AF Configuration Tool
AF features on professional EOS Digital SLR cameras have become increasingly sophisticated to cope with all kinds of subjects. Used in a wide range of situations, performance evaluations were collected from professionals. This feedback was analyzed which led to the introduction of AF Configuration Tool in the 61-point AF system1 and 65-point AF system2. Different presets to match the characteristics of the type of subject and its
movement, and the shooting conditions, can be selected from Case 1-Case 6 in the AF Configuration Tool. These six presets are combinations of the following three AI Servo AF parameters: [Tracking sensitivity], [Accel./decel. tracking], and [AF pt auto switching]. By simply selecting one of these cases, AI Servo AF characteristics are changed and optimized to match different types of movement.
AF Configuration Tool Cases
Case 1:
Versatile multi-purpose setting
Case 1 is versatile and achieves a high level of tracking performance in a wide variety of scenes.
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Case 2:
Continue to track subjects, ig-noring possible obstacles
Even if subjects briefly move from the AF points, they will remain in focus. Effective when obstacles briefly come between the camera and subject, or with erratically moving subjects that are harder to track.
Set [Tracking sensitivity] to -2 for even better tracking of subjects that may move from the selected AF point.
Subject examples: Tennis, Swimming (butterfly stroke),
Freestyle skiing, etc.
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Case 3:
Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points
When another subject is detected during AI Servo AF, the camera fo-cuses on it immediately. Effective for instantly focusing on subjects entering AF points and for shooting one subject after another.
If [Tracking sensitivity] is set to [+2], AF response is even quicker. Note that continuously tracking the same subject may be more difficult.
Subject examples: Start of cycling race, Alpine skiing, etc.
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Case 4:
For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly
Keep tracking and focusing on subjects even if their speed changes suddenly. Effective for subjects that move suddenly, accelerate, decelerate, or stop. Note that focus may be inconsistent for subjects that move at a relatively
constant speed.
If AF cannot keep up with speed changes, it may help to set [Accel./decel. tracking] to [+2].
Subject examples: Soccer, Motorsports, Basketball, etc.
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Case 5:
For erratic subjects, moving in any direction
Takes effect with "61-point auto selection AF"1 or "65-point auto selection AF"2, "Zone AF", "Large AF Zone"2 and "AF point expansion". Keeps the focus on erratically moving subjects by automatically switching AF points to facilitate autofocus.
For rapid AF point switching, set [AF pt auto switching] to [+2]. Note that unwanted AF points might be selected.
Subject examples: Figure skating, air show etc.
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Case 6:
For subjects that change speed and move erratically
Takes effect with "61-point auto selection AF"1 or "65-point auto selection AF"2, "Zone AF", "Large AF Zone"2 and "AF point expansion".. Keeps tracking and focusing on subjects even if their speed changes suddenly. Also, keeps focusing on erratic moving subjects by automatically.
switching to other AF points to facilitate autofocus.
If AF cannot keep up with speed changes, it may help to set [Accel./decel. tracking] to [+2]. For rapid AF point switching, set [AF pt auto switching] to [+2].
Subject examples: Rhythmic gymnastics, etc.
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*Illustrated with EOS-1D X screens, screens sand functions of EOS-1D C, EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 7D Mark II may differ.
1 Applicable to EOS-1D X, EOS-1D C and EOS 5D Mark III
2 Applicable to EOS 7D Mark II only
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1. The AF Configuration Tool is a function for setting AI Servo AF characteristics. Therefore, it's settings will have no function when using [One shot AF].
2. If you customized 2 Cases with same set of parameters, the AI Servo AF characteristics of these 2 Cases will become identical.
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