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[Part 3] Drive Mode and AF Operation

In order to make full use of the wide array of features on the EOS 6D, the key is to learn to utilize "Quick Control," which enables you to alter the settings quickly. In the following, I will explain the steps to make changes using Quick Control, and the main settings that can be adjusted. (Reported by: Ryosuke Takahashi)

[Changing the Operation] Drive Mode

Selecting a Shutter Mode

Also effective against camera shake

The drive mode menu allows you to set the shutter operation, such as continuous shooting, silent shooting, and self-timer shooting. Particularly important on the EOS 6D is the [Silent single shooting] mode, which not only allows the shutter to be released quietly, but also reduces vibrations that may cause images to turn out blurry. Equipped with a full-frame sensor with a resolution of about 20.2 megapixels, the EOS 6D boasts a high resolving power. To leverage the high resolution, however, attention needs to be paid to prevent camera shake. Using an appropriate drive mode can help you reduce vibrations in the camera, thereby minimizing the probability of blurry handheld shots. It comes in handy especially when you are using a lens without the Image Stabilizer (IS) feature.

Single shooting [Default]

Continuous shooting (Approx. 4.5 fps)

Silent single shooting

Select an appropriate drive mode according to the subject and environment of the shoot. In the examples here, I selected [Single shooting] for the outdoor shot on the left. For a quiet indoor location, I used [Silent single shooting] to avoid disrupting the atmosphere. Using the [Continuous shooting] mode eases capturing of moving subjects, such as the tram in the center photo.

[Changing the Focusing Method] AF Operation

Choose according to Subject’s Movement

Predicting the movement of the subject

You can control the AF operation according to the movement of the subject. [One-Shot AF], the default setting, locks the focusing position after focus is achieved. The [AI Servo AF] mode, on the other hand, boasts excellent tracking performance. It allows you to maintain the focus on the subject, and is thus useful for capturing moving subjects, such as in sports photography. [AI Focus AF] is a mixture of [One-Shot AF] and [AI Servo AF], which activates the [One-Shot AF] mode when the subject remains still, and switches to [AI Servo AF] when it starts moving. For subjects with unpredictable movements, such as children or animals, [AI Focus AF] is recommended. To master the different AF modes, therefore, you need to learn to observe the movement of the subject.

One-Shot AF [Default]

AI Focus AF

AI Servo AF

[One-Shot AF] is suited for stationary objects, such as the building in the example, while [AI Focus AF] is a handy mode for subjects with unpredictable movements, such as animals. To shoot a moving object, select [AI Servo AF].

Ryosuke Takahashi
