What is AUTOFOCUS? – A Beginner’s Guide

A seemingly standard option to any respectable camera, autofocus can make the difference between a well-taken shot and a missed opportunity. But what is autofocus more precisely and how does it work?

What is AUTOFOCUS?

Simply put, autofocus is a camera system that appropriately adjusts the camera lens. The crucial thing here is reflected by the camera’s autofocus sensors. They are in charge of reaching accurate focus. By carefully calculating the changes in contrast, every sensor can better measure relative focus in a shot.

WHAT IS AUTOFOCUS?

1. Passive and Active Autofocus

If you wish to know how to master your camera’s autofocus, there are a few basic things to begin with. There are two ways autofocus can work. Passive autofocus uses contrast sensors within the camera. Active autofocus, instead, employs two different means. It can either estimate the distances to the subject or make use of an emitted signal to illuminate the subject.

Passive autofocus relies mainly on contrast to achieve an accurate image. This is true regardless of the fact that passive autofocus can be done by either making use of contrast detection or phase detection.

Let’s take a further step and see how the autofocus works.

  • Before taking a shot, a small change appears in the focusing distance, made by the autofocus professor.
  • The autofocus sensors are read by the autofocus processor to estimate if the focus underwent improvement and by how much.
  • The lens is afterwards focused to a new distance after analyzing the processed information.
  • Until the desired focused has been reached, the autofocus processor may collect information from the sensors and calculate new focusing distances a couple of times.

It is important to keep in mind that these processes take little time to happen. Within mere seconds or less. The autofocus sensors are of two types. The cross type sensors are the most effective because they have a two-dimensional contrast detection and thus ensure higher accuracy.

On the other hand, vertical line sensors employ just one-dimensional contrast detection, resulting in a lower precision. Ironically, due to the nature of vertical line sensors (being able to detect contrast along a vertical line), they are the best when having to identify horizontal lines.

2. Autofocus Achievements

Autofocus is a program whose performances also rely on some factors. Alongside camera models, lenses or focus settings, a primary aspect to consider when taking a photo is the subject of the picture. The main factors that influence autofocus are composed, thus, of light levels, subject contrast, and subject or camera movement.

To achieve good autofocus, the central focus point usually must coincide with a sharp edge or pronounced texture. If the subject of the photo is involved in a rapid movement, then the focus should be set on the subject’s surroundings or a lower contrast focus point. Otherwise, the image’s subject would be out of focus, especially during a low-light rapid movement shot.

Another posing difficulty for autofocus performance is represented by timeframe, especially when the photo subject is not motionless. During the fast nature of the picture, the photographer sometimes must make the decision in the blink of an eye to capture the subject well.

WHAT IS AUTOFOCUS?

3. Autofocus Accuracy

One of the most important details that influence the accuracy level is represented by autofocus points. Top of the line SLR cameras employ 45 or even more autofocus points. Others make use of even just one central autofocus point. Alongside their numbers, the positioning and type of autofocus points also have a significant impact.

Autofocus points work either as a whole or separately. As a whole, they improve the overall accuracy of a photograph, as in group photos, where a multitude of focus points can result in a well rounded overall level of focus. When used separately they develop particularities.

In the end, the usefulness of these autofocus points is given by the camera model. Although some features, such as the maximum aperture of the lens used, can also work to improve the overall quality and accuracy.

4. Autofocus Modes

Now it is time to discuss when it is best to employ autofocus modes such as ‘one shot’ for example. To begin with the basics, the ‘one-shot’ mode is primarily used when the subject of the photo is motionless. This is because ‘one-shot’ mode has a difficult time in tracking down movement.

When it comes to fast moving photo subject, the following is the best solution there is. Depending on the camera brand you are using, the terms ‘continuous‘ or ‘AI Servo‘ refer to the autofocus modes that enables photographers to adjust the focus distance for moving objects uninterrupted. It does this by calculating and predicting where the photo subject will be located, based on values of the subject speed in previous focus distances.

Lastly, the camera focuses in advance on the estimated distances where the subject will be located. Thus compensating for the lag between pressing the button to take the picture and the beginning of the exposure. Also, pay considerable attention when using this last option, as it can drastically reduce the camera’s battery life expectancy.

WHAT IS AUTOFOCUS?

5. Autofocus Infrared Beams

Much modern up to date cameras employ what is called an autofocus assist beam. They are used to track down the subject, with the aid of infrared beams, in low contrast or light scenarios.

The type of infrared light source that is being used greatly depends on the camera type. Normal cameras have such built-in systems, while digital SLR camera can have either built-in or an external camera flash. However, they lack flexibility. In other words, such a system is only useful if the photo subject is motionless. In addition to that, autofocus infrared beams have one more weakness, they result in slower autofocus time frames.

Autofocus is an intelligent system that continuously improves alongside digital technology. Its applications are many, being especially useful when it comes to action photos in sports and more, as well as for portraits and other motionless frames. We hope that our article provided useful info and managed to explain what autofocus is both for beginners and more experienced hobbyists.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3.

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About Karsten Monroe

Half Dutch and half Canadian, Karsten is an enthusiastic workaholic photographer turned blogger. Architecture graduate, he is determined to make the most of his passion for photography and takes great pride from being a self-taught individual.