Canon EOS-1D X Setting Guidebook

AF Setting Guidebook

Detailed explanations of how to use the various high precision AF features

AF Setting Guidebook

By combining the ultimate in AF performance and easy of use, a wealth of new photographic possibilities are available.

61-Point High-Density Reticular AF

Improved AF performance capturing fast moving subjects

The EOS-1D X is equipped with a newly developed 61-Point High-D en si ty Ret ic ular A F making it po ss ible to capture fast moving subj ect s in situations where accurate focusing even with a high per formance autofocus is difficult. B y arranging the 61 AF points in a high concentration, the level of composition freedom, and tracking performance is greatly improved. Featur ing 41 high precision cross-type AF points compatible with f/4 lens a nd n ew a lg or it hms, are used together with AI Servo AF III to improve accuracy for predictive AF, mak in g it p os si bl e to focus precisely when shooting subjects with extremely fast movement, such as agile players with unpredictable behavior.

AF Configuration Tool

Simple selection of the best combinations of AF settings for any subject or scene

The AF Configuration Tool makes it possible to set the AI Servo AF features by simply selecting the shooting scene from [Case 1] to [Case 6]. Should you need to, it is also possible to adjust the parameters separately. This AF Setting Guidebook will introduce a variety of features and most effective settings centered around the 61-point AF and AF Configuration Tool, in order to take advantage of the high performance AF functions of the EOS-1D X.

Contents

New AF Setting Operability

Newly established AF tabs AF menu functions are in a separate tab

AF Configuration Tool [Presets]

Select from Case 1 - Select from Case 1 - Case 6 to match subject scenarios

Case 1 Versatile multi-purpose setting

Case 2 Continue to focus-track even when the subject momentarily moves from the AF points

Case 3 Focus instantly on subjects that move into the AF points

Case 4 Focus track subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly

Case 5 Focus on subjects with erratic movement

Case 6 Focus on subjects with erratic movement and changes in speed

AF Configuration Tool [Parameters]



Tracking sensitivity This setting allows obstacles that pass in front of the subject to be ignored, as well as focusing on new subjects

Accel./decel. tracking [+] is effective for fast sports which may include sudden stop-start motion



AF pt auto switching [+]setting is most effective for sports with lots of movement where the subject can easily move out of the selected AF point

AF Area Selection Mode

AF area selection mode

Spot AF, Single-point AF Focusing on a small or narrow area

AF point expansion Fast moving subjects that are difficult to track with a single AF point

Zone AF Effective for capturing subjects within an known area

Auto selection of 61 AF points With AI Servo AF all 61 points can be used for automatic tracking

61-Point High-Density Reticular AF Cross-type Points

The 61-point AF has many cross-type points that support F/4 for great tracking performance

The number and placement of cross-type points used by the F/2.8 lenses

The number and placement of cross-type points used by the F/4 lenses

The number and placement of cross-type points used by the F/5.6 lenses

Setting the AF Shutter-release Characteristics

AF operation and shutter-release timing settings

Utilizing the AF

AF points can be set to switch automatically for horizontal and vertical shooting

AF points can be called instantly using Switch to registered AF point

Custom controls for effective AF related functions

AF frame indicated in this information may differ from those interior indication and color of actual finder.

New AF Setting Menu

All AF-related menu functions now in a separate menu

The Various AF-related functions are now incorporated into an AF menu tab

AF-related setting items in the AF menu

The AF1 tab includes the AF Configuration Tool

The AF1 tab is important when shooting moving subjects using the AI Servo AF of the EOS-1D X. It is possible to effectively set AI Servo AF characteristics by selecting the option that closely matches the scene with the AF Configuration Tool.

The various AF-related settings that were previously included in the custom functions (C.Fn) menu, have been incorporated into the new AF menu tab. This makes smooth access to AF-related settings possible. In particular, the AF Configuration Tool included in tab AF1 can be used to easily match settings with the AI Servo AF characteristics, making it an important feature that takes advantage of the advanced AF performance on the EOS-1D X. By selecting

from six presets (Case 1 - Case 6), makes it possible to set the AI Servo AF characteristics to most accurately suit the subject's movement, and scene conditions. It is also possible for fine control to adjust each parameters separately. (Refer to P. 7 – 25 for AF Configuration Tool details.) Tabs [AF 2] – [AF 5] include a variety of settings such as shutter-release timing settings, a setting for the number of AF points that can be selected and AF area selection method.

Various settings for AF-related features can be made with AF menus [AF2] - [AF5]

AF2 AI Servo

Settings related to the camera priorities when using AI Servo AF

Th e [A F/ 2] ta b in cludes settin gs r elated to c am eras prio ri ty concerning shutter-release timing when using AI Servo AF. [AI Servo 1st image priority] and [AI Servo 2nd image priority] make it po ssible to make f ocusing the priority slowing the shutterrelease timing, or prioritize faster shutter-release.

AF3 One-Shot

Settings related to focusing and shutter-release timing when using One-Shot AF release priority

Within the [AF3] tab, the [One-Shot AF release priority] settings related to focusing and shutter-release timing when using OneShot AF release priority. The other options [USM lens electronic MF] and [AF -ass is t be am f iring ], c ontro l th e manua l fo cus operation of some lenses and the operation of AF assist function of attached Speedlites.

AF4

Includes general settings related to AF point selection

Select which and how AF points are selected. This menu includes settings related to [AF area selection mode] ([Automatic AF point selection c riter ia] , [Sele ctab le A F po int s], [AF area selec ti on mode] , [AF area selection m ethod], and [Orientation linked AF point]). In addition there is the [Lens drive when AF impossible] option in this menu.

AF5

Includes general settings related to display of AF points, etc.

Within [AF5] tab are settings that control how AF points are displayed in the viewfinder such as ([AF point display during focusing], [VF display illumination], and [AF status in viewfinder]). With the (Manual AF pt. selec pattern) the AF point selection can stop at the peripheral AF point or instead loop back to the opposite side of the AF area. For those who need to make fine adjustments to the focus position [AF Microadjustment] is available.

AF Configuration Tool [Presets]

Select from Case 1 - Case 6 to match subject scenarios

Presets consist of three different parameters combinations

[AF1] tab screen. By selecting an appropriate preset from the Case 1 - Case 6 icons on the left side of the screen, the most ef fective AI Servo AF settings for different subjects can be made.

The AF Configuration Tool i s a fu nctio n fo r set ti ng A I Servo AF characteristics. Therefore, it’s settings will have no func tion when using [One shot AF].

When the [AF1] tab on the EOS-1D X is opened, [Case1 Versatile multi-purpose setting] a running man icon will be displayed. This is the default option for the AF Configuration Tool. Different presets to match the characteristics of the type of subject and its movement, and the shooting conditions, can be selected from Case 1 - Case 6. By simply selecting one of these cases, settings for the AI Servo AF characteristics that match the scene will be used.

,These six presets are combinations of the following three parameters, [Tracking sensitivity], [Accel./decel. tracking], and [AF pt auto switching] (P. 20 - 25). Using the presets sets the parameters in the most effective way. However, if you wish It is also possible to manually adjust the parameters individually.

The best parameters for different subjects and shooting scenes are combined into presets from Case 1 - 6

Case1

Versatile multi-purpose setting

Case2

Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles

Case3

Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points

Case4

For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly

Case5

For erratic subjects, moving in any direction

Case6

For subjects that change speed and move erratically

A combination of parameters to best suit the characteristics of subject movement have been used to create the presets from Case 1 – Case 6. By selecting the appropriate icon, the different AI Servo AF settings can be selected to suit the subject.

Hints & Tips

button while any of [Case] is

Press the INFO button

Pushing indicated in display, then text information of AF Setting Characteristics or Shooting Scene Example is indicated.

Content displays on the help screen

Moving the purple square over Case 1 – Case 6 will display th e name of each c ase, for exa mple [Case1 Versatile mu lti -pu rpo se se tting]. If you w ant more detailed information, you can press the INFO button. Th is will d is play the he lp s creen con ta ining information about shooting scene examples and which settings to alter and when.

Case1AF Configuration Tool [Presets]

Precise and accurate focusing is possible for a wide range

Versatile multi-purpose setting

Parameter default settings

Subject tracking sensitivity [0]

Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [0]

AF point auto switching [0]

The [AF Configuration Tool] [Case 1] is the basic AI Servo AF setting on the EOS-1D X. As its name indicates, it is versatile and achieves a high level of tracking performance in a wide variety of scenes. Equipped with AI Servo AF III, the EOS-1D X has improved flexibility in handling a variety of moving subjects, and superior prediction of movement for more accurate focusing. Even with a variety of difficult elements such as extremely fast movement, sudden changes in speed, and interruptions by obstacles, AI Servo AF III overcomes these and is able to capture the subject. Case 1 is the recommend setting to start shooting with, Case 1 will provide great results when shooting a variety of sports and moving subjects. When more specific settings for individual cases are desired, please try Case 2 – Case 6 to match shooting conditions.

of subjects

Case 1 can be used to great advantage when shooting movin g subje ct s, m aking i t possible to accurately capture fast subjec t.

Single-Point

AI Servo AF III makes it possible to carry out precise focus for subjec ts in a wide variety of conditions

AF on the EO S -1D X is equipped with a new focus tracking algorithm, AI Servo AF III. It supports an even greater variety of sub je ct m oveme nt than before, and by utilizing the high level tracking performance of t he A I Serv o AF I II , and Cas e 1 configuration setting, it can handle many different shooting conditions.

Case2AF Configuration Tool [Presets]

Continue to focus-track even when the subject momenta

Effective when shooting scenes with fast moving subjects, or when an obstacle momen

Parameter default settings

Subject tracking sensitivity [-1]

Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [0]

AF point auto switching [0]

1 2

Case 2 is an effective setting for shooting fast moving subjects when they move away from the selected AF point, or when obstacles may momentarily obscure the subject. Sometimes when the subject moves from the selected AF point, focus can shift to the background

Example of a fast mo vi ng subjec t where the fo cus has shifted t o the backgro und (photo2). By sele cting Case 2 for situations like this, it wi ll b e ea sier to f oc us track the subject.

(resulting in an out of focus subject), similarly when an obstacle obscures the subject, focus can shift to the obstacle. By selecting Case 2 in situations like these, focus will attempt to continue to track the desired subject. When a subject moves away from the AF points for an

tarily appears in front of the subject

extended period (such as swimmers doing the butterfly stroke, or sports where the subject is hidden for intervals), even better performance may be achieved by manually setting the [Tracking sensitivity] parameter to [-2].

Try sel ec ting C ase 2 when shooting a tennis player with fast si de to sid e movem ent. Th e subject will be tra cke d even wh en they m ove awa y from the AF points.

Case3AF Configuration Tool [Presets]

Focus instantly on subjects that move into the AF points

Effective when you want to continuously photograph targeted athletes one after the

Parameter default settings

Subject tracking sensitivity

Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [+1]

AF point auto switching [0]

[Responsive: +1]

Case 3 is the ideal setting for situations when you want to focus quickly between subjects in the AF points. In Case 3, the [Tracking sensitivity] parameter is set to [+1]. As a result, subjects that come into the AF points will be focused on more quickly. This setting is most effective when subjects appear suddenly in the frame (for example photographing skiers in an alpine skiing downhill race,). Other shooting situations, this setting can be extremely effective is when switching between different subjects you want to shoot (for example, at the start of a bicycle road race, when you want to shoot continuously and switch from cyclist to cyclist while focusing). When set to Case 3, if the subject moves away from the AF points, the camera may quickly refocus on a different subject or background, in contrast to Case 2. Therefore, it is recommended that you use this setting only when you have a particular objective as indicated above.

2. Focus on the lea d cyclist

other

1. Shoot th e whole group while focusing on the cyc list in the c enter

A scene with c yclists coming towards the cam era. Whil e focusing o n the lea d cyclist you may wish to s witch focus to th e other cycli st s whil st continuously shooting. In this situa ti on, by sele ctin g Case 3, y ou ca n l achieve t he d es ired fo cu s on each subject.

3. Focu s on the right side cyclist 4. Focus on the lef t side cyclist

Case4AF Configuration Tool [Presets]

Focus track subjects that can accelerate or decelerate

Effective when a subject's speed changes rapidly, or in sports where subjects stop or

For example in soccer. A player dribbling at high speed stop s suddenly in front of a defender, change s direction and then begins to sprint again. By using Case 4 the AF system reacts to sudd en c hanges in spe ed, all ow in g continuous and accurate focusing.

Parameter default settings

Subject tracking sensitivity [0]

Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [+1]

AF point auto switching [0]

Continuously tra ck players a s they sudd enly slow down and spee d up

When shooting sports, there are many situations where it will be necessary to deal with fast moving subjects. Subjects suddenly going from static to moving or sudden stopping can occur in various sports and situations and it

can be difficult for the AF system to judge accurately, In these situations, Case 4 is most effective. With the [Accelerate / decelerate Tracking] parameter set to [+1], the AI Servo AF will work to focus track any changes in speed,

quickly

change direction

including sudden stops and acceleration. This makes Case 4 the most effective setting for shooting soccer, rugby, basketball or sports where there is a lot of running and stopping, as well as changes of direction. It is also effective

for cornering during motor sports (sudden deceleration and acceleration).

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