Canon Rebel T4i DSLR Announced

The New EOS Rebel T4i DSLR Camera Puts the power and creativity of DSLR Stills and Video at your fingertips

Features

• STM Lens Support for Quiet AF in Movies
• 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 5 Image Processor
• 3.0" Vari-Angle Touch Screen LCD
• ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
• Full HD Movie Mode with Continuous AF
• 5.0 FPS Continuous Shooting
• 9-Point All Cross-Type AF System
• Multi Shot Noise Reduction
• Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses

Silent and Continuous Autofocus in Video, The EOS Rebel T4i Lets People Re-Live Magic Moments Through Stunningly Crisp Video and Incredible Stereo Sound

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., June 8, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced a new flagship model in its most popular EOS Rebel line, the Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital SLR Camera. The new EOS Rebel T4i features incredible image quality with an 18-megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, DIGIC 5 Image Processor that helps capture all the action with high-speed continuous shooting of up to five frames per second (fps) and an extended ISO range of 100–12800 (expandable to 25600 in H mode) that gives photographers the opportunities to take the EOS Rebel T4i into more shooting situations than ever before.

The camera includes a revolutionary new autofocus (AF) system to help achieve fast, sharp focus and smooth HD video. The new AF system includes a nine-point all cross-type sensor array, and new Hybrid CMOS AF which achieves fast focus when shooting stills or video in Live View mode. Much to the pleasure of aspiring student filmmakers and parents everywhere, the Rebel T4i features Canon’s new Movie Servo AF providing a quiet, continuous AF during HD video recording when using one of Canon’s newly introduced Stepping Motor (STM) lenses. The silent continuous autofocus when shooting HD video helps ensure the camera only captures the sounds of the scene being recorded. When combined with the camera’s new Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II and intuitive “fingertip” controls, touch-menu and advanced still and video capabilities, the EOS Rebel T4i stands as Canon’s most “consumer-friendly” DSLR to date.

“Our Rebel line of cameras bridges the gap between the casual photographer and someone looking to advance their photography and capture moments in new and creative ways. The EOS Rebel T4i boasts full HD video with AF and touch-screen navigation, inspiring even more photographers and videographers to explore the creative options made possible with DSLR cameras and lenses,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

New AF Capabilities

One of the most significant upgrades to the EOS Rebel T4i is a dramatically upgraded AF system including a nine-point all cross-type AF array, with a high-precision dual-cross f/2.8 point at center. The EOS Rebel T4i is the first Canon camera to feature the new Hybrid CMOS AF system which increases AF speed by reducing the camera’s need to “hunt” for focus. The result is fast continuous AF when shooting photos and movies in Live View. Because the camera’s cross-type AF points have two-dimensional contrast detection, the EOS Rebel T4i provides highly accurate focus regardless of your shot composition and ensures great focus no matter where the subject is located in the frame. The addition of the dual-cross point in the center allows for much faster and precise focusing for photographers using high-speed f/2.8 lenses.

Using the touch panel, parents can select their child on the LCD screen and the camera will remain focused on that child while they stay in-frame, ensuring sharp focus in crowds and group shots. The new AF system enables Touch Focus for shooting photos and movies in Live View. To make capturing photos even easier, a Touch Shutter function can also be enabled, whereby selecting a subject on the LCD screen, the camera will instantly take a photo, once focus is locked.

Continuous AF during HD Video Recording

For the first time in a Canon EOS DSLR, the EOS Rebel T4i includes Canon’s new Movie Servo AF for recording video. When used with Canon’s new EF and EF-S STM lenses, the camera can provide smooth and quiet continuous AF while recording video. This technological breakthrough enables the new EOS Rebel T4i to achieve AF while still retaining a DSLR camera’s signature background blur and image quality, producing stunning videos of parties, events, summer vacations or graduations.

When shooting video with Canon’s STM lenses, AF also remains silent, helping ensure you only capture the sound of the scene being recorded. The EOS Rebel T4i features a built-in stereo microphone, a first for the Rebel line, that includes an attenuator function to reduce audio distortion in extra loud situations.

Canon’s First Touch-Screen DSLR

Another Canon first, the EOS Rebel T4i includes a best-in-class Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II featuring 1.04 million dot resolution for unparalleled, clear viewing. The electro-static touch-panel screen is the most advanced that Canon has released to date with multi-touch capabilities allowing photographers to use familiar gestures such as “pinch-to-zoom” and “swiping” to scroll between pictures. Camera operation has been simplified through this feature allowing for Touch Focus or Touch Shutter controls via the vari-angle touch-screen. The vari-angle touch-screen flips out to the left and rotates 180 degrees forward and 90 degrees backward, making tough above-the-head and low-to-the-ground shots easy, and allowing improved views during photo or video capture. That means the overhead shot taken in a crowd or at a graduation march just got a little easier to shoot.

Improved Imaging Performance Features

The EOS Rebel T4i helps novice photographers capture great images and video, even in low-light with a range of new and upgraded modes

• Handheld Night Scene

• HDR Backlight Control

• Multi-Shot Noise Reduction

• Video Snapshot

• Scene Intelligent Auto

Canon’s new shooting modes (Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control and Multi-Shot Noise Reduction), take multiple pictures, an d combine them – in camera – to help capture a wider dynamic range, minimize the image grain or noise, and produce more vivid colors so landscapes and city scenes are as breathtaking as when seen in person.

Families have enjoyed coming home from a vacation or outing with a fun, short Video Snapshot highlight reel shot on their Canon camera to share the full story of their adventure. Now with the EOS Rebel T4i users will also have the option to delete, cut or re-order the clips before exporting the Snapshot album to post or share.

Canon’s Scene Intelligent Auto mode – the “green” mode on the dial – analyzes the scene being shot, taking into account faces, colors, brightness, movement and contrast, to select appropriate camera settings and help produce the best possible image. This mode has been enhanced to deliver the best possible exposure, particularly when shooting in low-light.

New STM Lenses and Accessories

To leverage the unique, new shooting functions of the EOS Rebel T4i, such as EOS Full HD Movie with continuous AF, Canon is introducing two new unique lenses, the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens. Both new STM lenses includes Canon’s new Stepping Motor technology, which allows the lenses to smoothly and silently focus, and when used in combination with Canon’s new EOS Rebel T4i Movie Servo AF feature, achieve continuous AF while recording video. The new stepping motor technology in both lenses quietly focuses allowing the EOS Rebel T4i’s stereo microphone to only record the sounds of the scene being shot.

The versatile EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens offers the right combination of size, weight, image stabilization and focal length, allowing photographers to capture wide-angle or telephoto photographs and video. This lens is a great option for photographers who may only want to carry one lens with them for both wide landscapes, and close-ups. Appearing for the first time in a Canon EF lens is Dynamic IS (Movie Shooting Mode only) that uses a wide image stabilization correction range to help ensure steady video even when shooting while walking.

The new EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens offers an ultra-slim, lightweight design that helps photographers avoid overwhelming their subjects with a large lens and to remain discreet in sensitive shooting situations without compromising performance. The “pancake-style” lens boasts an aperture of f/2.8 making it an ideal lens for capturing portrait stills or stunning video. The lens is under an inch thick when attached, making it easy to carry and fit conveniently into a purse or pocket.

The EOS Rebel T4i is also compatible with Canon’s previously introduced GP-E2 GPS Receiver that can be mounted to the camera’s accessory shoe. The GPS unit was created to serve outdoor photographers; it records shooting locations including latitude, longitude and altitude, as well as camera direction. A Logging function can tell how far a photographer has traveled as well.

STM Lens Support

When using one of Canon's STM lenses, Movie Servo AF will take full advantage of the stepping motor technology for smooth, quiet continuous auto focusing. This benefit is especially noticeable when recording HD video and proves to create a more fluid movie-making experience.

18.0 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor

The 18.0MP APS-C sensor provides high image quality and rich files exhibiting smooth color gradations. The maximum resolution affords plenty of room to make well-sized enlargements or crop into your images to focus on the details. The APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view when compared to full-frame 35mm format.

DIGIC 5 Image Processor

The DIGIC 5 image processor also helps to provide excellent image quality and high speed across the entire camera. This expedited processing helps to increase low-light sensitivity from ISO 100 to 12800 (and to an expanded ISO of 25600) while effectively reducing noise levels. The processor also supports 14-bit A/D conversion for richer, more vivid imagery.

Enhanced EOS Full HD Movie Mode

The T4i features full HD movie recording capabilities in the 1080/30p, 24p, 25p; 720/60p, 50p; and 480/30p, 25p formats. The Movie Servo AF system provides continuous autofocus tracking of moving subjects during filming and when using live view. Manual exposure control and audio level adjustment are also supported. Video Snapshot is a unique mode that captures short video clips and automatically combines them into one file, giving you a highlights album that requires no post-production or further editing.

3.0" Vari-Angle Touch Screen Clear View LCD Monitor II

This 3.0" LCD monitor has a high resolution of 1,040,000-dots for high resolution monitoring and playback of your imagery. The Vari-angle capabilities allow this screen to flip out to the side then tilt up and down for use at a variety of angles, including front-facing for use with self-portraits. The touch screen functionality gives an intuitive experience when using this camera and even allows you to modify your focus positioning based on touch alone. The Clear View coating gives a great deal of clarity, even in bright sunlight, and is also smudge-resistant.

9-Point Cross-Type Autofocus System

The 9-point cross type autofocus system provides quick and accurate results amongst all shooting modes. A high-precision dual-cross f/2.8 center point gives the greatest accuracy and is utilized in spot metering as well as average metering modes. The Hybrid CMOS AF system allows for high speed focusing during shooting when using live view.

High Speed 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting

The Rebel T4i is capable of capturing up to 5.0 full-resolution images per second when shooting in continuous modes. This speed ensures you won't miss the shot when working in fast-paced environments such as sporting events.

Multi Shot Noise Reduction

Multi shot noise reduction improves low-light shooting by essentially overlaying multiple, separate exposures on top of one another to build the image density and preserve detail. This mode effectively simulates high ISO performance without the increase of noise that goes along with it.

Scene Intelligent Auto Mode

This intelligent mode combines numerous technologies (Picture Style Auto, Automatic Lighting Optimizer, Automatic White Balance, Autofocus, and Automatic Exposure) into one simple mode, allowing you to make optimal images with ease. The EOS Scene Detection system can automatically determine the shooting conditions you are in and apply these technologies to create the ideal exposure. The camera then further analyzes the resulting images and applies a series of enhancing features in order to better render colors and skin tones.

Advanced Imaging Features

Several image features allow you to manipulate the scenes in a variety of creative ways. Handheld Night Scene mode utilizes the multi shot noise reduction mode to allow you to shoot in low lighting without the necessity of a tripod. HDR Backlight Control mode emulates high dynamic range techniques and extends the visual parameters of the image to include more shadow and highlight details in the image. 7 different Creative Filters allow you to apply artistic effects directly to your images in-camera, including Art Bold Effect and Water Painting Effect.

Lens Aberration Correction

An automatic corrective system can be employed in order to help reduce the effects of different lens aberrations. If there is light falloff detected towards the edges of the frame, the camera will automatically correct for this by evening out the exposure. Additionally, a number of popular Canon lens' data is pre-programmed into the camera so it can quickly and automatically register settings according to the lens you are using.

Feature Guide

A specific, helpful guide is integrated into the camera in order to help you learn about and determine which image settings to use and how they affect your imagery. This feature is enabled automatically, but can be disabled through the menu.

GPS Compatible

The Rebel T4i is compatible with the optional GP-E2 GPS receiver. When connected to the hot shoe or through the accessory terminal, the receiver is capable of recording locational data to the metadata of your files for plotting to maps and reviewing your journey at home.

JPEG Resizing

You can conveniently resize your JPEG images to smaller formats in-camera. Keeping with the same aspect ratio and without modifying the original image, a new, smaller image will be saved to your memory card for expedited online use.

Photobook Setup

You can intuitively sequence and specify your images in-camera for printing out into a photobook. Your editing will be copied to a separate folder, ready for printing once at a computer.

Image Rating

For more expedited navigation through your images, you can rate your images on a scale from 1 to 5. Once images have been rated and sorted, browsing is a much more fluent experience.

SD, SDHC, SDXC Memory Card Compatibility

The Rebel T4i is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, including Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards.

Canon EF and EF-S Lens Compatibility

This camera is compatible with the full line of Canon's EF and EF-S lenses.

Specs

Imaging
Camera Type	Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses
Lens Mount	Canon EF
Camera Format	Canon APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor)
Resolution	Effective Pixels: 18.0 Megapixels  Max Resolution: 17.9 MP: 5184 x 3456
Sensor Type / Size	CMOS, 22.3 x 14.9 mm
File Formats	Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MOV Audio: Linear PCM
Bit Depth	14-bit
Noise Reduction	Yes
Memory Card Type	SD SDHC SDXC

AV Recording
Video Recording	Yes, NTSC/PAL
Aspect Ratio	16:9
Video Clip Length	Up to 8GB or 22 Min
Audio Recording	With Video, Stereo

Focus Control
Focus Type	Auto & Manual
Focus Mode	Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M)
Autofocus Points	9 1

Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder Type	Pentamirror
Viewfinder Coverage	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	Approx. 0.85x
Diopter Adjustment	- 3.0 to +1.0 m
Display Screen	3" Rear Touchscreen   LCD (1,040,000)
Screen Coverage	100%
Live View	Yes

Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100-12800 (High Sensitivity Mode: 100-25600)
Shutter	Type: Electronic & Mechanical Speed: 30 - 1/4000 sec 2
Remote Control	RC-1, RC-5, or RC-6 (Optional)
Metering Method	Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering, Average metering, Multi-zone metering
Exposure Modes	Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in .3 EV steps)
White Balance Modes	Auto, Cloudy, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Kelvin, Shade, Tungsten

Flash
Built-in Flash	Yes: Auto, FE Lock, Off
Max Sync Speed	1 / 200 sec
Continuous Shooting	Up to 5.0 fps
Dedicated Flash System	eTTL
External Flash Connection	Hot Shoe, PC Terminal

Performance
Shutter Lag	0.075 Seconds
Self Timer	10 sec, 2 sec
Connectivity	AV Output, HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0
Wi-Fi Capable (With Optional Transmitter)	Yes

Power
Battery	1x LP-E8  Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.2VDC, 1120mAh
AC Power Adapter	ACK-E8 (Optional)
Operating/Storage Temperature	Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) Humidity: 0 - 85%

Physical
Dimensions (WxHxD)	5.3 x 3.9 x 3.1" / 13.46 x 9.91 x 7.87 cm
Weight	18.30 oz / 519 g

Canon Confirms 5D III Problems

To Users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera

Thank you for using Canon products.

The phenomenon described below has been confirmed when using the Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera.
Canon is now examining the countermeasures and once the countermeasures are decided, we will post the information on our Web site.

Phenomenon In extremely dark environments, if the LCD panel illuminates, the displayed exposure value may change as a result of the AE sensor’s detection of light from the LCD panel.

Affected Product
Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera

Support
Once the preparations are complete, we will be making an announcement on our Web site.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Please register the EOS 5D Mark III. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available. If you already registered, please ensure you are opted-in to receive the notification.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone:	1-800-OK-CANON
	1-800-652-2666
TDD:	1-866-251-3752
Email:	carecenter@cits.canon.com
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support



Adorama TV Reviews The Canon 5D III

Adorama Photography TV presents the Canon 5D Mark III. This week Mark shares his first impressions of the long-awaited successor to the Canon 5D Mark II. Watch as Mark walks you through a selection of photos showcasing the 5D Mark III's impressive capabilities. Mark also touches upon the features of the full frame, 22 megapixel HDSLR that make it a worthy successor to the 5DMII- including new autofocusing, metering and sensor technology.

Canon 60Da Announced For Astronomy

NEW CANON EOS 60Da DSLR CAMERA FOR ASTRONOMY ENTHUSIASTS CAPTURES THE TRUE COLORS OF THE COSMOS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 3, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the EOS 60Da Digital SLR Camera, a long-awaited successor to the EOS 20Da that is optimized for astrophotography. This DSLR caters to astronomers and hobbyists who enjoy capturing the beauty of the night sky by offering a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity. These modifications allow the camera to capture magnificent photographs of “red hydrogen emission” nebulae and other cosmic phenomena.

“The EOS 60Da is a testament to the constant desire to meet the needs of every customer, including those in specialized fields,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., “This new camera enables an accurate depiction of a part of our solar system which is hard to achieve with conventional cameras but should be enjoyed and celebrated.”

The Canon EOS 60Da camera packs a powerful 18-megapixel CMOS sensor (APS-C) that produces sharp and high-contrast images of astronomical objects, a major enhancement over the EOS 20Da model’s 8.2-megapixel sensor. The improved infrared-blocking filter is a modification suited specifically toward astronomy enthusiasts to achieve a hydrogen-alpha light sensitivity that is approximately three times higher than that of a normal Canon DSLR camera. This produces a 20-percent higher transmittance of Hydrogen Alpha line, or Hα wavelength, allowing astronomers to capture crisp, clear images of reddish, diffuse nebulae.

Enhanced Features
Crisp images of the stars and planets can be viewed on the EOS 60Da’s improved 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots for detailed focusing. The flip-out Vari-angle screen allows photographers to adjust the screen for easy viewing without straining even while the camera is mounted to a telescope via a third-party T-ring adapter. Optimized for stargazing with friends or in an educational setting, astronomy enthusiasts can connect the camera to a TV with the provided AVC-DC400ST Stereo AV Video Cable and display the night sky on a TV monitor using the camera’s Live View mode. Moreover, the EOS 60Da’s Live View mode is equipped with a Silent Shooting feature that eliminates shutter-induced vibration for maximum camera stability when the camera is mounted to a telescope or super-telephoto EF lens.

Enhanced noise reduction on the EOS 60Da sensor offers photographers the ability to experiment with the wide array of ISO settings and increased ISO speeds up to 6400 expandable to 12800. Other features include an intelligent nine-point autofocus system, full manual controls, and RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG image recording capabilities.

Accessories
The EOS 60Da helps capture the wonders of the night sky with its use of Canon’s award-winning EF and EF-S lenses along with other EOS accessories. Additionally, the EOS 60Da is packaged with Canon’s RA-E3 Remote Controller Adapter, providing the ability to connect a Canon Timer Remote Control such as the TC-80N3 (optional accessory). The TC-80N3 is ideal for controlling time exposures longer than 30 seconds as well as capturing a series of consecutive time exposures that can be composited during post-processing for improved image quality. This is especially useful when the camera body is connected to a telescope[i] or an EF super telephoto lens.

Canon has also included an AC adapter kit with the EOS 60Da, allowing the camera to be powered through an AC wall outlet or a battery-powered inverter, ideal for long exposure image or video capture at home or in the field.

Availability
As a specialized product, the EOS 60Da is only available to order from select authorized dealers. The estimated retail price is $1,499.00 and it is expected to be available this month.



Using Multiple AF Points On The Canon 1D X And 5D III

The new 61-point, High Density Reticular AF system used in both the EOS 5D Mark III and the EOS-1D X allows tremendous flexibility and control, and ability to set it up to capture nearly any type of subject matter. One of the biggest advantages this wide-area AF system provides is the ability to use more than one single AF point at a time. And, this can be done in a multitude of ways.

We've discussed AF Area Selection settings in a separate article for the EOS-1D X here on the Canon Digital Learning Center; the options for the new EOS 5D Mark III are the same. But we'd like to explore the possibilities in a more application-based way, and hopefully simplify the options and where they can be utilized to their fullest. There will certainly be times where using a single AF point will deliver the optimum focus results in a given situation. But by understanding how to exploit the advantages of a true Area AF system, users will be to adjust to the situation, and get even better results.

Why not just use a single AF point?

With 61 available AF points, any time you're using one single AF point, you're dealing with a relatively small area of AF coverage. Even though the actual area covered by an AF point does extend beyond the area you see in the viewfinder, it remains a very small portion of the entire focus screen – and with many subjects, a small part of the subject you're trying to focus upon. Sometimes, this is fine. Especially with a stationary subject, when you want to get precise sharp focus on one small part of a subject or scene, using a single, manually-selected AF point is often the way to go. And for users who want to take this to the next level, you can choose Spot AF, which further reduces the size of an AF point, allowing focus on an even more precisely-chosen part of a scene.

Precise focus sounds great. But in some cases, focusing on just a small part of a subject can be a problem, or lead to focus errors and soft pictures.

Even with an AF system as advanced as that in the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X, the system still demands that the active AF point(s) see some detail or texture at the subject in order to be able to assess focus properly. This is vital: if using a single AF point, and that point falls upon a part of a subject that doesn't have much of detail, texture or contrast, it's entirely possible for the AF system to either hunt back and forth (if it's set to One-Shot AF mode), or to allow soft frames to sneak into a sequence of shots in AI Servo AF. This may not be a problem when shooting a finely-detailed, non-moving subject. But it can become a significant issue when photographing anything that's moving – it can sometimes be hard to keep the active AF point on the subject itself, let alone to keep it steadily on a detailed area of that subject.

The sample here is very typical: with little detail in the young man's shirt, the AF system is forced to look at a small area of his mid-section for folds in the shirt, texture and so on to try to ascertain sharp focus. Not always easy – and the problem is compounded if the subject is moving!

When more than one AF point becomes active, the AF system suddenly can look around for extra help whenever it needs it.

AF Point Expansion – the pro's first option

Many serious enthusiasts and professionals are used to manually selecting one AF point and working exclusively with that. Nothing wrong with this approach, although as just mentioned, you need to find a way to have the active AF point see real detail at the subject for best results.

One way is to move off-center, and manually select an AF point that's going to fall more upon a detailed part of the subject. The obvious example is to move it upward toward the face of a human subject, and this is often a good strategy.

But another option is to expand the size of the active AF point area. The 61-point AF system in the EOS 5D Mark II and EOS-1D X is especially well-suited for this, and the first method is via AF Point Expansion. This process calls upon the shooter to manually select an AF point, but the point is now surrounded by either four or eight additional "assist points". Using this AF Area selection type, the photographer initially focuses using the central, principal AF point that he or she has selected – the "larger box" of the ones visible in the finder, and in the accompanying illustrations here. But with surrounding AF points also active an on stand-by, if the principal AF point either loses track of the subject, or encounters an area without sufficient contrast and detail, one or more of the surrounding AF points immediately become active and will continue to read and track the subject.

With AF Point Expansion active, it's important to remember that the AF system still expects to perform most AF tasks using a single AF point – that is, the principal point the user has manually selected (again, it's indicated on-screen with the larger, central AF point visible, surrounded by smaller AF point icons). The remaining points in the expanded area are usually waiting to be called into action, but only if the principal point has trouble continuing to track or find the subject you're shooting.

Expanding the size of an AF point can also be useful when tracking relatively small objects (an obvious example is birds in flight), where it may be very difficult to keep one AF point continuously upon the subject. With a larger "cluster" of active points, if the subject suddenly leaves the principal AF point, the surrounding points instantly kick-in to try to locate and continue to hold focus on that subject.

Controlling how quickly the system changes AF points

There's a built-in algorithm in the AF system that's designed to smoothly move AF points from one to the next when multiple AF points are active. But in an example like the figure skaters illustrated here, it may be prudent to speed-up the system's responsiveness. That can be easily done in the AF menu, in a couple of different ways:

• Using the AF Configuration Tool (first AF menu), select either Case 5 or Case 6. The difference is that Case 5 presumes a subject like the figure skaters, who aren't rapidly moving toward or away from the camera. Case 6 would be preferable for something like a bird in flight, that's both hard to keep upon one AF point, and that that's moving at a high rate of speed, too.
• Using the same Menu screen (with any of the six AF Cases active), refine the AF pt. auto switching setting. Press the RATE button to access the Detail Settings, and scroll to AF pt. auto switching. Moving this setting from "0" towards the "2" setting increases the speed and responsiveness the system will apply when it needs to change AF points. Keep in mind: the "0" setting is intended to be optimal for most everyday uses; simply changing it to level 1 or 2 just because they're "faster" may make the AF system seem more nervous during ordinary shooting.

Zone AF – keep sharpness on the nearest subject

Another AF Area option in the EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark II is Zone AF. First seen in the EOS 7D, it's been refined in the 61-point AF system to allow the user to pick any of nine possible locations within the AF array. So it certainly doesn't have to be used in the center area only! Depending on the location you select, either 9 or 12 points are active in each zone (it's not possible to increase or decrease the size of a given zone, other than to change its location).

With Zone AF, you're using an active cluster of AF points where all the points are active and ready to go. Whether you're using One-Shot AF or tracking a moving subject with AI Servo AF, the Zone AF option always seeks to focus upon the nearest subject visible within the active zone of AF points. It can be ideal when you have more than one subject – especially if they're moving – and you want to insure that the nearest one to the camera is the one that's held in sharpest focus. And even when you have only one subject, Zone AF makes it a lot easier to keep it within the AF system's field of view, and insure at the same time that the nearest part of the subject is what will be focused upon. While it's true that the most critical of professional bird shooters, for example, might prefer to keep a single AF point upon the eye of a flying bird, the difficulty of this technique with a bird in flight makes Zone AF a welcome alternative for many photographers.

The point or points within the zone that correspond to that nearest subject (or nearest part of a subject) are the ones that will be used; when in AI Servo AF and tracking a moving subject, the points will continuously be updating their information, and active points within the zone will change as needed. Normally, you'll see this happening in the viewfinder, but if you find it annoying, it can be hidden from view (5th AF menu screen > AF point display during focus).

Again, Canon's new 61-point AF system allows the user to tailor just how quickly these changes of active AF point occur during a shooting sequence. The AF pt. auto switching option (see above) can be used to either speed-up or slow-down the system's tendency to change which AF points within the Zone you've chosen will be used to keep focus on the nearest subject in a scene.

Zone AF isn't for every situation. The main thing to remember is its goal of keeping the sharpest plane of focus upon the nearest thing within the zone of active AF points. Even with something as ordinary as a speaker at a podium, for instance, Zone AF might well try to put sharpest focus on the podium, rather than the speaker's face, if it's used without care. But applied in the right conditions, Zone AF can be a terrific option when you feel the need to move beyond a single AF point.

Automatic AF point selection – use the entire 61-point AF area

From time to time, even the most critical EOS shooters may want to consider this AF Area setting, when simply pin-pointing focus with a single AF point isn't right option for a given situation. It's not new to the EOS 5D Mark III or EOS-1D X... Automatic AF point selection has been in the EOS system, in one way or another, for more than two decades. But with the power of the new 61-point AF system, and recent improvements in how it works when in AI Servo AF, it's worth re-visiting.

The first thing to make clear is that Automatic AF point selection is not the same as Zone AF or AF Point Expansion. Those AF Area settings rely on restricting AF operation to a limited area of the 61-point AF array. You can move that area up and down, and/or left and right, but it's a limited area for focus (albeit larger than a single AF point). But with Automatic AF point selection, the entire 61-point area becomes potentially available for focus.

The next thing is that unlike AF Point Expansion or Zone AF, Automatic AF point selection works differently depending upon whether you're in One-Shot AF mode (locking focus on non-moving subjects) or using AI Servo AF to focus-track a moving subject.

• One-Shot AF mode: 
  Camera focuses upon the nearest subject taken-in by the 61-point AF array; the point or points that are used to actually focus on that nearest subject will be highlighted in the viewfinder momentarily, so the shooter knows what the camera has decided upon. (This behavior is essentially identical to all previous EOS models when Automatic AF point selection is combined with One-Shot AF.)
• AI Servo AF mode: 
  Photographer selects any ONE AF point to begin focus-tracking a moving subject; if subject then moves away from that first point, any of the remaining 60 AF points are called-in to find and continue to track its movement. Unlike either Zone AF or Automatic AF point selection with One-Shot AF active, this combination of settings won't simply try to focus on the nearest subject – once it's identified a main subject, it attempts to stick with it.
  With most previous EOS cameras, Auto point selection with AI Servo required the user to start focus-tracking a moving subject initially with only the center AF point. The new EOS 5D Mark III, EOS-1D X and EOS 7D allow the user to manually pre-select any available AF point, and use this as the starting point to begin tracking a subject.

Automatic AF point selection is often looked down upon by critical, experienced shooters, who often prefer to be in direct control of where their cameras focus. But from time to time, it can be a real asset and time-saver. Refinements to the EOS 5D Mark III (and EOS-1D X) make it even more worthwhile to think about for use with solo moving subjects and AI Servo AF.

In One-Shot AF mode, Automatic AF point selection can be perfectly viable for run-and-gun candid shooting at events, where you typically are trying to focus on the nearest subject and want to insure no inadvertent focus is set on the background. When you're working quickly, it can also be useful when you know you'll be shooting fairly close to a primary subject (that you want to foucs upon), but want to include a lot of background info in the shot... think of on-location fashion shots with a model, taken from fairly close with a wide-angle or standard lens, with the model positioned well off-center.

In AI Servo AF, the new system will be very useful to try in situations where a moving subject is expected to move across the frame, and composition is as important as sharp focus. In other words, anyone can simply use the center AF point and move the camerato keep a moving subject sharp as it moves side-to side across the frame, but each shot will have pretty similar composition. With the ability to pre-set an active AF starting point, and let the camera take care of shifting AF points as the subject moves away from the first point, users can maintain better composition with a sequence of shots, and often still maintain good, sharp focus... even with long telephoto lenses.

One important difference between the EOS 5D Mark III and the EOS-1D X: while both share the same 61-point AF system and essentially the same AF optics and supporting electronics, only the EOS-1D X has the 100,000 pixel RGB metering system, and ability to activate "EOS iTR" – Intelligent Tracking and Recognition. This system uses not only AF information, but information about an initial subject's color, size and location (from the RGB metering sensor) to help guide the AF system to continually update AF points when Automatic AF point selection is combined with AI Servo AF. With the EOS 5D Mark III, this automatic switching of points to follow a moving subject is done strictly using info from the AF system, not the metering system as well.

Summary:

AF Point Expansion. Zone AF. Automatic AF point selection.

All are valid and valuable tools to have when pin-pointing focus with a single focus point may not be the best route to take. We've seen these options in the EOS 7D, with its 19-point AF system, but the new 61-point AF used in the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X underscores the power of using more than a single AF point.

The first key is understanding how each operates – since they're not identical – and then being able to apply their respective benefits to the type of shooting and types of subjects you're likely to encounter. These aren't necessary AF Area settings you'll use every day, all the time (although some shooters may do just that). But they are very valuable assets you can turn to when conditions call for it.

There's no such thing as one AF setting that will be perfect for every situation, but the beauty of the new Canon High Density Reticular AF system is the flexibility and options it offers to the working photographer, along with its blistering performance when shooting rapidly-moving subjects. We've outlined some examples of how multiple AF points can be applied to get better results, but most shooters will be able to come up with their own scenarios where it may be helpful to them.

Maybe the most important key point is understanding why using a single AF point and acquiring focus upon a small area of a subject or scene can sometimes be a risky proposition. Knowing how important detail, texture and contrast are to an AF sensor, it begins to make a lot more sense to occasionally open up the Canon tool box and at the very least experiment with using multiple AF points.