How to use AF "Cases" for action photos (5D Mark IV)

Discussion in 'Beginner Questions' started by TBox, Aug 22, 2021.

  1. TBox

    TBox New Member

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    Hi everyone -

    I must be a complete idiot because I cannot figure out how to use the AF "Case" settings for action photography. Here's my main problem: How do you actually USE these settings? I can find them. I can tweak them (tracking, auto switching, etc...) but how do you ENGAGE them for actual use. I choose the Case that I want, I hit "SET", but then what? When I go to shoot, It does not appear anything has been switched "in camera". My AF points don't appear to have changed (should they??). Nothing appears to be different when I shoot. I'm in Manual mode, Al Servo...but am I missing a step? Are the Case settings set once I select one and I just can't see them in the viewfinder? Very confused. Appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks ~
     

  2. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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  3. TBox

    TBox New Member

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    Ok Johnsey...that makes sense. Thanks very much for the reply and the explanation. Action photography is, for me, the weakest part of photography game. I shoot lots of dogs and getting them in focus as they move around is challenging for me, to say the least. I'm trying different set ups with my camera but I still get way more out of focus shots than in focus. I was hoping the "Case" settings would pick the best focus points to mesh with the settings when selected but I guess I have to do that manually. I do lots of portrait work as well and I always use the pinpoint focus setting for focusing on the eyes (most of the time). I guess need to keep experimenting with my focus point selection for action shots however.

    Thanks again for the reply. Really appreciate it.

    Tony
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 23, 2021
  4. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    I would set AF points to all and let the servo mode and camera AI do its thing, if you are locking in a focus point and using servo your really fighting against the cameras automation. I came from film so I don't usually get to fancy with my settings, aka single point focus tracking with subject or using a focus trap.
    BTW you can wrote the response outside of the Quote so it separates the quoted reply, I fixed your first reply in this thread.
     
  5. TBox

    TBox New Member

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    Thanks again Johnsey. I experimented a little yesterday with AF points and the Case settings and am already seeing some improvement. I'll try your suggestion regarding using all AF points and see how that works. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Take care ~

    Tony
     
  6. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    Welcome to the forum and a very nice camera too, Tony.
     
  7. TBox

    TBox New Member

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    Thank you Craig...and you are correct. The Canon 5D Mark IV is a spectacular camera. As indicated by my original post, I know just enough about it to be dangerous. I'm learning though...and I appreciate this forum. I plan to use it again!
     

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