5D3 Autofocus Choices

[stever]

the 7D is the first camera that tempted me beyond single point AF with AF point expansion which has been useful for birds in flight

now the 5D3 has expansion to either 4 or 8 points (why?) and AI servo characteristics as well (with 6 choices which i have a tough time relating to my experience - and no idea how strong the factors of Tracking, Acceleration. Point Switching are)

some of these choices should be useful for action shots of people and wildlife but i haven't found much in my research so far - Art Morris has some good recommendations for birds, Ken Rockwell's show little understanding of either the camera or serious photography

can anyone with practical experience help me?

thanks

[DaveDn]

I suggest reading the 1DX focusing white paper.The AF system is essentially the same as the 5D3 in terms of setup. It's aimed at sports but you can apply the same principles to birds in flight.

I have played around with the settings on my 5D3 while tracking birds in flight but I'm no expert. I found tracking with a sidekick and my 400mm DO needed different settings to say hand handle panning.

For small birds I would use expanded AF points but shooting albatross I always use single point to focus on the head. With a four metre wing span the AF tends to lock onto the wings if I leave it to it's own devices 

[DaveDn]

Have a read of this:
http://downloads.canon.com/CDLC/EOS_1DX_AF_Guide_CDLC_Updated_June_2012.pdf

[walter.sk]

Have a read of this:
http://downloads.canon.com/CDLC/EOS_1DX_AF_Guide_CDLC_Updated_June_2012.pdf

I'd love to read it, but for me the link doesn't work...

[Ellis Vener]

The AF system is essentially the same as the 5D3 in terms of setup.

Both the 1Dx and 5D Mark III share  autofocus and metering systems.

[DaveDn]

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2012/1dx_guidebook.shtml

Go into the above link and download the pdf at the bottom of the page on the left - EOS-1D X AF Settings Guidebook (Updated June 2012)

[walter.sk]

Got it.  Thanks, Dave.

[stever]

yes, thanks Dave

best explanation i've seen so far, but very specifically directed toward sports.  i'd be very interested i personal experience/recommendations for wildlife, children, and general photography.  since AF choice isn't in exif data, experimenting is a big project for a non-professional

[sunnycal]

Both the 1Dx and 5D Mark III share  autofocus and metering systems.

AF, yes. Metering, Not!

[DaveDn]

Download the videos at http://www.canonwatch.com/ for the 5D3. There are two example that have birds in flight under:

AF Area Selection and AF Configuration videos.

I found these rather interesting.