As well as changing the parameters of an AF case to increase or decrease the responsiveness of AI Servo, there are further customization options that allow you to tailor the system to your style of picture taking.
The EOS-1D X and 5D Mark III were the first Canon cameras to have a dedicated AF menu tab under which the majority of the autofocus functions appear, but you’ll still need to visit the Custom Functions menu to change the AF button configurations.
1 Focus priority
If getting a shot is more important than the shot being in focus, you can adjust the AI Servo 1st image priority and 2nd image priority settings.
With the 1st image you take in a sequence, you can allow the camera to fire regardless of whether focus has been achieved, or only when it’s locked on; the default is a balance between the two.
For subsequent shots, you can let camera to maintain the highest burst rate or only shoot when the image is in focus. Again, the default setting is a compromise.
2 Reduced count
You might find that setting the AF point manually on a Canon camera with dozens of AF points takes too long. But you can shave the time it takes by reducing the amount of AF points available.
On the 5D Mark III, for instance, you can change the array from the full complement of 61 points to just the cross-type points, or to an arrangement containing just 15 points or 9 points.
3 Custom AI Servo
Another useful handling trick for the 7D Mark II and 5D Mark III is to assign the ‘Switch to registered AF func.’ option to the Depth of Field Preview button (Custom Functions > Custom Controls).
This enables you to temporarily switch to a customized AI Servo setup on the fly by pressing the DoF button while shooting.
Settings you can save to this custom mode include an alternative AF area selection mode – useful if you want to quickly move from a smaller spot-type setup to Zone AF to keep track of a fast-approaching subject – and Case parameter combination.
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