So, What is Autofocus? If you cannot click a specific photograph, use autofocus. Here is how it can help you become a professional photographer.
Gone are those days when people used to manually adjust the focal point in a camera before taking images to ensure they got sharp, clear images. Today, most cameras come with autofocus technology, which has made photography a lot simpler. In this article, we will tell you what autofocus is and how it can give you clear images.
In layman’s terms, autofocus is the eyes of a camera that designed to focus on a particular subject. Imagine the days when people used to take pictures blindly. Today, thanks to technology, nine out of ten cameras come with autofocus technology, because of which there is no guesswork in photography.
What is Autofocus?
Autofocus is the automated process of controlling the optic in the camera lens to bring a subject in focus. Just when you are about to take a picture, the camera uses artificial intelligence to adjust the lenses so that the subject can be focused. This entire technology of focusing on a subject without manually adjusting the lenses is the job of autofocus.
But what if there is no subject in the picture? This is where the features of autofocus come into the picture.
There are times when we are taking a picture of a blank wall with no particular subject on it to focus on or a still river. In these cases, the entire wall or the river becomes the subject. If you are still wondering how the camera identifies the subject when there is nothing to focus on, here are some fantastic features of autofocus that will help you understand how the technology works.
Modes of Autofocus that are certainly going to amuse you
When we see a beautiful snap, we feel it’s easy to take one by clicking one button. There is a complex technology involved behind a perfect image. Traditionally all the focusing was done manually, which made photography very difficult. But today, most of it is automated. Most of the hard work is done by the cameras themselves using AI intelligence. There are different modes in autofocus that ensure a perfect picture.
Single Focus
Single focus is where you pick a single focus point based on that. The camera looks for contrast in that particular subject. Once your half-press the focus point, the image gets locked, and it does not require you to focus on the subject twice.
Continuous Focus
This particular model is used to focus on moving objects. The continuous focus is denoted as AF-C in the cameras. The plus point of using this focus is that it automatically re-adjusts the focal point in case it captures a moving object. You don’t need to take the pain of manually adjusting the lens every time the subject deviates from its position.
Hybrid Mode
This is a particular mode where you don’t need to apply your brain to select the camera model that would be best suited for your subject. In this mode, the camera automatically shifts from Single focus to continuous or vice versa if it feels necessary.
How Does an Autofocus work?
With technology, autofocus technology has advanced for the better. Traditionally the autofocus had an active autofocus system. In this system, whenever the camera was focused on a particular subject, a red beam of light was used to pass through the cameras and focus on the subject. But today, the autofocus works on a passive autofocus system, which entirely depends on contrast and phase detection.
If you have never heard of these terms before, let us tell you what it is.
1. Phase Detection
This technology is used in most DSLRs. When clicking a picture, a beam of light hits the viewfinder, and a part of the light hits the autofocus sensors located at the bottom of the camera. Two different image sensors with micro-lenses above them make up the autofocus sensor. These tiny sensors create the focusing points on the camera. Today’s technology enables us to use cameras with hundreds of focus points to choose from.
2. Contrast Detection
This technology is mainly used in point-and-shoot and mirrorless cameras. It’s simple compared to phase detection. This technology uses light focusing on the primary sensor to focus on the subject. The benefit of using contrast detection is that you have unlimited focus points to choose from. In some cameras, you also have the facility of a touch screen where you can use your fingers to detect the subject you wish to focus on. Therefore, this technology is very user-friendly.
Final Takeaway
Therefore, we can say that because of the different modes of autofocus and the use of AI technology today, even first-timers can click perfect photographs at the first go, all thanks to autofocus technology. It is designed to suit the requirements of both professional and amateur photographers. All you need to do is know the essential functions of autofocus, and in no time, you will be able to click photographs like a professional photographer.