not AF with a shutter press)? On other cameras I have the problem that, while the magnified view for manual focus is great, I then need to exit the magnified view so I can compose and I can only do that by half-pressing the shutter button, destroying whatever manual focus setting I've achieved.
Awesome quick a mental workout and I only have the Sony A7. However followed along as best I could and learnt more tonight. Feel more confident of the process. Thanks Sir Mark.
Thanks Mark another great guide, thanks for doing these video's, they really do help us Sony users get the most out of their cameras. Brilliant stuff.
I just stumbled across this setting today after updating my camera and my Metabones adapter. One of those updates, likely the adapter, has made AF on my Canon lenses a disaster, so I went looking through the settings to see what I could tweak to make it workable. I bought this Sony A7iii for the Eye AF if nothing else, but this DMF takes that Eye AF and bitch slaps it for giving that critically sharp focus on your subjects eyes, or anything else you want with tack sharp focus. I'm wondering where this has been all my life. I used to love the magnification to help focus on my Canon DSLR's but just the way this engages when you simply touch your focus ring sets it above all else. LOVE IT
It is interesting that I could not find this feature (made for Mirrorless) on the the new Nikon and Canon full-Frame Mirrorless cameras - seems like a bit of an oversight if it is indeed missing.
Your videos are the best for helping me learn to “speak” Sony! Thank you 🙏
Thanks for the positive feedback 👍
THanks for the video, I wondered what DMF was.
First off, you have absolutely the best channel for Sony Alpha camera users! I recently bought my 1st camera in 40 years, an a9ii. My previous camera was a Pentax 6x7 (cell phones don't count). Needless to say, I'm totally blown away with the camera and digital photography. I feel like Rip Van Winkle times two. Your videos are excellent in production quality and more importantly, in the clarity of explaining the topics at hand.
Question: Would I be correct in saying with the DMF focus mode on the top left dial of the a9ii, there's no reason to assign the DMF settings to AEL?
you really are a total expert , looking at some of your brilliant photo's is inspiring .
Brilliant tutorial and what an awesome selection of features!
Best tutorials about Sony Alpha series.
exactly the type of thing i was looking for in a focus, as a new sony user this was great and very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Fantastic information- I use DMF a lot as a holdover from my a6000/6500 days and plan to try this out on my a7iii tomorrow. Thanks!
Thanks Mark, I think will be very useful with some practice!
Thank you so much for your great tutorials. I do wish I had found these videos before I traveled to Borneo.
I wish I had learnt these video before I left my house with my Sony A7. Already had it 6 months and taken 15,000 photos. However just with one lesson from Mark yesterday I was taking better photos today, and that will happen again tomorrow after today's lesson.
Another quick way to use DMF, you and the a7RIV are amazing 🤩 . Thanks 🙏
Thanks a lot!
As said before - another great video. Straight to the point. No blah blah 👍
Wow that is such a useful feature. Thank you so much for introducing me to this DMF function.
Another excellent tutorial making a complex focus technique easy to understand. Thank you Mark.
Wow! Thank you so much this setup is amazing and really shows off the A7iii ability. Can’t wait to learn more love your videos.
So helpful thank you. I agree, way too many options on these cameras and I get overwhelmed so a guide like this to tease out some of the more advanced ways to use a cam is great. I was super impressed that the A7iii had this feature. Thanks Mark 🙂
You can also download an extensive eBook for your camera from Patreon.com/markgaler
Thx Mark, again a very useful tutorial 👍
Awesome feature!!! LOVE IT! BUT how can i do the same in video mode??
Focus Magnify
Fantastic, thank you Mark. Great advice
This is a very useful technique but such a pity that it's only available in recently developed cameras - I now use it all the time on the A7R III (Thanks!). If only Sony were more inclined to apply newly developed features in firmware updates to earlier models, like the A6500, where a Reg Cust Shoot Set option would be very welcome. Do you have any influence in that direction, perhaps? Maybe we'll just have to wait for its implementation in the A6700/A7000...
Just to clarify for other readers of this thread - DMF can be used on all Alpha cameras but Register Custom Shoot Settings, that makes DMF available with the single press of a custom button, is the new feature. For Owners of cameras that predate the A7Rlll, DMF would have to be accessed from the Fn menu or by programming a custom button to Focus Mode. I have only had the opportunity to talk to a Sony engineer once about the Alpha cameras.
Very well spoken and excellent tutorial! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your video it was extremely helpful. You are the master at explaining things.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you Mark. This is great and will give me another option when I need it. 👍👍👍
Such a cool technique thank you!
This was incredibly helpful, and so well explained. Thank you so much!
Awesome, thank you Mark! This is the most powerful instructional video for AF using the A7iii. Just a question, I prev used AEL button for Eye AF, and now moved it to the centre button of multi selector. Some of my lenses eg. Sigma and Zeiss 55mm do not have a Focus hold button. In such instance, is there a better button that I could customise for eye AF ?
Multi Selector is OK so long as you don’t mind losing the default settings that allows you to override a wide focus area and AF-C with Center AF and AF-S. The default button for Eye-AF is the Center button. The most commonly assigned button is the AEL button. After the April firmware update you won’t have to hold down a button at all.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks for your reply.
We can’t thank you enough Mark !
Fantastic tutorial. Thank you Mark.
I use this all the time... Since my Nex days and now on A7iii...always wondered why no body talks about it
Amazing, you get used to shooting like this. How did people get the Alpha a next to their name?
The Alpha logo appears next to some users names because they have become a paid member of my channel to receive all of the member benefits.
Another excellent and informative video Mark. Thank You. Question - does this mean that the AEL button is now only for DMF and cannot be used as a normal exposure lock button?
Paul Hutson - yes. I don’t use AEL so I have used the button for DMF instead. AEL is the least used option by many photographers. When using Multi as their metering mode most photographers will use exposure compensation when they observe the finder image is too bright or too dark and can fine-tune the exposure compensation by looking at the live histogram (so have no use for AEL). I don’t only use AEL button for DMF as I make use of Recall Custom Shoot Setting 2 and 3. I have just got very quick at changing the custom setting for the AEL button.
Thanks for clarifying this Mark. I do use the AEL button to 'lock' an exposure reading so I will stick with my current method for selecting DMF, which I have set on the customised button C2. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing! This camera just keeps on impressing...
Thanks for sharing this video Mark, interesting enough every time I look for something to learn with my camera you are always there to help :)
sony dmf pdf
Great stuff as usual. Thank you
Nice video as always. I find peak focus a bit inaccurate, magnified setting is much better. Presumably, in DMF, only contrast AF works?
Focus Peaking is only accurate in Magnify View if you value critical sharpness.
Great video, thank you Mark. I had to turn of AF with shutter for this method to work.
Thank you for sharing, wonderful lesson.
Hi Mark, Thank you for this informative video. You mention it is available for newer cameras. I have an a6000, I'm guessing I would need to move to an a6400 or a6600 to get this functionality?
From memory the A6000 has DMF but not Recall Custom Hold (which is how I access DMF). The 6400 and 6600 have this feature.
Great content and clear advice. I can't get focus peaking to work with my 400 2.8 with the DMF switch on the lens. It overrides AFC with the ring but no peaking. Is this normal mark?
Focus Peaking stopped working on my A9, A9II and A1 cameras when DMF was assigned to a Recall Custom Hold button so it wouldn't surprise me if this was the case with the 400 2.8. I am still waiting for delivery of my own 400 2.8
Super handy, thanks Mark. I have another custom hold registered setting I call my “Tasmanian Tiger” button. It is the OMG, get that shot right now before it is gone button!
Kathleen Hart - excellent 😀 what are your OMG settings?
I have set Reg Cust Shoot Set. Select an available Recall Custom hold. Shoot mode = Shutter, Shutter speed = 1/1000, Drive mode = Cont shooting, Exposure +0.0, ISO = Auto ISO, Metering mode = Multi, Focus Mode = Cont AF, Focus Area = Lock-on AF. Settings for this button came from Daniel Ockeleon, Whilst it is handy to have it there, I have rarely used it (probably because I have not seen a Tasmania Tiger yet 😂 😂 ) Think assigning the DMF settings as you have outlined in this video to AEL button would get used regularly. Thank you for continuing to provide such clear and useful guidance in your videos.
@@goldenstardust - Thanks for sharing these - I would probably use a similar group but I would probably lower the shutter speed to 1/500 or even 1/250 second and hope to be able to pan the running tiger. Reasoning behind this is the ambient light might be low and the camera goes back in my bag with the general purpose FE 24-105 F/4 lens - so I wouldn't want the ISO to be hitting the 12,800 maximum I have set in my Auto ISO range. I love Lock-On AF but would wonder about the suitability of a Lock-on AF option as my default (you first have be reasonably sure you have time to lock-on - this can be problematic when subject/background contrast is low). Good luck with spotting that tiger ;-)
I really like your tutorials and learning a great deal from watching them repeated for my Sony A9 totally new to me, 1st Sony, but I would like to see you update some of your videos to work with the current A9 settings. Focus Mode on your video and my camera Version 5.01 are different - I actually followed you video and search for the right commands and now have DMF assigned to AEL Button Thank you Mark
I have just updated my Free A9 eBook and created a movie called "Sony A9 Custom Settings Masterclass for Capturing Action" that uses all of the new firmware settings (including Focus Area). As this is largely unpaid work I have to create free time to make these movies. As this DMF movie does not use the new Focus Area settings it will have to wait while more pressing videos are created.
Mark, thank you for this and your original Focus masterclass video. If I can make a suggestion it would be amazing if you could show some of your techniques recording live the HDMI output of the viewfinder, demonstrating - in real time - the focusing heuristics, particularly when you identify a problem and then fix it with a backup mode. Sometimes a video is worth a thousand settings screenshots. Again thanks so much for this series and your generous sharing of your technique discoveries.
Location work is tricky as I don’t have someone to film me or an assistant to help with the AV production - mainly because I am giving this content away for free.
Mark hopefully Sony is paying you decent amount of money because you truly deserve it like always “outstanding work my friend “ within time hopefully I’ll have a big brother to my A6300 witch is still a nice Rig.
Again a very practical video! One (possibly stupid) autofocus question comes to my mind:
Just recently I came across the Aurora borealis and wanted to capture it with my 16-35 GM. As it was pitch black and I wanted full control I went with manual AF. But I couldn't make out a single star in the EVF (although they were to be seen). So I dialed in infinity AF on the lens. Strangely (at least to me) neither the stars, the Aurora, nor a bunch of trees in about 30-40m distance came to focus this way. In the end I managed to acquire focus on the trees via dialing in "3 meters" on the distance scale.
The things I'd like to know are: is there a pathway to modify live view for very dark surroundings? How to explain the infinity focus problem of mine? Thank you!
Watch my Fast AF in low light movie or my Setting Effect movie. The setting you are looking to change is Live View Display and switch the ‘Setting Effect’ to OFF.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills thanks! Will do! Knew a similar feature from olympus, didn't need it until now on my sony and was taken by surprise.
I love my a6000...I had Nikon d5100 and I was struggling to understand ( I'm poor in cam) but Sony a6000 very easy to operate n understand ... thanks for video.
a6000 is shit tho
Mark! Great video, thanks so much! 😎👍
Glad you liked it!
Hi Mark, I have the A9II + Sony 90mm f2.8 Macro. Does this unique lens negate the use of DMF ? When you go to manual on the lens it magnifies with peaking.
You are using Focus Assist in Manual Focus. DMF lets you use Autofocus to snap focus on the subject and then focus assist in Manual Focus when you turn the focus ring. Give DMF a workout and see if it offers any advantages for you.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Cheers Mark, will do
Great feature Mark thanks that DMF setup works better as well for me. Thanks :)
If you set focus magnifier time to unlimited, a half press of the shutter button immediately cancels the magnifier, and re meters the exposure.
Mark keep it up .good info.
Thanks 👍
Super helpful, as always. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Mark, Great video, I enjoy reviewing and studying these videos. I am attempting to get a clear focus on the moon with my a7riii, using a sony 1.4 teleconverter and a 70-200mm zoom (only lens I have now).
The aperture priority, auto exposure, and shutter priority don't do a proper job, over exposing to the point of uselessness. I can only come close to a usable image in manual, with F22 or higher and a shutter speed of ~1/250.
The image is clear enough to want to improve the focus. Any thoughts or recommendations?
A wonderful video, thanks! Does the AEL program disappear when the batteries are changed? Is there a way to save this setting to a card slot?
It stays and you can save the entire camera setup to a card.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks!
Thanks Mark, great tip and function👍
You are the best Mark 👋🏼
Mark - as always , your tutorials (and Gary Friedman's books) helped me figure out soooo many details of the way my A7iii and RX100VI work and how to improve my shooting. I have rarely used DMF prior to this video and normally shoot in AF-C and back button focus. I have programmed the custom shoot set per this video and am just a little confused about how the focus mode is maintained after I push the AEL custom button.
(1) Once I've obtained sharp focus via DMF can I let off the AEL button? Assume that I was in AF-C mode prior to recalling the custom shoot set.
(2) Or do I need to keep the AEL custom button depressed while I recompose the shot prior to hitting the shutter button?
Any clarity appreciated.
You have to keep the custom button held down. DMF will lock focus on your subject and then you fine-tune the focus. You must take the shot before you release your custom button.
Hi Mark. Does this custom button setting presume that you are using back button focus, or will shutter button focus work equally well? Thank you.
This works with the default focus setup (focus assigned to the shutter release)
question. If I use the peaking assistance, when I see the red.or white color when I have peaking display on, that's when I reached critical focus correct? When the color I chose for peaking is shining that's where I should stop because I reached critical focus , correct?
Yes you are correct - but focus peaking is only truly accurate in magnify view
Hi Mark. Hope all is well. I got the first part, which I had already done ironically myself (setting up the AEL button to recall custom hold in the DMF focus mode)...but I am having a little trouble connecting the dots to how you included the magnify view also. Could you please walk me through how turning the ring on the lens is doing that exactly?
Good to hear from you - Check the following. 1. MF Assist is switched on. 2. Initial Focus Mag is set to x6.2. 3. In your Register Custom Hold settings you have AF On ‘checked’ and you have ‘registered’ this setting. This should now have linked DMF and Focus Magnifier so long as the AEL button is being depressed and the focus ring has been turned slightly.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I was wondering too thx
Thank you very much Mark
Is it okay to use DMF for landscape shots? I find my shots end up deciding there own focus points when I really want the entire image to be in focus. Would dmf help?
DMF is an option but I dial in the Hyperfocal distance in MF when using wide angle lenses.
Hi Mark I'm new to the Sony Alpha universe comming from Nikon i found this tutorial is giving me that edge i was looking for when doing the switch :)
A question: Is there some way to set a FN-Button to just toggle between DMF and regular AF-C ? I think that would be an awsome feature..
Depends on the camera - On late models full frame cameras C3 is set o Focus mode and DMF can be accessed in 2 seconds - you can also assign a custom key to Recall Custom Hold set to DMF
I got the a7r iv and I'm realy happy with it so far :). I tried to set it to a custom key but i didn't get it to work as a toggle but I'm using the setup you show up here but i used the C2 button and did some other modifications and saved all settings as memory 3 after looking to youre "Camera Settings for Shooting Landscapes" tutorial :) so thanks again I'm at youre site 24/7 for the moment lol.
Hello Mark, when you set a custom button to DMF, what is the difference between setting a button for MF/AF toggle? I have a button set to MF/AF focus toggle, but now I saw your video but I couldn't understand the difference. When I can't AF, I press the button, it goes to MF and when I turn the MF dial on the lens, it magnifies, I achieve focus, press the shutter and then toggle back to AF. What is the difference between this and what you described in the video with DMF?
Thank you so much
MF is different to DMF as outlined in this video. DMF is a combination of AF-S and MF. AF-C first locks focus on your subject prior to fine-tuning the focus with MF. Watch the video a second time to gain a full understanding of this difference.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Ohhh thank you so much, I didn't notice the detail of the AF-S... I will watch it with "other eyes", although I did it more than once. Thank you
Thanks, Mark, another very useful video. I also discovered that when holding down the AEL button (or whichever custom button) and rotating the focus ring, if you can do some finger gymnastics you can double the magnification to 12.4X by pressing the Centre Button within the 5s! Perhaps C1 or C2 may be a better alternative, do you know what is the name of the function that doubles focus magnification? My Centre Button is currently "Centre Lock-on AF" which I doubt is the right one to double focus mag. Albert
Whichever button is assigned to Focus Magnifier will magnify and then magnify again after it is pressed a second time. Unfortunately the menu for Focus Magnifier doesn't give the option for the increased magnification as the first view.
Thanks in advance sir!
Great video, is there a way to have focus peaking on display, shooting stills, on a a74, using autofocus, it apears only in manual focus or video.. thank you.
DMF also allows focus peaking
Awesome guide
Would you suggest to use it for Landscape photography as well?
I don't use DMF for landscape as I am usually stopped down and DMF helps when the depth of field is very narrow.
Is DMF only works with AFS and not AFC? For Back button user, should we continue pressing the bbf or just once to lock focus? Thanks
DMF uses a combination of AF-S and Manual Focus. I have it assigned as a Recall Custom Hold feature that includes AF-On and hold down my custom key for the duration of the process.
Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills thank you. I tested with AFC and back button to focus and it works, but I need to keep holding down the button.
Hi Mark, Is the Focus Magnifier scaled different on the A7iii compared to the A7Riii. I own the A7iii and when I use the Magnifier it initially goes to x5.9 and then 11.7 watching your tutorials when the A7Riii is used the Magnifier does to 6.2 and 12.4. Can I set the A7iii to 6.2 and 12.4 or are the differences related to the 24.2MP and 42.4 MP sensors?
The differences are related to the sensor resolution.
Thanks for another great video! Some questions though: Why is “AF on” used in register custom set? Doesn’t MF override AF when the AEL (if used) button is pressed. Is it possible to toggle between AF and DMF?
AF-On is On because it works. You must be holding a button down before you can turn the focus ring and use Focus Assist. Try turning it off and see what happens. AF disengages when you turn the focus ring in DMF so the AF-On button is not really behaving as an AF-On button when it has also been assigned to DMF.
Thanks Mark!
Mark, set my a9 up per your instruction but peaking doesn’t work in DMF. Works fine if I have lens in MF mode. Sony 200-600 G. Any suggestion?
Peaking doesn't work on an A9 if DMF is accessed via a Recall Custom Hold - this could possibly be a bug that was carried through to the A9II and A1 cameras as it works on the A7 models.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you for the reply, Mark. Is there a “next best” option for DMF where peaking would work?
Very useful! Thanks!
Wouldn't it be better to have the option to have manual focus override in any AF mode?
So in any AF mode, as soon as you turn the focus ring it switches to manual focus. I particularly miss this in movie mode since DMF is unavailable there (A7RII).
A simple "enable/disable focus ring" in the menu would suffice, which in turn could be set as a custom key setting.
Is there an updated version of this subject that matches current A7RIV menu options?
I have a 400-page free-to-download eBook for the A7RIV that is available on my website.
Thanks for the great tutorial!! I have the RX100V and would like to manual focus wide (full frame) for video. With my Sony PXW-X70 I usually zoom all the way in, manual focus with the focus ring, zoom back out for the shot. I can't find how to do that on my RX100V. Could you point me in the right direction on doing so? Thank you again for your great tutorial, very useful! Ray
I don’t use the technique you have outlined and I have not created a supporting eBook or movie series for the RX100 - my recommended focus techniques are outlined in this movie and my 90-minute Focus Masterclass movie.
Thanks Mark..... I'll check it out. 😊👍
Thank you so much Mark really help me a lot Really I like your channel
Hi Mark, I've been watching your videos the last week since I bought my Sony A7III and I already learned a lot. However, It is not clear to me how peaking works with MF. When I move the focus ring and and see details go red (or the color you choose, does that mean these parts are sharp ? Thank you so much.
Unless you magnify the view when using Focus Peaking it is an approximation of objects that are in the zone of acceptable sharpness.
Once I acquire critical focus is there a way to lock that in? I go to take another picture and I lose the work I've done.
Focus is locked while you hold down the custom key assigned to DMF or keep the Shutter Release half pressed.
is this better than pressing the toggle AF/MF button with manual focus assist magnification turned on in the settings?
Whatever gets you there faster. Not every Alpha camera has this toggle switch.
very interesting ! I have an a74 in french. is custom hold 1 M1 on a74 which is stored on memory card and dispappears when we format ?
I have heard on youtube that it can be destructive to use manual focus with a lens set to AF... is that true we must take some care to turn the lens ring in af-c,... ?
M1 to M4 memories are stored on the card and deleted when the card is formatted. Don't believe everything you hear on TH-cam. Modern Sony lenses (all E-Mount lenses) have their manual AF mechanism disabled when the AF is set to Auto. This is called focus by wire. Avoid advice when the person doesn't tell you the reason behind the advice they are giving.
Thank you so much for the guide! Cheers
Thanks Mark!
On my a7III in the recall custom hold 1, the shutter speed option is greyed out and it says This operation is'n available in shoot mode and program mode, and yet I'm in manual mode. Is there a solution? Thank you so much.
It is not greyed out on my cameras when I select Manual as the first of the 10 options.
I was hoping by some magic your vid would give me the key to making DMF work for me but alas. I find I just can't hold the camera at a half-press whilst turning the focus ring and pointing the lens at the thing I'd like to focus on. Am I just doing this wrong? Or too clumsy? I feel like I'm missing something. I realize I could tyr to set up back-button focus but so far I haven't wanted to retrain myself to use it, and it seems like you don't find it that useful either. BTW I'm on an A6400. Thanks for any advice! Charlie
If you assign DMF to the AEL button as part of the Recall Custom Hold feature you do not need to keep the shutter release half-pressed - you do not even need to be pressing the shutter release at this time. The AEL button is fully depressed. You focus using the focus ring (still no need to touch the shutter release). You then take the shot at you own leisure when the time is right (still depressing the AEL button).
@@AlphaCreativeSkills That’s perfect thanks! Was that in the video and I missed it? If so I’m embarrassed; if not it should be!
And um, one other question- is there a way to cancel the focus magnification invoked by Magnification Assist in order to recompose? I’m also concerned about trying to press another button for controlled magnification, while holding one for DMF. Thanks so much for your help.
I think I set up DMF as a Recall Custom Hold in the video and then showed a live feed from initial subject acquisition and then fine-tuning the focus in Magnify View. Once you have fine-tined the focus if you tap the shutter release it should cancel the magnify view allowing you to recompose and shoot.
I used Sony 90 mm macro lense, I have suffering from focusing how to fix it plz reply me sir
Mark I set my camera up to the DMF settings and in the viewfinder I got these fluctuating fluorescent green and yellow spots moving around on my picture when I was in DMF. In any other focus mode the viewfinder was back to normal. So what did I do wrong?
Do you have Focus peaking switched on? If you don’t want to highlight an in-focus edge with a colour of your choosing turn it off.
Can't see how to get the magnifier or peaking to work with AF on the A9.
BBF, DMF set to on on the body and lens.
Isn't it supposed to be able to focus in using AF and then be fine-tuned with DMF?
You half press with DMF to autofocus in the equivalent of AF-S mode and then with your finger still half-pressing the shutter release you turn the focus ring to modify the point of focus. If you have focus assist enabled you will magnify the view as soon as you turn the focus ring.
Thank you for this, but is there a way to trigger Peaking ONLY when I am in DMF mode as I hold AEL button? It isn't working for me because I am in AF-C / Subject Tracking mode and when I press AEL to trigger the DMF as you explained, everything works except peaking / red highlighting doesn't work .... any recommendation? I am using an A7C. Thank you!
Peaking does not show up when DMF is assigned to a custom key on some late model Alpha cameras. It appears to be a bug that has been carried through the firmware of 4 or more cameras.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I thought it's a bug! I hope they can fix it soon because peaking would be really useful to my eyes!
I wouldn't hold your breath as I have reported it twice and it has remained unfixed for more than 2 years.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills oh wow that sucks :( Seems like an easy fix!
Hi Mark! I programed my ael as above on my a7iii and a92. On the a92 the focus peaking color is not showing up even though it says it is on. What could be happening please?
This could be an unresolved bug as this works on all cameras except the A9, A9ll and A1
@@AlphaCreativeSkills thanks! Do you mean the focus peaking doesn't work on these phones?
Hi Mark. Thanks for your job. Did you manage to use DMF with 90 oss macro ? Impossible for me with the a7II du to the AF/MF switch on the lens... Do you have a solution?
DMF works on my 90mm Macro - the MF/AF ring should be pushed forward into AF mode. When AF has been acquired then you can use magnify view and focus peaking to move focus.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks Mark. But if your ring is pushed into AF mode, can you move the focus with the ring ? I can't, and I can't use magnification too...