Re: [photo-3d] George Themelis

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <drt-3d@xxxxxxx>]

Mike K. wrote:

>	In case you didn't know, the camera that I assume is George's 
>"main" stereo camera is an AF one (RBT S1). He also highly praises
>that camera  for quick shots (among other things), and its AF nature
>probably contributes to that.

Yeap!

>	I also wish my X3 had AF, but it doesn't, but it's
>okay, I can get by fine without it... which is the general point
>that AF is nice but isn't number one on a stereo camera's prioritized 
>list of important attributes.  For carefully crafted stereo photographs,
>it's probably even a negative for reasons you had mentioned (as
>well as for flattie arguments about AF not really focussing as
>accurately as one might think).

I could not put it any better than this, thanks Mike!

The no. 1 feature of the S1 that allows me to shoot quickly
is the autoexposure.  I almost always set the camera at "P"
and let the camera make a decision on what aperture and
what shutter speed to use, using a logic which I approve.

Autofocus in not number one.  In some cases it might be a 
disadvantage, in others (when speed and accuracy are
important) it can be an advantage. 

It is rather a disadvantage when shooting outdoors and
the scene has a wide depth range.  In this case usually
the camera focuses at the foreground and the background
is out of focus.  Even though you can control the autofocus
(and exposure too) by locking the readings and then 
recomposing, it is usually easier to focus manually at,
say, 15 feet, and not worry about it any more.

The situations where autofocus can be an advantage are
close-ups and indoor shots at low light and no flash
(wide apertures) when focusing is more critical.

HOWEVER, I must say, if the light does not change
(sunny day outdoors), leaving the Realist (or any
manual camera) at f16 at 1/100 (with 100ASA film) 
and focused at 15 feet, is a rather foolproof and
quick way to get good pictures

George Themelis