So the D40 has three focus points running in a line across the middle of the frame. In the last couple weeks, I`ve noticed the left and right points searching quite a bit, struggling to lock onto the subject.
This has happened in good light with stationary targets. I`m talking 1/320 at f/8. The subject for that particular exposure was about 15 feet away and had clearly-defined edges. It was an off-white colored pagoda on a hilltop, the focus being on one of the pillars holding the roof up.
There have been other occasions too, though I can`t supply specific data. But as an estimate, the other day I was photographing a white, smooth object in low light (street lamps at night), again at a distance of about 15 feet. This time there was no distinct edge but I hoping for a bit more from the camera.
On these occasions, I`ve almost always been able to focus using the middle point, hold the AE/AF lock and recompose - though even this sometimes doesn`t work for soft-shaped clouds.
Do you think my D40 is faulty? Has anyone had similar issues?
I bought the camera two months ago and haven`t done anything to damage it. There`s a one-year warranty.
Now I think about it, there`s something else: if I understand things correctly the dynamic area focus mode is supposed to allow to to set your initial point of focus, which will move if the subject moves across the frame. I`m not convinced mine moves with the subject, though it may have to do with the subject: birds in flight - though not at any enormous distance and not moving that quickly.
If there`s a fault, I might try to trade up to a D90. Whether that`s possible or not, I`m gonna be annoyed if there`s not a problem!
This has happened in good light with stationary targets. I`m talking 1/320 at f/8. The subject for that particular exposure was about 15 feet away and had clearly-defined edges. It was an off-white colored pagoda on a hilltop, the focus being on one of the pillars holding the roof up.
There have been other occasions too, though I can`t supply specific data. But as an estimate, the other day I was photographing a white, smooth object in low light (street lamps at night), again at a distance of about 15 feet. This time there was no distinct edge but I hoping for a bit more from the camera.
On these occasions, I`ve almost always been able to focus using the middle point, hold the AE/AF lock and recompose - though even this sometimes doesn`t work for soft-shaped clouds.
Do you think my D40 is faulty? Has anyone had similar issues?
I bought the camera two months ago and haven`t done anything to damage it. There`s a one-year warranty.
Now I think about it, there`s something else: if I understand things correctly the dynamic area focus mode is supposed to allow to to set your initial point of focus, which will move if the subject moves across the frame. I`m not convinced mine moves with the subject, though it may have to do with the subject: birds in flight - though not at any enormous distance and not moving that quickly.
If there`s a fault, I might try to trade up to a D90. Whether that`s possible or not, I`m gonna be annoyed if there`s not a problem!
