Focus Peaking for Mirrorless Cameras

What is focus peaking? How does focus peaking work? And when do you use it? We'll answer these questions in this video, an excerpt from my Fujifilm Camera Fundamentals online course.

[RobertLeeAtYT]

I use Panasonic cameras. On these, there’s the option to have the EVF / rear panel display in monochrome. This way it doesn’t matter what the scene dominant color is, peaking outline is always and predictably visible.

In general, I use the EVF / panel only as a framing tool. The emphasis is on getting the composition right in camera. So grid lines, artificial horizon, and of course peaking are all great tools. Leaving the panel in monochrome also gives a decent idea of what the exposure could look like in b&w.

[emiliosujar]

Clearer than the water of the Pyrenees (as we say here in Spain), getting to the point and without detours, thank you very much.

[TomGibsonTG]

John...out hiking yesterday and compared focus peaking to AF where I thought I would have dof to infinity, more or less. Shot w both, handheld, not the greatest test but turn focus until all bright red and the red started to fade. Turned back to bright red took the shot and greatere dof than AF. So have the hang of it now. When on a tripod and a serious shot I might want to print I will now use it and check w magnification if time allows. I still prefer magnification if I can. Thanks.

[That-Kevin]

Straight to the point. Excellent video!

[SeanMcCormick]

Extremely helpful video. Thanks so much.

[dankoons]

thank you, Verry good and helpful over view

[naslisntxaij]

Awesome video, John! Appreciate it very much. Very detailed and straight forward. 👌 😊

[STANDRDUSER]

I have to use Focus Peaking when using vintage, manual lenses, specifically M42 for my SDQH, it’s so much easier to get those sharp edges without breaking the bank on SA Mount Lenses.

[simonxt]

Fuji X-T5 bug. On most Fuji cameras Focus peaking is an excellent way to manually focus. Half pressing the shutter release temporarily disables the peaking highlights so that the viewfinder is clear for composing the shot. Unfortunately the XT-5 has a bug which means the peaking highlights aren't disabled, and worse still they shimmer in low light environments. Please fix the X-T5 bug Fuji!

[ShellyCohen-idiu]

Hi John, I am a fashion photographer. Runway portrait etc. I generally use AF canon 24-105 Zoom but just bought two Manual lens (7 Artisans 55mm 35 mm) and use it just as a change up. What threshold would be best to use ?

[skillcubator]

Hi,
Great video on focus peaking. Just have one doubt. To my knowledge, focus peaking is only applicable when we are in manual focus mode. Is that correct?

[bhaskarathavale]

sir.. nice explanation. liked the video but why focus peaking is not available in auto focus mode. pl advise

[TomGibsonTG]

When I first heard of it I was excited as it would help with landscape images. Then when I turned it on and I used it, well all was Red and I figured it was in focus. Then I checked the image and I was disappointed. I quickly learned that just because the image was outlined in red (or another color) it does not necessarily mean all was in focus. I noticed that when I turned the manual focus ring the given color would change intensity as the focus ring was rotated. I read when the color is at the maximum all is in focus. I tried that, what is maximum, and still, the end result was poor and not all the areas were in focus. I realized that it also has to do with the given focus point and F stop you choose F2.8 vs F11. So I gave up and went back to using the tried and true magnification as with my Canon 5DX. That always worked. Thanks as I like to see what is in focus and the magnification works best for me. To as I would only use this when on a tripod as I assume you do, I am in no rush so I can take my time to focus using the magnification method. Cheers and stay healthy

[ronaldmoravec]

All I can say there is peaking on my Leicas and Z6, and nowhere does it compete well with proper focusing. Even if you turn on medium sensitivity and can see the red peaking, rack the focus and it stays on way to long. Turn to max, end everything is RED. Low sensitivity, takes too long and is hard to see and sometimes never appears.

[dandanu]

I set the focus peaking in costume settings (q menu) and it's not working. Fuji xe-4

[alveolomc]

How accurate is the focus peaking with old lenses?

[phillawrence]

Focus peaking cant be good for birds as trees bushes light up making your subject questionable?