Most photographers find it challenging when it comes to setting camera focus. Thus, they capture and produce blurry pictures. You can adjust or eliminate several errors in the post-processing phase. However, it is not possible to digitally fix out-of-focus images. Therefore, accurate focus is vital in any form of photography because your depth of field revolves around your focal point.
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Fortunately, modern DSLRs now have an autofocus (AF) system that intelligently adjusts the camera lens to focus on the photographic subject. This feature, if properly utilized, can result in the production of sharp photos.
Therefore, in this guide, you will learn how to set your DSLR camera lens to autofocus and improve the quality of your images. You will also learn how this system works and why you should use it. After reading this article, you will become a professional at capturing sharp photographs.
Quick And Easy Way To Set DSLR Camera Lens To Autofocus
1. Turn on the camera
2. Turn the lens from MF to AF by moving the switch on your lens. If there is no switch on your DSLR lens, you can select AF under focus mode in the menu
3. Turn on live view mode on your camera
4. Select your desired shooting mode and depress the AF button on your camera.
5. Choose your subject and hold the AF-ON button until your camera acquires focus. The AF will turn red, blue, or green based on the mode you selected.
Understanding The Autofocus (AF) Feature In Your DSLR Camera
Have you ever wondered about the significance of the autofocus (AF) system in your DSLR camera? And how to effectively use it? Several amateur photographers who just got their hands on DSLR cameras also felt the same.
The autofocus system is one of the most advanced features of your DSLR camera. It automatically and intelligently adjusts your camera lens to focus. Effortlessly. It can mean the difference between a sharp photo and a blurry one.
Realistically, digital cameras are difficult to understand and operate. The Menu systems are filled with several options, making it difficult to get a perfect uniform setting. However, one must understand them to capture good photos.
We know that understanding the various types of cameras, settings, and techniques can be overwhelming if you are new to the photography industry. Thus, we have provided this master article – camera 101, to help all beginners and even experienced photographers understand their cameras.
Click Below to know all about Cameras, From start to end.
Although camera brand specialists designed this feature to improve the quality of photographs, many photographers who took shots with the system often exhibited poor performance. Thus, you need to understand how the autofocus (or AF) system works.
How Does The Autofocus System In DSLR Camera Work?
The autofocus system uses two AF systems to help you capture sharp pictures. These include the passive AF and the active AF.
1. The Passive AF System:
The passive AF determines the accurate focus by performing passive analysis of the image entering the optical system. This works by using a contrast sensor within the camera.
You can achieve or perform passive autofocusing using either contrast detection or phase-detection methods.
A. contrast-detection AF Method:
Contrast-detection AF requires areas of contrast to function or focus. The CD autofocusing method relies on software algorithms within the image sensor to analyze the photo for contrast and detail.
The contrast-detection AF method is based on the idea that when an object moves into the focal point, its contrast will rise above that of its surroundings and be detected by the image sensor. The camera lens then adjusts intelligently until the subject is in focus.
Thus in this method, your camera lens cannot focus on a subject lacking texture or strong areas of contrast. Therefore, the contrast-detection is more time-consuming than either of its counterparts because it requires many more adjustments to achieve accurate focus.
However, It is the most accurate method because it provides a better viewfinder image than either the Phase Detecting Autofocus Method or the Contour Tracking Autofocus Method.
Note: The contrast-detection method requires taking multiple pictures. It can’t tell if the camera lens is well focused from a single photo shoot. Thus, we do not recommend it when clicking photographs of moving subjects.
B. Phase-detection AF Method
The phase-detection autofocusing method uses microlenses to achieve focus. Unlike the contrast-detection AF, the phase-detection AF does not require a subject with texture or strong contrast areas to focus. Instead, it uses the light areas of a photograph to focus on the subject. It measures and compares the distance between the images to find the subject’s location. Thus, allowing your DSLR camera to focus your lens intelligently on the object.
Note: The phase-detection AF method can move directly in the in-focus position. Thus, it is faster than the contrast method. And it is suitable for clicking photos of fast-moving objects.
2. The Active AF System
The active autofocusing system uses radiation or emitting signals from the image sensor to focus and capture sharp images of the subject.
These signals or radiation can include structured light, laser, sound waves, sonar, ultrasonic sounds, etc. The camera’s image sensor captures reflections or emissions from the subject in the scene. Then it uses the triangulation technique to determine the subject’s distance from your DSLR camera.
The active autofocusing AF system exists in all DSLR cameras, smartphones, and some professional video cameras and cinema lenses. Although this system doesn’t feature any detection method, it is the most suitable for clicking sharp images in poorly-lit environments.
Note: The passive and active autofocusing systems operate in different ways. However, both methods depend on contrast to autofocus accurately.
Now that you know how the autofocusing system works. How it intelligently adjusts your DLSR camera lens to focus and capture sharp pictures of your subject. However, to capture the sharpest images, you must know the types of AF and the best shooting situations for each.
What Are The Autofocus Modes In Your DSLR Camera?
The various autofocus or AF modes in your DSLR include:
1. Single-Area Autofocus (AF-S) Mode
The single-area AF mode allows your camera to adjust and focus your lens on a single object in the frame. It is the most suitable mode for clicking sharp images of distant static objects, such as landscape photographs.
2. Continuous Autofocus (AF-C) Mode
The continuous AF mode in your DSLR allows continual focusing on any subject moving around the frame. Thus, it is the best AF mode for clicking photographs of birds and other wildlife creatures.
You can learn how to shoot epic images of birds in our article How To Do Little Bird Photography? Capture The Best Shots. You might also be interested in Wildlife Photography Camera Setting For Long Distance Objects.
To use continuous autofocusing mode, half depress the shutter release button to focus continually on the object on the active focus point. The AF system will adjust intelligently to keep your subject in focus.
You might be wondering: How do I know if the moving subject is in focus? Simple. In the continuous or AF-C mode, the focus point will appear and stay red. This will help you know that the system is focusing on the object.
3. Full-time (F) Autofocus Mode
The full-time Servo mode tracks the subject’s movement automatically. This mode is most suitable for video recordings.
4. Auto Autofocus Or Hybrid Mode
The AF-A, also referred to as the hybrid mode in some DSLR cameras, automatically switches between the AF-S and AF- modes. The camera switches to AF-C if it detects the subject’s movement. On the other hand, it will automatically switch to AF-S mode if it thinks the subject is static. Although this mode would work well in most situations, it is not recommended for professional shooting because the switch can result in a delay in capturing the subject.
5. Face Detection Autofocus Mode
This mode allows the camera to detect, track and focus on human faces in the frame. This is the most suitable mode for portrait pictures.
The autofocusing system can be a bit complex. In addition to the different modes, the focusing system also has the AF-Area modes. These modes allow photographers to choose their preferred focus point in the frames. Let’s take a glance at them!
What Are The Autofocus-area Modes In DSLR Cameras And When To Use Them?
There are six AF-area modes in your DSLR. They include:
1. Single-point AF-area Mode
In this area mode, the camera uses a single focus point (that you choose in your viewfinder) to acquire focus. So whatever position you move the focus point to, the camera will use the sharpest contrast under that specific point to focus. Thus, this mode is best used on static objects or when doing landscape photography.
2. Dynamic AF-area Mode
This is the most suitable mode for tracking action or fasting moving subjects such as flying birds. Thus, it is the best AF-area mode for sports and wildlife photography because the camera will automatically switch between different AF points to keep the subject in focus.
How does the camera continue to focus? Your camera will focus on the subject in a user-selected area. If it moves, the device will continue to focus based on information or points from the surrounding areas. Therefore, it is more effective on fast objects.
3. Pin-point AF-area Mode
This mode uses the contrast-detection AF method to focus on your subject accurately. You can move the autofocus points to any part of the screen because they are four times smaller than single point. Thus, use this area mode when you need to acquire accurate focus when clicking images of stationary objects.
4. Auto Area Autofocus Mode
The auto-area AF mode will activate all focusing points and look for the strongest contrast, texture, or subject closest to the camera to focus on automatically. It gives you no control over what or where to focus the camera. Experiment with this mode if you are satisfied with shooting in full auto mode.
5. 3D Tracking Area AF Mode
The 3D Tracking Area AF Mode takes the appearance of the single-point AF. However, it allows the camera to track and focus on objects in the foreground while ignoring other objects.
This mode is most suitable for shooting video when you want to focus on one person in the foreground while the background remains blurred.
6. Group Area AF Mode
This area uses five points to lock focus. Unlike the dynamic AF, this mode activates all its points simultaneously. Thus, it is more accurate and faster.
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3 Simple Ways To Click Sharp Images With Autofocus Mode
1. Pick a subject and a location
Your subject can be anything including humans, landscape, or wildlife. After deciding what to photograph, ensure the location is well-lit and suitable. Remember, photography is an art, so make yours more creative and beautiful.
2. Switch to AF mode on your camera
Switch your DSLR from MF to AF mode and select your preferred autofocusing mode. Ensure the mode is the best for your subject.
Use:-
- Single-point focus mode and single-point AF-area – for landscape and stationary subjects.
- Continuous autofocus mode and dynamic AF-area – for wildlife and fast-moving photographic subjects. You can also use the group AF-area.
- Full-time autofocus mode – for video recording
3. Shoot! Shoot!! Shoot!!!
Hold the AF-ON button down and take the shot when your camera acquires focus on the subject.
4 Smart Tips For Better Autofocusing In Lowlight
Your DSLR camera lens can struggle to autofocus in lowlight situations.
1. Focus on subjects that have texture or strong contrast.
2. Avoid camera shakes.
3. Choose the right autofocus modes for your subject
4. Take several shots
People Also Ask
What Are The 3 Factors Affecting The Autofocusing System?
The three most vital factors affecting the autofocusing system (AF) include camera shake or subject motion, the light level, and the contrast of your subject. However, you can still capture sharp images if you select your focus points properly.
What Are Focus Points?
Focus points are the areas in a photograph that draws your eye to the subject or main point of interest. These points are the blank dots or squares you see when looking through your viewfinder. The effectiveness and flexibility of the AF system depend on the numbers, types, and position of the focus points.