Autofocus Modes Explained: Never Miss a Moving Subject Again

If you have ever tried to photograph a toddler running across the yard or a dog playing fetch, you know how frustrating it is when every single shot is out of focus. Your camera is fast, but if it is set to the wrong autofocus mode, it simply cannot keep up.

Mastering autofocus is a crucial lesson in our beginner photography class that instantly elevates your hit rate.

Single vs. Continuous Autofocus

By default, most cameras are set to "Single" autofocus (AF-S or One-Shot). This means when you half-press the shutter, the camera locks focus. If the subject moves after it locks, they will be blurry. For moving subjects, you need "Continuous" autofocus (AF-C or AI Servo), which constantly tracks the subject as long as you hold the button.

Taking Control of Your Focus Points

Beyond the mode, you also need to tell the camera *where* to look. Letting the camera choose the focus point automatically usually results in it focusing on the closest object, not necessarily your subject.

Want to learn how to set up your camera to track fast action perfectly every time?