Step by step Use Live View for accurate focus

Use Live View to determine exactly how much of your image will be in pin-sharp focus

Engage Live View

Switch to Live View on a DSLR by pressing the LV button. Mirrorless Nikons effectively always use Live View, both on the rear LCD or the viewfinder.

Compose the shot

Compose the image on the rear LCD. Use the multi-selector to move the red focus box around your image to the area of image you want to be in sharp detail.

Zoom in

Press the ‘+ magnifying glass’ button to zoom into the image and magnify that part of the image. Further presses of ‘+’ zoom in further.

Focus manually

Switch to manual focus and slowly rotate the focus ring until the image springs into sharp focus; the in-focus area will reflect the actual depth of field.

Zoom back out

Press the ‘- magnifying glass’ button to zoom back out. You can zoom into other areas to check how in-focus other areas of the scene are.

Take the shot!

Once you’ve de-magnified the image, you have now focused very accurately on a subject that’s a tiny part of the overall image, so fire the shutter!