Setting up Focus Bracketing and differences from Focus Stacking

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

Focus Stacking and Focus Bracketing are two photography techniques used to create stunning images when a larger depth of field than what is possible to capture within a single frame is required. The process involves taking multiple photographs while progressively shifting the focus point across the depth of the subject (bracketing), and then using editing software to combine and blend the resulting images into one final composite (stacking). The most common applications of these techniques are in macro, product, and landscape photography.

Differences between the two features

• Focus Bracketing - The process of capturing multiple images of the same subject, each progressively shifting the focal point to a different area of the subject. This technique ensures that different parts of the subject are in focus, allowing for the desired frame selection or for Focus Stacking.
  
  Note: Focus Bracketing is available only after a firmware update on the following models:

  • ILCE-1 ver. 3.00 or later
  • ILCE-7SM3 ver. 4.00 or later
  • ILCE-7M4 ver. 4.00 or later

• Focus Stacking - The process of combining the images taken during focus bracketing into a single image with an extended depth of field. Specialized software is required to seamlessly blend the images and create a final composite with a greater depth of field and uniform focus.

Example results

A single frame shows only a portion of the subject.

If the subject and camera remain still but the focus point moves across the frame in multiple images (Focus Bracketing), the combined image created through Focus Stacking will display the subject completely in focus and sharp throughout the depth of the captured frame.

Set up Focus Bracketing on the camera

Follow these general steps to set up Focus Bracketing on your camera. If you need model-specific details, refer to the instruction manual for your device model. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

1. On the camera, press the MENU button.
2. Select (Shooting).
3. Select Drive Mode.
4. Select Bracket Settings.
5. Select Focus Bracket.
6. Configure the Focus Bracket settings as needed.
   • Focus Bracket Order: Sets the shooting order for the focus bracket.
     Setting options: [0→+] or [0→−→+]
   • Step Width: Sets the focus interval between shots. The value is relative and varies with shooting conditions, such as the lens aperture and the initial focus position.
   • Exposure Smoothing: Sets whether to automatically adjust the exposure during focus bracket shooting.
     Setting options: [On] or [Off]
   • Shooting Interval: Sets the interval between shots.
     Setting options: [Shortest] / [1 Sec] / [2 Sec] / [3 Sec] / [5 Sec] / [10 Sec] / [15 Sec] / [30 Sec]
   • Focus Brckt Saving Dest: Sets the save destination folder for images captured with Focus Bracketing.
     Setting options: [Current Folder] or [New Folder]
7. Start shooting. The camera automatically captures multiple images as it shifts the focus position.