DPReview.com is closing April 10th - Find out more

The advantage of more AF points?

Started Oct 19, 2017 | Discussions thread
WilbaW
WilbaW Forum Pro • Posts: 11,643
Re: The advantage of more AF points?
2

ClaireG wrote:

I have been looking at the T7i and was super excited about the 45AF points (my current camera has 7) until I noticed the SL2. Then it got me thinking. I'm a newbie and not really sure of the advantage of that many AF points or if it's even necessary for me.

Is the only situation more AF is better is in sports/action?

No. Obviously, more AF points means you can track a smaller subject over more of the frame. For non-action shooting it also means you can focus more precisely by being more able to keep an AF point where you want it on the subject. IOW, you don't need to use focus and recompose as much, and that means you're free to use AI Servo more.

But that advantage is contingent on you being able to move the AF point quickly and easily, and for that you need a camera with a multi-controller. The type on any of the 7D or 5D models is great, and even the unpopular type on the 60, 70, and 80D is much better than what you have to do to move the AF point on a Rebel.

For example, if I'm shooting something like a person or animal up close, I'll use AI Servo with a single AF point held on an eye, and use the multi-controller to move the AF point to change the framing.

About 90% of my stuff is still life in a studio like setting.

In that case I'd want something with a tilt and swivel monitor and use Live View, which is even more versatile.

-- hide signature --

Check out the unofficial Rebel Talk FAQ. Sorry it's out of date, but DPReview still won't allow us to edit our articles.

 WilbaW's gear list:WilbaW's gear list
Canon EOS 60D Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum PPrevious NNext WNext unread UUpvote SSubscribe RReply QQuote BBookmark MMy threads
Color scheme? Blue / Yellow