What To Know
- Focus points are small, often invisible, areas on your camera’s sensor that detect contrast or phase difference to determine where the subject is in focus.
- The most common method for changing focus points on the Canon 70D is using the multi-controller, a small joystick located on the back of the camera, near the shutter button.
- By understanding the different focus area modes, customizing your focus selection, and experimenting with focus bracketing, you can push the boundaries of your photography and create stunning images.
The Canon 70D is a powerful camera, known for its versatility and image quality. But to truly harness its potential, you need to understand how to control its autofocus system. One crucial aspect is knowing how to change focus point on Canon 70D. This allows you to pinpoint exactly where you want your camera to focus, ensuring sharp, well-composed images.
Understanding Focus Points
Before diving into the specifics of changing focus points, let’s clarify what they are and why they matter.
- Focus points are small, often invisible, areas on your camera’s sensor that detect contrast or phase difference to determine where the subject is in focus.
- The Canon 70D boasts 19 cross-type focus points arranged in a diamond pattern, offering precise and reliable focusing even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Manually selecting your focus point gives you greater control over your composition and allows you to focus on specific elements within your scene.
The Basics: Using the Multi-Controller
The most common method for changing focus points on the Canon 70D is using the multi-controller, a small joystick located on the back of the camera, near the shutter button.
1. Engage the AF mode: Make sure your camera is in autofocus mode (AF-S or AF-C).
2. Press the AF-ON button: This activates the autofocus system without triggering the shutter.
3. Use the multi-controller: Gently move the multi-controller in the direction of the focus point you want to select. The selected focus point will be highlighted in the viewfinder.
4. Half-press the shutter button: This locks the focus on the selected point.
Beyond the Basics: Customizing Your Focus Selection
The Canon 70D offers a variety of customization options to further refine your focus point selection.
1. Selecting Focus Area Modes
The Canon 70D provides several focus area modes, each tailored to different shooting scenarios:
- Zone AF: The camera automatically selects a group of focus points within a defined zone.
- Single Point AF: You manually select a single focus point.
- Automatic Selection AF: The camera automatically selects the focus point it deems most appropriate.
- Large Zone AF: The camera uses a larger zone of focus points, ideal for fast-moving subjects.
- Expansion AF: The camera starts with a single focus point and expands the area if needed.
2. Customizing Focus Point Selection
The Canon 70D allows you to customize how focus points are selected:
- Focus point selection: You can choose to select focus points with either the multi-controller or the shutter button.
- Focus point display: You can customize the display of active focus points in the viewfinder.
Advanced Techniques: Focus Bracketing
For photographers seeking ultimate control, the Canon 70D offers a powerful tool called focus bracketing. This feature allows you to capture a series of images with different focus points, effectively creating a depth-of-field stack.
- Enabling Focus Bracketing: Navigate to the camera’s menu and find the “Focus Bracketing” option.
- Setting Parameters: You can customize the number of images, the focus point increment, and the shooting interval.
- Combining Images: After capturing the bracketed images, you can use software like Photoshop or Helicon Focus to combine them into a single image with an extended depth of field.
Understanding Focus Point Limitations
While the Canon 70D offers a sophisticated autofocus system, it’s important to be aware of its limitations:
- Low-light performance: Focus point accuracy can be affected in low-light conditions, especially when using the outer points.
- Subject contrast: The camera’s autofocus system relies on contrast to detect focus. Subjects with low contrast can be challenging to focus on.
- Subject movement: Fast-moving subjects can be difficult to focus on, especially when using single-point AF.
Mastering Focus: A Continuous Journey
Changing focus points on the Canon 70D is a fundamental skill that every photographer should master. It empowers you to control your composition, achieve sharper images, and explore creative possibilities.
By understanding the different focus area modes, customizing your focus selection, and experimenting with focus bracketing, you can push the boundaries of your photography and create stunning images. Remember, practice is key, so keep shooting and exploring the capabilities of your Canon 70D!
Top Questions Asked
1. Why is my Canon 70D not focusing correctly?
There could be several reasons why your camera isn‘t focusing correctly. Check your lens for dust or debris, ensure the autofocus mode is activated, and verify that the selected focus point is aligned with your subject.
2. Can I use the Canon 70D’s autofocus system with manual lenses?
No, the Canon 70D’s autofocus system is designed to work with autofocus lenses only. Manual lenses require manual focusing.
3. How do I know which focus point is selected?
The selected focus point is highlighted in the viewfinder. You can also customize the focus point display settings in the camera menu.
4. What are some tips for focusing on moving subjects?
Use continuous autofocus (AF-C), select a wider focus area, and track the subject’s movement using the multi-controller.
5. Can I change focus points while shooting video?
Yes, you can manually select focus points while shooting video, but the camera will automatically adjust the focus point depending on the subject’s movement.
