AI Servo or Single Shot?

[Papaw]

Several of the members have said that some of their shots of stationary objects are often slightly out of focus using AI Servo instead of One Shot. During a wedding I usually keep it in AI Servo due to the isle walking shots and others that can turn into action and I have had no problem. what mode is most used during weddings, and has anyone ever noticed this problem in AI Servo?

[Toogy]

I 100% use one shot mode, I don't trust any other mode. But that's just me. But I am constantly re-adjusting focus, just the way I shoot. YMMV.

[mizuno]

Originally Posted by Toogy

I 100% use one shot mode, I don't trust any other mode. But that's just me. But I am constantly re-adjusting focus, just the way I shoot. YMMV.

Ditto.

[Ed Kanney]

AI Servo for processional, recessional, church exit. One Shot for all else.

[Hassan2285]

I use AI servo just for the walk down the isle. everything else is one shot. I like hearing the beeps... sad but true...

[Toogy]

Man turn off the beep!!! nothing screams amateur more than auto focus confirmation!! at least to me!

And plus if I had the beep on my camera, it would get annoying because of how often I re-adjust my focus.

[Papaw]

Originally Posted by Ed Kanney

AI Servo for processional, recessional, church exit. One Shot for all else.

I think I will try this next time.

[sumozebra]

Originally Posted by Toogy

Man turn off the beep!!! nothing screams amateur more than auto focus confirmation!! at least to me!

And plus if I had the beep on my camera, it would get annoying because of how often I re-adjust my focus.

haha, i tried to turn off the beep, but it fustrated me like mad...
i need to have the beep, too use to it and now it's ocd, if i'm using ssomeone else's camera and it has the beep turned off, i go nuts heh,

[mmahoney]

Originally Posted by Papaw

During a wedding I usually keep it in AI Servo due to the isle walking shots

The reason many report inaccurate focus while using servo is because the camera will constantly hunt for focus. So stationary objects are not really suitable for servo focus. Plus the first focus frame in servo is often out-of-focus and subsequent frames are perfect.

But you can have the best of both worlds.

CF function 4 allows you to use the * button back to focus. If you set your focus button to that and use Servo focus when you have acheived focus you simply release the * button and the camera stops focussing, and then use the regular shutter button to fire the shutter. If the subject moves, simply press the * to acquire focus again.

Somewhere on the web there is a white paper on the Canon AF system which is very valuable. I've lost the link but it's worth googling it as there is a lot of info there about how the whole AF system works. Many users report AF problems when they really don't understand how the cameras AF works.
Mike

[Hassan2285]

Originally Posted by Toogy

Man turn off the beep!!! nothing screams amateur more than auto focus confirmation!! at least to me!

And plus if I had the beep on my camera, it would get annoying because of how often I re-adjust my focus.

I guess I never really thought about changing it. I will have to try it without sound and see if I like it.

and I am an amateur, so I guess it does suit me fairly well.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Prior to owning a Mk3, all of my cameras have been set about 99% of the time to AIservo with CF 4-1
To me this is both AIservo and single shot in one setting, all that changes is how long I keep my thumb on the * button.

I agree with Mike, that AIservo is just as effective if used properly.

[CyberPet]

I only change to AI Servo when they walk in or walk out of the church (or during portraits walking). I don't like AI Focus as it kicks in the AI Servo when you least want it, so I use the Single shot about 99% of the time, and only use AI Servo during entrance and recessionals.

[lime]

Originally Posted by mmahoney

But you can have the best of both worlds.

CF function 4 allows you to use the * button back to focus. If you set your focus button to that and use Servo focus when you have acheived focus you simply release the * button and the camera stops focussing, and then use the regular shutter button to fire the shutter. If the subject moves, simply press the * to acquire focus again.

That is what I use, MF/AF/Ai Servo on the fly just by using one button (*).

[mmahoney]

Originally Posted by lime

That is what I use, MF/AF/Ai Servo on the fly just by using one button (*).

Yes .. once you get used to it it offers great control over both moving & static focus.

And another benefit is that it seperates the cameras metering and focus .. so you can lock the meter with a half-press of the shutter button and then do the focus with the * button.
Mike

[getabetterpic]

Originally Posted by CyberDyneSystems

Prior to owning a Mk3, all of my cameras have been set about 99% of the time to AIservo with CF 4-1

Just out of curiosity, what do you use with the Mk3?