X100s focus softness

[spencer_isaachsen]

<p>Hi,<br /> I took the attached photo with an X100s. Here's the EXIF data <strong>1/300 ISO 800 f.2 0EV</strong>. I've highlighted the focus area in green.<br>

Understand that I could have chosen better settings but it was first outing with the camera and I was probably rushing a bit :(<br>

I've noticed that some elements seem to be quite out of focus and lack detail - even when they're close to being at the same distance as the focus point - especially towards the right side of the image.<br /><br /> Would appreciate any thoughts that you might have.<br /> Thanks,<br /> Spencer.</p>

<p> </p>

[spencer_isaachsen]

<p>I couldn't upload as an attachment - so here's a link - thanks.<br>

http://www.photo.net/photo/17711994</p>

[Spearhead]

<p>This is the wrong way to evaluate focus. There are too many technique related things that could go wrong.</p>

<p>Put the camera on a tripod. Shoot a flat target with a lot of detail. Then come back and report.</p>

[spencer_isaachsen]

<p>Hi Jeff,<br>

Thanks - I'll have to get back to you on that. I don't have a suitable shot here.<br>

In the meantime, perhaps you could let me know if you think something looks a bit off and, if so, what might contribute to that?<br>

Thanks!</p>

<p> </p>

[William Michael]

<p>But the point is, as Jeff has already articulated, one cannot adequately answer your question.</p>

<p>For example:<br /> Assuming the Conical Hat is typical and about 24 inches diameter; and then assuming that is a full frame crop (which you don't state either way): then the SD (Shooting Distance) is about 6ft; pulling the shot at F/2, then the DoF is about 12~15 inches. <br /> Let's say (for only one example) that those grey slabs on which the plates and etc are placed, are all the same height from the ground, (which you don't state one way or the other) . . .<br /> Then all that needs to be ‘variable’ is the camera’s lens off perpendicular by about 15°~20° and that makes the RHS of the image about 6ft 6inches from the Focal Plane and considering the DoF @ F/2 it would indeed appear quite soft.</p>

<p>That’s just one flaw. The sample that you supplied is simply an image of an uncontrolled situation and not an adequately documented shot: and as such, one cannot draw any useful conclusions.</p>

<p>***</p>

<p>I have an x100s: and it is very sharp.<br /> Once the camera is learned, I have found the Auto Focus to be very accurate.<br /> But one cannot defy DoF when shooting at close SD and very large apertures.</p>

<p>For example – this is a JPEG SOOC from a Fuji x100s and it was made at F/2 and about 6ft SD:<br /> <img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/17665023-md.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="453" /></p>

<p>Consider the very slight angle that the woman is to the camera’s lens axis and then look closely at the detail of her two eyes. One is quite soft compared to the other and that is not a stretch across the whole image frame but just about 5 inches across her face:<br /> <img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/17712264-md.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>That shot was pulled at 1/1000s so there is no Subject Movement</p>

<p>WW</p>

<p> </p>

[phule]

<p>[[understand that I could have chosen better settings but it was first outing with the camera and I was probably rushing a bit]]</p>

<p>A single photo is not a trend or a behavior. It's a single data point. Use the camera. Take your time to figure it out. Then, after you have experience you can truly evaluate the performance and output. </p>

[kari v]

<blockquote>

<p>I've noticed that some elements seem to be quite out of focus and lack detail - even when they're close to being at the same distance as the focus point - especially towards the right side of the image.<br>

</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Looks fine to me. Depth of field isn't that great at f2 and you've tilted the camera a bit. Baskets and hands are in sharp focus and right side slides outside of DoF. Remember that it's called the focus plane for a reason - a sharp cut across 3D objects.<br>

Of course if the right side softness is persistent, even when shooting with a carefully leveled tripod then there's a problem. Probably not in focusing though, the lens could be badly centered. But judging from this photo alone I don't see a problem.</p>

[spencer_isaachsen]

<p>Hi Guys,<br>

Thanks so much for your thoughts. WW that was an incredibly detailed response - thanks.<br>

All the best,<br>

Spencer.</p>