7D2 - Settings - My focus point, not the camera

Hi. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to change the focus settings on my 7D2 to use the focus point I want, not what the camera thinks I want. It overrides my selection! Grr. It is probably really easy (and I had it set that way before I reset the settings two months ago (for other reasons), but I give up. Any ideas?

If it's like my 70D, there's a button to the left of the shutter with four dots in a T shape.This is used to cycle through the 3 options, all points, expanded area, and single point focus. You'll know when it's in single point as only the centre point will be visible. Use the D pad to select the one that want.

Or in the custom menus you can assign the multi controller button to do this.

Manual, page 92.

When you arrive at a single point, use the joystick to select the point you want.

I have a problem of setting the focus point when in Live View.

I select a center point for normal viewfinder shooting. Everything works as it should. Then I switch to Live View, and the camera switches to a zone focus, and automatically selects the points for me! Where do I look for the solution? I could not find it in the manual.

Lbsimon wrote in post #17684248
I have a problem of setting the focus point when in Live View.

I select a center point for normal viewfinder shooting. Everything works as it should. Then I switch to Live View, and the camera switches to a zone focus, and automatically selects the points for me! Where do I look for the solution? I could not find it in the manual.

In Live View, use the joy stick to move the focus area around.

Thanks. I will try when I am back home from the trip.

I think my question needs re-stated. I know how to choose the focus options; the camera does not care what point I want, it supercedes my selection. What is causing that?

complete wrote in post #17686506
I think my question needs re-stated. I know how to choose the focus options; the camera does not care what point I want, it supercedes my selection. What is causing that?

Sorry, I have no idea what you mean.

Which focus mode and settings are you using? You're not using one that allows the focus point to track focus beyond its starting point by any chance?

complete wrote in post #17686506
I think my question needs re-stated. I know how to choose the focus options; the camera does not care what point I want, it supercedes my selection. What is causing that?

In single, spot and expanded modes the centre point is the primary. In expanded the surrounding points assist. You can move center point to wherever you want to.

In zone the system picks the closest object locks on and tracks it. Or you can specify an AF point and aim that point on your subject. When the system locks using that point the other points begin to track. The specificied point becomes part of that grouping. You will see it activate and deactivate as required to track your subject. Not like expanded where the center point is always active.

Sorry I had to drop this for a bit. So in zone it is just a computer is trying to figure out what you want. It does a good job but can pick up other targets. You can adjust the tracking sensitivity to -1 or -2 for any case number for both single point and zone so the system ignores other things in the viefinder. Case 2 is set to -1.

complete wrote in post #17686506
I think my question needs re-stated. I know how to choose the focus options; the camera does not care what point I want, it supercedes my selection. What is causing that?

I think he is setting the focus point in large zone selection. If you do this it will first focus on the point you selected but the camera will adjust accordingly for what it thinks should be in focus. You have to get into the small zone. look at the bottom of the viewfinder when you are changing AF points and you will see ( ) or ( ) if you are in ( ) you are in large zone focus and I think go to page 450 of manual and see what settings you have for initial tracking I think it is call AF Start position

That is possible. On another site I suggested to use large zone and focus on a table lamp or something outdoors then move the camera left to right and see how it works.

Also I believe ITR is set to "ON" from the factory. In zone it activates and in one shot it looks for faces and in AI Servo it looks for colours to track. If the faces are small or not lit well it can struggle.

If someone wants precise focus zone is not the best option. Technically you can select the AF start point and aim it on an eye but single point is the best option IMO for that application.

I think both questions are answered in the manual plus about 966.4 more My question is why spend the money on a VERY good body and not take the time to read the manual. Over 60% of the things the 7DII can do you will NEVER know, what a waste