The Canon 90D is a powerhouse of a camera, boasting impressive features like 32.5 megapixels, 10 fps continuous shooting, and 4K video capabilities. But when it comes to autofocus, one question lingers on the minds of photographers and videographers alike: does the Canon 90D have focus peaking?
What is Focus Peaking?
Before we dive into the answer, let’s take a step back and understand what focus peaking is. Focus peaking is a feature found in many modern cameras that aids in manual focusing by highlighting areas in focus. When enabled, the camera overlays a colored outline around the parts of the image that are in focus, making it easier to achieve accurate focus, even in low-light conditions.
Focus peaking is particularly useful for videographers, as it allows them to quickly and accurately adjust focus during filming. It’s also beneficial for photographers who prefer manual focus or need to focus on specific areas of the frame.
The Canon 90D’s Autofocus Capabilities
The Canon 90D boasts an impressive autofocus system, featuring a 45-point all-cross-type AF system. This means that all 45 points are cross-type, providing improved focus accuracy and speed, even in low-light conditions. The camera also features advanced autofocus algorithms, allowing for faster and more accurate subject tracking.
In addition, the 90D has a dedicated AF point selection button, making it easy to switch between autofocus points. The camera also features a variety of autofocus modes, including Face Detection, Zone AF, and Large Zone AF, catering to different shooting scenarios.
Does the Canon 90D Have Focus Peaking?
Now, to answer the question that brought you here: the Canon 90D does not have focus peaking. While it’s true that the camera lacks this feature, it’s essential to understand that Canon’s Dual Pixel AF technology provides an alternative solution.
Dual Pixel AF uses two photodiodes per pixel to achieve fast and accurate phase-detection autofocus. This technology allows for smooth, continuous autofocus during video recording and live view photography. While it’s not the same as focus peaking, Dual Pixel AF provides a reliable and responsive autofocus system.
Workarounds for Focus Peaking
Although the Canon 90D doesn’t feature focus peaking, there are workarounds to achieve a similar effect:
Using the Camera’s Focus Assist
The 90D has a built-in focus assist feature, which can be enabled through the camera’s menu. This feature temporarily zooms in on the selected autofocus point, allowing for more accurate manual focus. While not the same as focus peaking, it can still be useful in certain situations.
Employing Third-Party Solutions
There are various third-party lenses and accessories available that offer focus peaking capabilities. For example, some adapters allow you to use lenses with built-in focus peaking, such as those designed for Sony or Fujifilm cameras.
Real-World Applications and Alternatives
So, how do photographers and videographers work around the lack of focus peaking on the Canon 90D? Here are a few real-world scenarios and alternatives:
Portrait Photography
In portrait photography, focus peaking can be useful for ensuring precise focus on the subject’s eyes. Without focus peaking, photographers can use the camera’s focus assist feature or rely on the Dual Pixel AF technology. Another option is to use a lens with a built-in focus peaking feature, such as the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens.
Videography
Videographers often rely on focus peaking to accurately adjust focus during filming. Without this feature, they can use the camera’s focus assist or rely on the Dual Pixel AF technology. Another option is to use a follow focus system, which allows for smooth, manual focus adjustments during filming.
Conclusion
While the Canon 90D doesn’t feature focus peaking, it’s essential to understand that the camera’s Dual Pixel AF technology provides a reliable and responsive autofocus system. With workarounds such as the focus assist feature and third-party solutions, photographers and videographers can still achieve accurate focus, even without focus peaking.
In conclusion, the Canon 90D is an exceptional camera that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. While it may lack focus peaking, the camera’s autofocus system and other features make up for it. With practice and patience, photographers and videographers can adapt to the camera’s capabilities and produce stunning results.
Feature | Canon 90D |
---|---|
Focus Peaking | No |
Dual Pixel AF | Yes |
45-Point AF System | Yes |
Focus Assist | Yes |
In this table, we can see a summary of the Canon 90D’s autofocus features, including the absence of focus peaking, but the presence of Dual Pixel AF, a 45-point AF system, and focus assist.
What is Focus Peaking and How Does it Work?
Focus peaking is a feature found in some cameras that helps with manual focusing by highlighting areas in focus. It works by overlaying a colored highlight on parts of the image that are in focus, allowing the user to quickly see what is sharp and what is not. This feature is especially useful when using lenses with a shallow depth of field or when focusing on small subjects.
The Canon 90D does not have focus peaking as a built-in feature. However, it does have other features that can aid in manual focusing, such as the ability to zoom in on the image on the LCD screen and the option to use the camera’s AF points to assist with focusing. While these features are not a direct substitute for focus peaking, they can still be effective in achieving accurate manual focus.
Does the Canon 90D Have Autofocus?
Yes, the Canon 90D does have autofocus. In fact, it has a robust autofocus system with 45 cross-type AF points that can quickly and accurately lock onto subjects. The camera also has various autofocus modes, including single-shot AF, AI Servo AF, and Manual Focus, giving users flexibility and control over their focus options.
The Canon 90D’s autofocus system is suitable for a wide range of applications, including still photography and video recording. The camera’s ability to quickly and accurately track moving subjects makes it a great option for capturing sports, wildlife, and other fast-paced events.
What is the Difference Between Autofocus and Manual Focus?
Autofocus and manual focus are two different methods of achieving focus in a camera. Autofocus uses the camera’s built-in sensors and algorithms to automatically determine the focus point and adjust the lens accordingly. Manual focus, on the other hand, requires the user to adjust the lens focus manually to achieve the desired focus point.
While autofocus is convenient and can be very accurate, manual focus gives the user more creative control and can be useful in certain situations where autofocus may struggle, such as in low-light environments or when working with certain types of lenses.
Can I Use Autofocus with Manual Lenses?
The Canon 90D can autofocus with Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as with some third-party lenses that are compatible with the camera’s autofocus system. However, the camera may not autofocus with manual lenses, such as old lenses or lenses from other manufacturers that do not have built-in autofocus motors.
In cases where the camera cannot autofocus with a manual lens, the user can still use the camera’s focus assist features, such as the ability to zoom in on the image on the LCD screen, to aid in manual focusing.
How Do I Use the Canon 90D’s Autofocus System?
To use the Canon 90D’s autofocus system, simply set the camera to one of the available autofocus modes (such as single-shot AF or AI Servo AF) and use the camera’s autofocus points to select the desired focus point. The camera will then automatically adjust the lens focus to achieve the desired focus point.
The Canon 90D also has various custom functions that allow users to tailor the autofocus system to their specific needs, such as adjusting the autofocus point selection method or setting the autofocus to prioritize certain subjects (such as faces).
Can I Use Focus Peaking with Manual Lenses on the Canon 90D?
As mentioned earlier, the Canon 90D does not have built-in focus peaking. Therefore, it is not possible to use focus peaking with manual lenses on the Canon 90D. However, some third-party lenses and adaptors may have built-in focus peaking capabilities that can be used with the Canon 90D.
It is worth noting that some third-party camera accessories, such as external monitors or focus assist devices, may offer focus peaking capabilities that can be used with the Canon 90D. However, these devices would need to be purchased separately and would not be a built-in feature of the camera.
What Are Some Alternatives to the Canon 90D for Focus Peaking?
If focus peaking is a critical feature for your photography or videography needs, there are several alternatives to the Canon 90D that do offer this feature. Some popular options include Sony mirrorless cameras, Fujifilm X series cameras, and some Panasonic cameras.
Many of these cameras also offer other advanced features such as 4K video recording, slow-motion video, and advanced autofocus systems, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.