Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

While wandering Nay Aug Park looking for random things to photograph I came across a 5K race, various buildings and wild life.
As we know AF in current cameras can be set to various options from none to people etc.
I found that having animal eye AF covering 100% +- seemed to be the best as wild critters are the least cooperative.
Then for people and buildings I can change to as needed.
Again, this is not specifically going out to do people or any specific subject for that matter, just a walk in the park.
What do others use as general default setting as I would like ideas an why.
As cameras give so many options now to optimize the camera for a specific situation.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

A periodic review of AF settings/capabilities is a worthwhile effort. It is not uncommon to find capabilities that are either forgotten or never known. At least for me!

I typically shoot for the eye as most of my shooting is wildlife.

photoman43

The answer might depend on what camera model you are using.

As a Nikon shooter with various Nikon bodies, my general all purpose AF setting is AF-C, Dynamic area with few active points selected like D9. For wildlife and birds, especially birds in flight, I use different and more featured AF settings.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

My cameras allow me to program various buttons. I have one preset for rapid motion, such as birds, with the AF, ISO and shutter set accordingly. Otherwise, I have to react as I see things.

SIMIBILL

I born an raised in Scranton, PA.
Nay Aug Park was where I spent a lot of time at the original swimming pool in the summer. Ice skating in the winter.
I was a lifeguard for three summers during undergrad school.
Please post some of your current photos of the Park.
I am an avid amateur photographer now in Santa Barbara, CA.
My new camera is the Canon R5 with several L lenses.
Bill Migliacci
805 428 2277

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Those were from yesterday in the park.
I have been doing design work for the Geisinger hospital across the street for years.
But this was my first time going into the park.
I can post more.

SIMIBILL

I find no photos posted.
Where did you post your photos?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Sorry.
I realized that this was not the photo gallery and avoided posting photos.
Here are a couple.

SIMIBILL

Thank you.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I don’t know Canons but with both my Nikons and Olympus I can set up custom profiles fkk TMZ t different situations. It’s a quick and easy change going from general photography to wildlife to portraits, etc.

John O.

Single point center focus is most widely used for most things. The other specialized points and types of focus on the new mirrorless cameras greatly help you with specialized types of more critical focusing conditions.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Or what subjects you are shooting.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I use I guess a single point but the camera is smart enough to find the animal or person near instantly any where in the viewfinder.
For still subjects, buildings, flowers etc. I use a single point and move to desired spot for focus priority any where on the screen so moving the camera is not required and when it does move a bit for composition the focus point stays glued to selected spot as composition changes, if desired.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

I use center point focus usually, and lock it where I want it by touching the release, then composing and releasing--an ancient habit. This, of course, is not fully automatic focus--if I want that just in case, set it for central area. This works for me because ordinary city shooting usually has the main subject in that area, and I favor deeper focus with smaller apertures (typically f11 or f16).

As you say, shooting small animals with long lens might be more particular, but distance alone increases depth of field accordingly. I never knew people wanted to photograph birds until I joined this site.

Note: if you have to change the focusing program for each picture type, the whole advantage for auto focus is lost or diminished, yes? If you manually set the focusing system to shoot, then why not just manually focus? We can rely on autofocus in general if we understand how aperture and distances affect focus. With wide-angle lenses I know that the hyperfocal distance is forgiving with even a little care.

On the other hand, I have a wide-angle eye, and I tend to frame the things that hold still, like trees and buildings that make a scene. So if I miss a shot of a small animal, I would never know it--I wasn't looking for it. If you are looking for them, you will take another path. Your starting place should be set for what pictures you want.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The af works broader than just people etc.
And the ai is smart enough to understand that.
I just optimise it.
Or as others do set buttons or c1, can, can to specific parameters.
It is infinitly faster regardless in any mode and more accurat than manual focus could ever be.
And I got a mf camera in 71 until the A2 was out and finally went af and even then with the all electric lens what a game changer while all other cameras were still primarily mechanical contraptions until 2008.