Canon SX50 Specs (1 Viewer)

[crazyfingers]

Go into the menu's and set AF Frame to Flexzone and set Spot AE Point to AF Point. Then save those setting to C1 or C2.

That will force the autofocus to use the small square in the center of the field of view. You can move it when taking the picture if you want it off to the side but Default is the small square in the center. This will allow the camera to cut though and ignore most of the foreground clutter assuming you frame the bird in the center.

Forgot to say that to use that setting you turn the dial to C1 or C2 depending on which you saved it to.

I use both. One I have set to continuous focus and the other I have set to show the zoom of the focus spot but both are set to force it to focus in the small square in the center as in the post above.

 

[Chrisnick]

SX 50 Close Up

Love how this camera captures close up detail.



http://flickr.com/photos/chrisnick70/

 

[new_texas_birder]

Forgot to say that to use that setting you turn the dial to C1 or C2 depending on which you saved it to.

I use both. One I have set to continuous focus and the other I have set to show the zoom of the focus spot but both are set to force it to focus in the small square in the center as in the post above.

awesome thanks. I set C1 to that setting, and cant wait to go try it.

Does everything else still Auto like on auto settings?

 

[DavidNB]

So I have been using my Canon SX50 for the last several days on auto. My only problem is when I am taking pictures of small birds in trees. It always focuses on a small branch. What do I need to change to manually adjust this and how do I do it? Is it the aperture? Any suggestions for someone that knows nothing about cameras and the terminology?

also what settings should I change for really long shots?

Set digital zoom to 2.0x

 

[crazyfingers]

Set digital zoom to 2.0x

And I'd say that if one uses the 2x often, set it to the outside "S" button. The "S" button is variable and can be set to turn on and off a menu option without the need to go into the menus while trying to get a shot before the critter leaves the scene.

 

[crazyfingers]

awesome thanks. I set C1 to that setting, and cant wait to go try it.

Does everything else still Auto like on auto settings?

My guess is that for birds in a tree and similar, Auto as on the dial is infrequently used. I suspect that most people do what I described above but I don't know.

I only use Auto for family stuff, wide angle outside scenery, etc..

 

[Atricapilla]

Go into the menu's and set AF Frame to Flexzone and set Spot AE Point to AF Point. Then save those setting to C1 or C2. QUOTE]

Hi CF,would it be possible for you to show us your complete C1/C2 settings.
I think it would help us "noobs" a lot to learn how everything comes together.
Perhaps, anyone else out there with specific settings as well.

 

[Orionthehunter]

Good idea Bob if CF would be so kind ?

 

[crazyfingers]

OK....

So attached excel file shows the menu options and how I have C1 and C2 set.

The both focus on the center rectangle in the field of view as default though you can manually move that rectangle. Knowing how to do that, which I do not, would be helpful when using such zoom that you want to have the birds head in one corner to get the whole bird in. But default is center which is fine for most situations.

The main different between the settings is that C1 focuses only once when the shutter button is half-pressed and a magnified view of the center rectangle is shown in the viewer.

With C2 there is no magnified center rectangle and the camera constantly tries to optimise the focus while the shutter is half pressed. On very long zooms I've found that that attempt to constantly optimize in practice means that half the time it's focused and half the time not. On a sitting still subject it's probably not the best. I'd guess it's best to use only when the critter is somewhat moving about.

ETA: There are a lot of settings that I have not changed from default for lack of time to see what the difference is.

 

[crazyfingers]

I should add that the last setting in the Excel is where, if I recall correctly, you can set the 2x converter toggle to the outside "S" button. It will toggle between off, 1.5X and 2X.

The very last setting which I left off the table is where you set what you've just done to C1 or C2.

 

[Atricapilla]

I should add that the last setting in the Excel is where, if I recall correctly, you can set the 2x converter toggle to the outside "S" button. It will toggle between off, 1.5X and 2X.

The very last setting which I left off the table is where you set what you've just done to C1 or C2.

Thanks for all the info CF,really appreciate all your work and input.
Will put it into practice in the morning,weather permitting.
Cheers.

 

[robinm]

Knowing how to do that, which I do not, would be helpful when using such zoom that you want to have the birds head in one corner to get the whole bird in. But default is center which is fine for most situations.

Press the AF Frame Selector button (just above the Control Dial) then use the arrow keys to move the frame and Press Set. To reset it to the middle, press and hold down the AF Frame Selector button.

 

[Atricapilla]

Press the AF Frame Selector button (just above the Control Dial) then use the arrow keys to move the frame and Press Set. To reset it to the middle, press and hold down the AF Frame Selector button.

Thanks Robin,we will all be experts with the sx50 given time and info from this thread.
Does anyone else have any different preferred settings !!!!

 

[robinm]

I've had mine for less than a month and am picking up lots of tips from here.

One day I'll read the manual!

 

[Clive A]

Currently £284 from digital rev, not read all the thread but has anyone had one from them, and any problems?

 

[Atricapilla]

Currently £284 from digital rev, not read all the thread but has anyone had one from them, and any problems?

No problems at all,arrived in 2 days.

 

[Clive A]

No problems at all,arrived in 2 days.

Thanks Bob.

 

[DavidNB]

Thanks CF, maybe now my pics will get closer to yours in quality.

Glad to see that for the tight fisted like me Excel opens in Open Office

David

 

[DavidNB]

One problem I've had is that when I try to take pics of swans, little egrets and other birds that are very white the white balance seems all wrong, and I lose detail of the feathers because everything on the bird is washed out. Hope I've put that clearly enough.

Any solutions? I can see some potential ones in the manual, but it looks like they would need some playing with, and I don't see the point of reinventing the wheel if someone else has mastered it.

David

 

[Orionthehunter]

Hi David, there is a setting in the Camera called Icontrast which is supposed to deal with the problems you mention although warns images may sometimes appear grainy if used. DR correction also is an option in the settings. Page 121 of the included pdf Instructions which came with the camera..