Thursday, 17 June 2010

Back-Button Auto Focus

I have always half pressed the shutter button on all of my cameras to get a focus lock before fully depressing the button to get a shot (after recomposing more often than not).  However, I recently found a BETTER WAY! :)

On my Canon 50d there is a button on the back labelled AF-ON.  This button can be used to focus the camera, removing the focus function from the shutter button.  On some cameras you can reassign the exposure lock button (labelled *) to be an AF-ON button.  The shutter button is only used for metering and to take the picture when set up the way I have it.  Why would you want to do this?  All is explained very clearly at:

http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2286

I have to say, it feels really awkward at first.  You soon get used to it though.  My hit rate for in focus pictures has gone up since moving to back-button focus.

For 50d owners go to custom function C.Fn IV-1 and selection option 2.  For more options, or if you have a different Canon camera, check out the link above.

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