Autofocus seems straightforward, but mastering it often makes the difference between sharp, professional shots and frustratingly blurry misses. Knowing when and how to adjust your camera’s autofocus modes gives you control over image clarity and creative depth.
Coming to you from Benjamin Jaworskyj - Simply Learn Photography, this practical video covers autofocus basics without confusing jargon. Jaworskyj starts with the two main autofocus modes: AF-S (single) and AF-C (continuous). He explains clearly how AF-S locks onto a stationary subject—perfect for portraits or still-life shots—while AF-C continuously tracks moving objects like wildlife or sports. Jaworskyj advises avoiding your camera's automatic focus selection, emphasizing manual mode choice to ensure accuracy.
Jaworskyj also dives into focus-area settings like Wide, Zone, Center, and Flexible Spot. He demonstrates clearly why relying solely on Wide mode can often yield disappointing results, as the camera makes assumptions about what's most important. Zone offers more precision, allowing you to choose where the camera focuses within a broader area, handy when subjects are offset.
The video covers advanced features too, including Expand Spot for tracking subtle movements, beneficial in dynamic scenes. Jaworskyj offers his personal insights, noting he typically favors Eye Detection autofocus for portraits due to its accuracy and simplicity. However, for landscape work, manual focus remains his preference. Throughout the video, Jaworskyj emphasizes the importance of understanding your camera's capabilities rather than passively relying on automatic settings. He urges you to actively experiment with various modes to fully grasp their strengths and weaknesses in real-world scenarios, improving both your technical skills and creative results. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Jaworskyj.
