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Menu Position MENU --> 1 --> AF in Focus Mag.

What it Does Enables the ability for the camera to autofocus while the Focus Magnification function is active

Recommended Setting On

This is a brand new feature which some macro photographers may appreciate. But just to avoid confusion, let me remind you that there are TWO functions designed to provide a focus assist feature, the “MF Assist” as described in Section 7.2 (which kicks in automatically as soon as you turn the focusing ring of a native E-mount lens), and the “Focus Magnifier” function (Section 6.30, which was originally designed for non-native lenses.) This feature applies to the “Focus Magnifier” function, and was described in pretty good detail in Section 6.30.1.

In brief, though, this feature allows the autofocus mechanism to work with an E-mount lens and the MENU --> Camera 6 --> Focus Magnifier function. Section 6.30.1 has all the details.

Menu Position MENU --> 1 --> Grid Line

What it Does Superimposes (or removes) a compositional aid onto the LCD

Recommended Setting It’s an intensely personal preference

Once upon a time you had to change focusing screens in your DSLR in order to see special compositional guides in your viewfinder. Now, thanks to the miracle that is Live View, all you have to do is push a button and you can choose from one of 3 different grid line patterns. (Or turn it off, of course.) The three grid patterns available can be seen in Figure 7-5.

In this book’s introduction I specifically stated that this book is not being aimed at beginners, and so I would intentionally skip some of the staples of my beginner’s books which talked about the basics, including light and composition, f/stops and shutter speeds. Well, these compositional grids kind of fall into that ‘beginning’ category – I’ll simply say that if you know what the rule of thirds is and you’d like to see a rule of thirds grid magically appear in your display as a compositional aid, just set MENU -->

1 --> Grid Line --> Rule of 3rds Grid. There are two other choices as well: A 6x10 grid which is roughly double the density of the rule of 3rds

grid, and a grid with two diagonals. The 6x10 grid is designed for people doing work with a copy stand to make sure the camera is absolutely parallel to the work being copied and that there are no converging or diverging lines. The one with the diagonal line is for those who want to add some visual energy to their shot and place the subject lines according to it (although I personally can’t see needing a compositional aid for that).

I grew up with ground glass viewfinder screens, and so I don’t really need any compositional guides. However if I were to pick one, I’d probably go for the Rule of Thirds as my standard grid.