009: All about Autofocus

009: All About Autofocus

autofocus-photography-podcast

In todays episode you will learn:

  • What autofocus does

  • How your camera sees

  • What you camera wants to focus on

  • Your cameras 3 main Auto focus modes

  • What each mode does

  • When to use One shot / AF-s / S

  • When to use AI Focus / AF-a / 

  • When to use AI Servo / AF-c / C

  • How to change your autofocus modes

  • Why you should decide what should be in focus and not your camera

  • How to fine tune your focus

  • How you can still get the same great focus from the professional cameras, on your entry level gear

  • How many autofocus points your DSLR has

  • What a cross type focus point is

  • How your camera needs contrast to find focus

  • The difference between vertical and horizontal focus points

  • When you should be using auto focus zones

  • Why a lot of pros use just one autofocus point

  • What the auto focus system looks like in your viewfinder

  • What focus mode you should be using at family events

  • What auto focus mode you should be using for a bride walking down the aisle

  • What Back button focusing is

  • Why you would want to use back button focus instead of the shutter button


Want to get into the nitty-gritty of your autofocus systems? Check the links below!
The first link describes and demonstrates how your camera decides and determines focus. It is a bit more technical, but gives you some great insight in how to take advantage your focus systems. 

The second link is a great illustrative demonstration of how your focus modes operate as you attempt to lock focus on subjects. Both are a great visual demonstration and we hope they help you!

Cross-type and Linear focus points: Link
Autofocus modes (AF-A/AF-S/AF-C or One Shot/AI Focus/ AI Servo): Link
 

In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast we talk all about your DSLRs autofocus. We walk through all of the different modes like AI Servo, One Shot, we talk about Back Button Focusing, and the different types of focusing points.