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Question about the 1.3 crop function. Does it degrade the photo or lower the resolution in any way? Thanks.

One other question about AF setup. I have the AE-ON button set to single point back button focus, the shutter button to group focus and the joystick to group dynamic 25. What do you folks think? Am I mistaken or does the 25 group track?

Thanks, still trying to get used to and learn the menu.

Will in Tejas wrote in post #18829119
Question about the 1.3 crop function. Does it degrade the photo or lower the resolution in any way? Thanks.

One other question about AF setup. I have the AE-ON button set to single point back button focus, the shutter button to group focus and the joystick to group dynamic 25. What do you folks think? Am I mistaken or does the 25 group track?

Thanks, still trying to get used to and learn the menu.

Hi Will. My understanding of the crop mode is, it doesn't degrade image quality but it does lessen the number of pixels on target. You'll get used to the menus, it took some time but I did, and if I can, you can.
I also have my AE button set to back button focus. But from your description it seems the D500, being a "professional" crop body, has a very advanced menu system and therefore many more menu choices than my body. So I guess I'm not very helpful on your specific settings.

Will in Tejas wrote in post #18829119
Question about the 1.3 crop function. Does it degrade the photo or lower the resolution in any way? Thanks.

One other question about AF setup. I have the AE-ON button set to single point back button focus, the shutter button to group focus and the joystick to group dynamic 25. What do you folks think? Am I mistaken or does the 25 group track?

Thanks, still trying to get used to and learn the menu.

Hey Bill,

I have not played with the crop mode, so I can't answer that part.

I use a config similar to what you describe.

I use Group on the AF-On button, Single Point on the Pv button (on the front), and have toyed with 3D and D25 on the joystick button, but I have trouble not shifting the focus point(s) when I press the joystick.

I use my shutter button as shutter only - no AF. This allows me to use any of the other modes to achieve focus and "if" the subject does no move, I can easily recompose & shoot.

How's the G2 working? I'm going to see about tuning Theresa's G2 this afternoon, although it's pretty sharp right out of the box.

ptcanon3ti wrote in post #18829148
Hi Will. My understanding of the crop mode is, it doesn't degrade image quality but it does lessen the number of pixels on target. You'll get used to the menus, it took some time but I did, and if I can, you can.
I also have my AE button set to back button focus. But from your description it seems the D500, being a "professional" crop body, has a very advanced menu system and therefore many more menu choices than my body. So I guess I'm not very helpful on your specific settings.

Thank you for your input, Paul.

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18829195
Hey Bill,

I have not played with the crop mode, so I can't answer that part.

I use a config similar to what you describe.

I use Group on the AF-On button, Single Point on the Pv button (on the front), and have toyed with 3D and D25 on the joystick button, but I have trouble not shifting the focus point(s) when I press the joystick.

I use my shutter button as shutter only - no AF. This allows me to use any of the other modes to achieve focus and "if" the subject does no move, I can easily recompose & shoot.

How's the G2 working? I'm going to see about tuning Theresa's G2 this afternoon, although it's pretty sharp right out of the box.

Thanks Phil. I do find myself moving the focus points and it messed with me at the Woodlands yesterday. Does the standard diamond (4 points or boxes) track a flying subject? I'm not sure the PV is as accessible for me but have considered it. I would like to not use the shutter button for any focusing. If I find the multi/group focus that works best for me I would likely just use it exclusively. I may put the single point on the joy still since I normally have more time to get on the subject with single point. On my a7RIII I sometimes use my in flight focus button on static subjects with good results and I would why it wouldn't work on the D500 considered nothing else in the way of focus.

I was amazed at how much difference +2 in the fine tune. I'm pleased with the G2.

Will in Tejas wrote in post #18829119
Question about the 1.3 crop function. Does it degrade the photo or lower the resolution in any way? Thanks.

One other question about AF setup. I have the AE-ON button set to single point back button focus, the shutter button to group focus and the joystick to group dynamic 25. What do you folks think? Am I mistaken or does the 25 group track?

Thanks, still trying to get used to and learn the menu.

It will crop pixels and not degrade the quality of what’s left.

Thom Hogan www.bythom.com has excellent manuals. Toss the manufacturers in the trash.

I'd still like to know the difference between the 4 point diamond points (whether dots or squares) and the Dynamic 25 group. Does the latter track and move with the subject?

yes, I think that is how it is supposed to work. I typically use single point and have done so with D7000, D700 and D4.

smythie wrote in post #18831285
yes, I think that is how it is supposed to work. I typically use single point and have done so with D7000, D700 and D4.

Thanks for the reply.

Will in Tejas wrote in post #18830896
I'd still like to know the difference between the 4 point diamond points (whether dots or squares) and the Dynamic 25 group. Does the latter track and move with the subject?

Hi Bill,

To the best of my understanding, the GRP mode (diamond in the VF) treats the area within the diamond similar to a large focus point. I use this for BIF and it works quite well for me. It was recommended by one of my buddies that is life ling Nikon Pro.

The dynamic modes (including D25) give the camera more flexibility of what spot is selected & held as the primary focus point. As I understand it, the point will often be the closest point (like a wing tip) or highest contrast point. In this mode, you'll want to be sure your DoF is deep enough in case you lock onto a wing tip.

YMMV...

Our Shih Tzu Max, laying on the couch with his best buddy (my daughter).

Nikon D700 - 28mm f/2.8 E Series (f/2.8, ISO 1600, 1/40).

EyeSpyEagle wrote in post #18831553
Hi Bill,

To the best of my understanding, the GRP mode (diamond in the VF) treats the area within the diamond similar to a large focus point. I use this for BIF and it works quite well for me. It was recommended by one of my buddies that is life ling Nikon Pro.

The dynamic modes (including D25) give the camera more flexibility of what spot is selected & held as the primary focus point. As I understand it, the point will often be the closest point (like a wing tip) or highest contrast point. In this mode, you'll want to be sure your DoF is deep enough in case you lock onto a wing tip.

YMMV...

Phil, thanks. That is what I was looking for.

This morning, overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Nikon D700 - 28mm f/2.8 E Series lens.

Photo from txsizzler's gallery.
Image hosted by forum (967497)

Just a moon shot.

P.