What To Know
- To manually select a focus point, use the multi-controller to navigate the focus point grid and choose the desired point.
- When photographing landscapes, you may want to focus on a specific element in the scene, such as a tree, mountain, or building.
- Use the multi-controller to select the focus point that aligns with the most critical detail of your subject, such as a flower’s stamen or an insect’s eye.
The Canon 700D is a fantastic camera, offering a wealth of features for photographers of all levels. However, understanding how to effectively utilize its autofocus system is crucial for capturing sharp, well-composed images. One key aspect of this is knowing how to change focus points, allowing you to precisely direct your camera’s focus to the desired subject. This guide will walk you through the process, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
Understanding Focus Points: The Foundation of Sharp Images
Before diving into the specifics of changing focus points on your Canon 700D, let’s first understand what they are and why they matter. Your camera’s autofocus system relies on a grid of sensors called focus points, which detect contrast and edges within your scene.
These focus points are typically displayed as small squares or dots in your viewfinder or on the LCD screen. When you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera activates these points to determine the area of focus.
The Canon 700D boasts a 9-point autofocus system, meaning it has nine separate focus points spread across the center of the sensor. This allows you to select the point that best aligns with your subject, ensuring accurate focus.
Navigating the Focus Point Selection: Methods and Techniques
There are a few different ways to change focus points on your Canon 700D, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:
1. Using the Multi-Controller:
- The multi-controller, a small joystick located on the back of your camera, is the most intuitive way to change focus points.
- Simply press the multi-controller in the direction you want to move the focus point.
- The selected focus point will be highlighted in the viewfinder.
2. Auto Selection:
- For quick and effortless focusing, you can let the camera choose the focus point for you.
- This is particularly useful in situations where your subject is moving or unpredictable.
- To activate auto selection, simply press the shutter button halfway down and allow the camera to select the appropriate focus point.
3. Manual Focus Point Selection:
- For more precise control, you can manually select a specific focus point.
- This is ideal for situations where you need to place the focus point on a specific part of your subject.
- To manually select a focus point, use the multi-controller to navigate the focus point grid and choose the desired point.
Utilizing Focus Point Selection for Different Photography Situations
The way you select your focus points can dramatically impact the final image, especially when photographing various subjects and scenarios:
1. Portraits:
- For portraits, you’ll often want to focus on the subject’s eyes.
- Use the multi-controller to carefully position the focus point on the eye closest to the camera.
- This ensures a sharp and captivating portrait, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject’s gaze.
2. Landscapes:
- When photographing landscapes, you may want to focus on a specific element in the scene, such as a tree, mountain, or building.
- Use the multi-controller to select the focus point that aligns with your desired subject.
- This can create a sense of depth and emphasize the chosen element within the broader landscape.
3. Action Photography:
- For action photography, such as capturing sports or wildlife, you’ll need to be quick and adaptable.
- While auto selection can be helpful, you may also want to manually select a focus point that anticipates the subject’s movement.
- This allows you to keep the subject in focus as it moves within the frame.
4. Macro Photography:
- Macro photography requires precise focus, as even the slightest shift can blur the image.
- Use the multi-controller to select the focus point that aligns with the most critical detail of your subject, such as a flower’s stamen or an insect’s eye.
- This ensures that the details are captured with maximum clarity.
Advanced Focus Point Techniques: Expanding Your Creative Arsenal
Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques of changing focus points, there are some advanced techniques that can further enhance your images:
1. Focus Bracketing:
- This technique involves taking multiple images with slightly different focus points.
- This is particularly useful for macro photography or when shooting subjects with a shallow depth of field.
- By combining these images later, you can create a single image with a much greater depth of field.
2. Zone Focusing:
- Zone focusing involves pre-setting your focus point to a specific distance, rather than relying on autofocus.
- This is useful for situations where you need to be quick and responsive, such as street photography or candid portraits.
- By pre-setting the focus, you can quickly capture images without having to wait for the camera to autofocus.
3. Back-Button Focus:
- This technique involves assigning the autofocus function to a dedicated button on your camera, typically the “AF-ON” button.
- This allows you to control the focus independently of the shutter button, giving you more control over the focusing process.
- It’s particularly beneficial for photographers who prefer to manually control the focus, especially in situations where the camera’s autofocus might struggle.
The Final Touch: Optimizing Your Images for Impact
While changing focus points is crucial for capturing sharp images, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. To truly elevate your photography, pay attention to other aspects of composition and post-processing:
- Composition: Consider the rule of thirds, leading lines, and other compositional principles to create visually appealing images.
- Lighting: Learn how to use natural and artificial light to your advantage, enhancing the mood and impact of your photos.
- Post-processing: Use editing software to fine-tune your images, adjust exposure, contrast, and colors to create a polished final product.
Beyond the Basics: Embracing a Continuous Learning Journey
Mastering the art of photography is an ongoing journey, and learning how to change focus points on your Canon 700D is just the beginning. Experiment with different techniques, explore new perspectives, and challenge yourself to continually improve your skills. With practice and dedication, you’ll unlock the full potential of your camera and create stunning images that capture the world around you in a truly unique way.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How do I know if I’m using the right focus point?
A: The best way to determine if you’re using the right focus point is to check the image after you’ve taken it. If the subject is sharp and in focus, you’ve selected the correct focus point. If it’s blurry, you may need to adjust the focus point or the camera’s settings.
Q: Can I change the size of the focus points?
A: The size of the focus points on the Canon 700D is fixed. However, you can adjust the size of the focus area, which encompasses multiple focus points.
Q: What is the difference between single-point autofocus and multiple-point autofocus?
A: Single-point autofocus uses a single focus point to determine the area of focus. Multiple-point autofocus uses multiple focus points, allowing the camera to track moving subjects more effectively.
Q: Can I use focus points for macro photography?
A: Absolutely! Focus points are especially helpful for macro photography, as they allow you to precisely focus on intricate details.
Q: How do I know which focus mode to use?
A: The best focus mode depends on the subject and the situation. For stationary subjects, single-point autofocus is usually sufficient. For moving subjects, continuous autofocus is recommended. Experiment with different modes to find what works best for you.
