Auto Focus DSLR Camera

Currently almost all DSLR cameras are equipped with several options the way the camera to autofocus (autofocus mode). Photographing the vase of the silent flowers on the table would require a different way of autofocus by photographing a small child who was dribbling in the field. Deliberately this time the discussion about autofocus and not manual focus so not too long.

When shooting still objects, we usually use a single focal point, locking the focus once a new shoot. But when shooting objects / people are always moving to move position, we need a camera that is able to move the focal point automatically follow the project. The good news is that DSLR cameras come with those features. Let's take the surgery one by one:

Single Area Autofocus Mode

In Canon DSLR cameras are named "One Shot AF" while in Nikon DSLR cameras are named "Single Area AF". From the name is quite clear that we choose a focal point and then the camera will look for contrast in one area of that focal point. When we press the shutter button halfway or press the AF-On button (if using a DSLR camera with dedicated AF-On button), the camera will lock the focus at that point once. If the subject moves the position and even if we keep the button halfway shutter, the camera will not move focus automatically.In this mode, we will not be able to squeeze full shutter (take photos) before the camera can lock the focal point. But this provision can be tricked through the settings in the autofocus menu and set the focus priority.

Autofocus Continuous Mode / AI Servo

This mode is DSLR cameras Nikon is named "Continuous / AF-C" while in Canon is named "AI Servo". This mode is used when we have to follow a subject photo that continues to move position, for example when we photographing sport, animals or cars that are going.

In this mode, the camera will release subject movement and predict where the subject moves by placing the focal point slightly preceding the subject's existence. With Continuous mode, we can follow subject movement and get sharp focus. The trick is to continue punching half of the shutter button while aiming the movement of the subject or by pressing the AF-On button with the thumb (if any).

Hybrid Autofocus Mode / Mixed Between Single & Continuous

The Canon DSLR camera is named "AI Focus" while Nikon is named "AF-A". It is a mixed focus mode between single and continuous where the camera will change focus from single to continous or vice versa according to subject subject condition. If the photographed still the camera will use Single while the camera moving object will switch to Continuous mode.Not all types of DSLR cameras have this mode. For beginners, this mode selection is actually quite helpful because there is no need to change the focus mode.Which Autofocus Mode Should You Use?The actual conclusion is quite simple:

• When shooting silent objects or people who pose please use Single mode
• When shooting moving objects constantly, use Continuous mode
• For everyday purposes, you can leave the camera by default in continous mode or hybrid mode. New when the camera can not lock the focus in Continuous mode, for example when shooting in dark conditions please move to Single mode.
• For beginners whose hands are not yet very agile to change the focus mode quickly, you can use the hybrid mode (if there is a camera there).

How to Change Focus Mode?

How to change focus mode is not the same from one camera to another camera. For that I recommend check in each manual. In the Nikon D300s / D700 camera, you can find the small hooks on the left side of the lens mount: AF-S, AF-C and M (safe). While in Canon (eg EOS 60D), you can change the focus mode by pressing the AF button at the top of the camera and the focus mode will appear in the LCD panel above.