Multiple focal points? And polarization filters?

[dmann]

I noticed my camera when AF point selection is on auto selection (I never use this) it has multiple selection points at times. How do I get multiple selection points at my choosing? I always use manual selection but I like the option of having two or more selection points. I have a Canon T1i.

Also I am wanting to purchase a polarization filter. I am stuck between getting a promaster and a rocket fish. It will be for my 50mm lens if that makes a difference. There is a $50 price difference between the two and I want to know if it's a justified price difference or a waste of money. Just learning about these filters so any other advice would be great.

[IABoomer]

The rocketfish is the Best Buy house brand, and it's a POS, and I don't mean point of sale terminal. When it comes to filters, you really do get what you pay for most of the time. Why buy a $500+ camera then slap a $20 piece of glass in front of it?

As far as selecting multiple points, I don't think any of the consumer level cameras have that as an option. In theory there's the CHDK project where people build custom firmware for Canon cameras, at which point you might be able to find/create something like that.

I've thought being able to select, say, two focal points and having the camera work out the appropriate aperture to make that the depth of field would be a unique and useful feature.

[Dreamglade]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

I've thought being able to select, say, two focal points and having the camera work out the appropriate aperture to make that the depth of field would be a unique and useful feature.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, it's been a while since I've had a camera that has had anything but the poor-man's A-DEP. But isn't what you're describing, exactly what DEP mode is? Sadly, the A-DEP mode automatically chooses those two focus points for you and hence why I will never use it because I don't trust it to know what I want.

[sk66]

Some Canons (all?) have the ability to determine aperture for required DOF (auto DOF). I don't think any Nikons do.

Regardless of how many focus points are shown as "active" there is only going to be one focus point used to achieve maximum sharpness....the others "may" be used to determine "acceptable sharpness".
To me, I don't really see the benefit of being able to select multiple focus points manually....maybe I would if I were a Canon user and shot more "stationary subjects".