Focus peaking is a camera or monitor aid that highlights areas of apparent sharpness, often with a coloured outline. Adobe describes it as a live-view focusing aid, and Sony’s camera documentation says its peaking display enhances the outline of in-focus areas when using manual focus. www.adobe.com

It can help when focusing manually, especially on a small screen or when a subject moves slightly towards or away from the camera. But peaking is a guide, not a guarantee: the indicator depends on the camera’s settings and display.

When it can help

For a talking-head video, focus on the subject’s eyes and check whether the peaking indicator appears around the area you want sharp. It can also help when pulling focus between two objects or setting up a close product shot.

The indicator’s colour and sensitivity are adjustable on some cameras. If sensitivity is too high, it may highlight too much of the picture. If it is too low, fine detail may be missed. Camera menus differ, so check the manual for your model.

Check the recorded image

Before a full shoot, record a short test and play it back at the resolution you expect to deliver. Peaking can look convincing on the camera display even when the critical detail is not as sharp as you need.

For a static subject, combine peaking with magnified focus if your camera offers it. For a moving subject, autofocus may suit the shot better. RouteNote’s guide to camera crop factor explains how sensor size affects lens framing. When your footage is ready, browse RouteNote Licensing for music and sound effects.