Today almost all DSLR camera comes with several options how do autofocus camera (autofocus mode). Photographing the vase on the table would require silent autofocus different ways to photograph the little boy who was herding the ball field. Accidentally this discussion is not about autofocus and manual focus so not too long.
Continuous autofcus
When shooting still objects, we usually use a single focus point, lock focus entirely new photograph. But when photographing things / people constantly on the move to change position, we need a camera that can move the focus point automatically follow the seubyek. The good news, DSLR camera equipped with these features. Let's surgery one by one:
Autofocus Mode Single Area
In Canon DSLR cameras was named "One Shot AF" while in the Nikon DSLR camera called the "Single Area AF". From the name is quite obvious that we choose a focus point and the camera will find the contrast in the focal point area. When we pressed the shutter button halfway or pressing the AF-On button (if using a DSLR camera that has a button dedicated AF-On), the camera will lock the focus at that point once. If the subject moves position and although we still push the shutter button halfway, the camera will not move the focus automatically.
In this mode, we will not be able to squeeze a full shutter (take photos) before the camera can lock focus point. However, this provision can be tricked by the setting in the menu and set the focus priority autofocus.
Continuous Autofocus mode / AI Servo
Nikon DSLR is on camera mode named "Continuous / AF-C" while in Canon named "AI Servo". This mode is used when we have to follow a moving subject continues to photograph the position, for example when we are shooting sports, animals or a car that was speeding.
In this mode, the camera will menganilis subjects' movements and predict where the direction of motion of the subject by placing the focal point slightly precedes the existence of the subject. With Continuous mode, we can follow the movement of the subject and get a sharp focus. The trick is to hold the shutter button is pressed halfway while shooting moving subjects or by continuously pressing the AF-On button with your thumb (if applicable).
Autofocus mode Hybrid / Mixed Between Single and Continuous
In Canon DSLR camera called the "AI Focus" while at the Nikon named "AF-A". Is the focus mode between Single and Continuous mixture where the camera will change focus from single to continuous or vice versa according to the condition of the subject of the photo. If the camera secretly photographed while singles will wear when the object moves the camera will switch to the Continuous mode.
Not all types of DSLR cameras have this mode. For beginners, this mode selection is actually quite helpful because it does not need to change the focus mode-change.
Autofocus Mode Which One Should You Use?
The conclusion is actually quite easy:
When shooting stationary objects or people that pose please use Single mode
When photographing moving objects constantly, use Continuous mode
For everyday purposes, you can leave the default camera in continuous mode or position mode hybrid. Just when the camera could not lock focus in Continuous mode, for example when shooting in dark conditions please move to Single mode.
For beginners who are still not too nimble hands fiddle quickly focus mode, you can use the hybrid mode (if indeed there on camera).
How to Change the Focus Mode?
How to change the focus mode is not the same from one camera to another camera. For that I suggest manually check in each. In D300s/D700 Nikon camera, you may find that there is a small hook on the front left side mount lenses: AF-S, AF-C and M (amanual). While in Canon (eg EOS 60D), you can change their focus mode by pressing the AF button on top and the camera will focus mode options appear on the LCD panel.
