Canon 1D Mark III Autofocus Settings – Overview
Before taking a deep dive into Canon 1D mark III autofocus settings, we must overview the fact that quotes Canon as the global leader in AF technology. For years now, most Canon cameras have been using its Intelligent Autofocus technology.
Originally crafted for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III, the intelligent autofocus system with deep learning algorithms has also paved its way for other Canon cameras.
Till now, most fashion, portrait, sports and wedding photographers have found this technology quite efficient and effective in their photography aspirations.
Major highlights of Canon 1D Mark III Autofocus settings
From the outside, the Canon 1D Mark III autofocus system resembles all of its predecessors. You will find the same 45-point array of AF sensors that were present in the previous models.
Still, it’s only once you sneak through, you will be able to witness all the important changes in the Canon 1D Mark III autofocus settings.
19 cross-type AF sensors
On most of the previous EOS models, seven out of the 45 AF sensors came as cross-type. Besides, these were perfectly placed in a bunch around the frame’s center.
So, the user found the focus acquisition more consistent nearby that region and not around the edges.
Speaking of this camera, you will find 19 cross-type sensors, aptly located around the entire AF area. That said, the rest of the 26 AF sensors are left to “assist” sensor status.
Even though these sensors contribute a big time to AF operation, you cannot use them separately in the Canon 1D Mark III autofocus settings.
Superior center focus accuracy
The central AF point may force you to compromise while functioning as a full cross-type sensor at f/4 and as a horizontal-only sensor down to f/8. Besides, Canon has come up with some amazing surprises while working on its central array.
Even though it may not be feasible for a wider area like “f/2.8” arrays, it brings along twice the sensor elements per unit of length. So, the user can achieve accuracy in line with f/2.8 arrays, even with a smaller aperture of f/4.
Enhanced low-light AF
The AF sensor is not much different from the main image sensor in the Canon 1D Mark III autofocus settings. You will witness similar noise reduction technology that helped improve image noise levels.
The Canon 1D Mark III autofocus settings easily work from EV -1 to EV 18, while heading to a full stop, lower than the EV 0 limit of its predecessors. So, being a user, you can experience rapid and accurate focus even in low-lit conditions.
Recommended Canon 1D mark III autofocus settings to shoot Sports and Wildlife
The Canon 1D Mark iii boasts some amazing features to take your sports and wildlife photography aspirations to a whole different level. Now, before you get ahead with the settings, do understand that Canon has made some key changes in the functioning process of its AF system.
So, if you are using the area AF mode, it will pick the nearest AF point rather than the biggest number with a sharp focus.
Again, if you are shooting sports or wildlife, most photography experts mainly recommend using a center point.
Now, as you pick ‘center point’, you either need to place your subject in the center or simply lock the AF by half-pressing the shutter + star button +/- AF button. Doing this, you cannot use Live AF and that’s come as the biggest downside of this Canon 1D Mark III autofocus setting.
You then need to opt for the AI servo mode and which will help you in capturing the most desirable wildlife and sports shots.
Recommended Canon 1D mark III autofocus settings to shoot Portrait and Landscape
When it comes to shooting portraits or landscapes, you must use single-point focus and not what your camera has pre-decided for your shot. While you do that, always focus on the subject’s eye. Choose the eye that is nearer to the focus than the other, in case both eyes aren’t falling within the same distance.
Regarding best Canon 1D mark III autofocus settings for landscapes, go for Single Shot (AF-S) and not other AF used for moving objects. Your aim here is to make the AF lock onto the subject, so there’s no point bringing tracking focus into play.
You then need to learn a bit about setting your camera with Back Button Focus. Usually, it comes over as a custom setting where the user can remove the AF function from the shutter release button and relocate it to the backside of the camera.
The biggest advantage here is that you don’t always need to set the focus, in case you and the subject are still. Simply lock the focus onto the subject and that’s it. If you move a little or get closer to them, refocus and lock it again.
Bottomline for Canon 1D Mark III Autofocus settings
The intelligent autofocus system of this camera is revolutionary in every sense. Yet, you may take some time to get accustomed to Canon 1D Mark III autofocus settings. Keep practicing while making the required changes according to your choice and preference.
See Also
Comments are closed.