Canon’s focus modes will give you a ton of flexibility in your shooting. There is, however, one small problem that is inherent with any focusing system. No matter how intelligent it is, the camera is looking at all the subjects in the scene and determining which is closest to the camera. It then uses this information to determine where the proper focus point should be. It has no way of knowing what your main emphasis is, so it is using a “best guess” system. To eliminate this factor, you should set the camera so that you can ensure that you are focusing on the most important feature in the scene.
The G12 has three AF (autofocus) Frame modes that determine where the camera is focusing. For now, you should use the FlexiZone mode, which gives you the most control over where the camera focuses. Once you have become more familiar with the focus system, you can experiment with the other modes.
Additionally, there’s a separate Continuous AF setting, in which the camera continually scans the scene and focuses on objects until the shutter is pressed halfway, which locks the focus. This option can help you get the shot, but it can also deplete your battery quickly. When Continuous AF is turned off, the camera will focus only when the shutter is pressed halfway.
Setting the focus Mode
- To set the AF frame mode to FlexiZone, press the Menu button and, in the Shooting menu (the one with the camera icon), navigate up to the AF Frame setting, and use the Right button to select FlexiZone (A). Press the Menu button (or press the shutter button halfway) to return to shooting mode.
- To turn off the Continuous AF setting, press the Menu button and, in the same menu, navigate down to the Continuous AF setting. Use the Right button to select Off (B).
The FlexiZone AF Frame mode is designed to let you specify which area of the scene you want to keep in focus. When you’re shooting, press the AF Frame Selector button (just above and to the left of the Control dial), then use the Left, Right, Up, and Down buttons to move the frame over the area where you want the camera to focus (Figure 1.2). (You can also rotate the Control dial to quickly move the frame.) Press the Display button to switch to a smaller frame to specify a tighter focus area; press it again to return to the larger frame.
Press the shutter halfway to focus—you will hear a chirp when the camera has locked in and focused on the subject—then press it fully to take the picture. To move the frame back to the center point, press and hold the AF Frame Selector button.
You can also leave the frame in the center, focus on your subject, and then recompose your shot. Place the focus point in the viewfinder on your subject, press the shutter release button halfway until the camera chirps and, without letting up on the shutter button, recompose your shot and then press the shutter button all the way down to make your exposure.