Looking for Canon APS-C with Autofocus During Burst

I am looking for a smaller Canon APS-C DSLR camera. I have searched but may not be using the correct terms, so I am not getting much information.

I want to take photographs of runners or bicyclists outdoors coming toward me in burst mode with autofocusing between each separated shot. I am willing to deal with the autofocus reducing the factory advertised burst rate.

I will shop used so am wondering what the best older models are that do this.

And wondering what other camera capabilities would help me that I don't know about. For example if a camera model costs more but has some sort of multi point following autofocus and also does more complicated light metering between each shot, then I would be interested.

I will be doing other research on the models you recommend, but want this as a starting point. I would like to know how far back I can reach while shopping used on ebay and still have the capability to do this.

Timza

i think just about any canon DSLR will autofocus during burst...making sure you are in AI servo...that is of course if i'm understanding your question right...basically if you're looking to track a runner or cyclist, and you are in AI servo, and put the focus point on them, and can continue to keep the point on them, then you fire away, you should be able to keep them in focus...although there will probably be one or two that look better than the rest

the only ones that come to mind is the 7d2 or the 7d, and maybe the 70d. the 7d2 is probably your best bet for something fast motion like a bike race coming towards you.

Yes. I want to point the camera, hold down the shutter, and the camera takes, focuses, takes, focuses, takes, focuses...

I do realize that I may need to keep some sort of aimpoint on the original object.

Maybe all DSLRs do this. Maybe in the DSLR world this is a crazy question. I am coming at this from smaller non SLR cameras that do not do this. They focus once then burst based on that first focus. So the first picture is in focus. But the third picture is the best and out of focus!

I have been reading and watching videos on the 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D range. Will any of those do this? So should I look at those to see what other functions draw me to one or the other?

Heya,

What's your budget?

Take a look at a 1D mark II ($250!), 7D ($450!), or 1D Mark III ($600ish).

For lenses, you can get away with a zoom, or you could use a prime. Depends on what look and your distance to subject. A USM lens will focus fast enough to keep up with things, but so still most modern lenses frankly (it's not like you're focusing on a falcon coming at you). A 17-55 F2.8 flavor comes to mind. Or an 18-135 STM or even 55-250 STM, if they can track a bird in flight, you can probably track a human running with it. Or you could look at a 70-200 F4L non-IS. Or you could look at primes, like a 50mm F1.8 STM or 85mm F1.8 or something.

Very best,

I've had: 450D, 500D, 7D, 60D, 5D, 6D, 1D, 1DII, Elan 7, Elan 7N, and Elan 7NE. All of them do it. The trick would be finding an SLR that CAN'T do that.

Timza wrote in post #17878232
Yes. I want to point the camera, hold down the shutter, and the camera takes, focuses, takes, focuses, takes, focuses...

I do realize that I may need to keep some sort of aimpoint on the original object.

Maybe all DSLRs do this. Maybe in the DSLR world this is a crazy question. I am coming at this from smaller non SLR cameras that do not do this. They focus once then burst based on that first focus. So the first picture is in focus. But the third picture is the best and out of focus!

I have been reading and watching videos on the 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D range. Will any of those do this? So should I look at those to see what other functions draw me to one or the other?

Just about any Canon will do this, provided you use AI Servo for your AF mode. The difference is in how fast and accurately the AF tracks that movement. That differs by generation and model type. 1D series are usually the top of the tier, but recently, cameras like the 5D3 and 7D2 have been very close to the 1D performance. Newer cameras have better AF systems and processors than old cameras as well.

What is your budget? You will want a body that shoots at a pretty snippy FPS (frames per second) and probably a buffer that is large enough to hold a few seconds of images. Most of your choices will restrict you to using the center AF point however, as it will be the best AF point for AI servo work if you are looking at older bodies. That changes with newer bodies.

The other part of the equation is the lens you use. You will want a USM-style lens that can keep up with the focus commands sent by the camera. Your budget has to cover that type of lens as well.

I am starting to like the 40D. I am thinking I don't want to go less than 10.1 MP, and also thinking I don't need video or the nicer screen of the 50D.

However, the 50D has a feature that the 40D doesn't have and is quite useful. It has the ability where you can tweak the AF of any lens used on the body (Micro focus adjustment) . This way if you pick up a lens that consistently focuses in front of or behind your subject, you can quickly set a value in-camera to adjust that out.

The latest, and best choice, is the 7D2. current flagship crop model. 10fps. Autofocus galore, baby 1Dx. Pretty darn cheap, $1400 for a brand new, usa warrenty model. Grey market import is around $1000.

The 50D is a good choice for the older model. all af points are cross type, larger screen on the back with better resolution, micro focus, AI servo. Nice one with low shutter count should be in the 200-300 range on ebay. built like tank, 5-6 fps.

Original 7D another great choice, 8fps, built like a tank within a tank. use as hammer when done. better AF than 50D, around 400-550 on ebay for lower good model.

any 70-200 L glass will do the job.

if you are new to sports photography, any of the above will last you many years as you learn, before you finally know enough to make use of a better camera.
JMHO. The difference in the above vs a rebel canon... more fps, better outer cross type focus points, much more rugged construction. But you can start with a rebel if you already have one, you are looking for AI Servo mode. Most rebel outer af points are not cross type, and do not focus as accurately.

Had 50D, moved to a 7D2 after 6 years of learning.

You do need the cross point outer focus - 40D is a nice camera, but the price difference between 40D and 50D ... 50D is hands down a better choice. (no video on 50D)

50D & 7D can't MFA both ends of a zoom lens.

The 70D can. The 70D's AF is every bit as fast as that of the 7D, but not as versatile. The 70D's AF is also more responsive than that of the 7D. I use a 70D and have no problems chasing maniacal little curtain-climbers around. Bottom line between the two: the 7D will do more things. The 70D does the things they both do better. Oh, and the 7D will do it faster. The line between them is hazy.

If you want the best, get the 7D2. I've never used one, but I can read.

Doing both ends of a zoom is nice, but not always necessary. Many lenses can be adjusted as an average and it works well enough. Having the adjustments at both ends was a natural evolution and if budget allows, then a body that has that could be more beneficial.

how much are you looking to spend? because as teamspeed mentioned the lens is also a big part of the equation...giving a solid budget will help with advice, as people around here like to spend other people's money, and suggestions could be 4X your budget

My 7DM2 is a monster when it comes to tracking while burst. Anything short of that will have you wanting more.