8

Mastering Autofocus Options

Sony has combined the slow, but inherently very accurate method of autofocus, called contrast detection, with a much speedier phase detection system to produce a single hybrid AF system that combines speed with accuracy. However, there is one logistical problem to overcome: the camera doesn’t really know, for certain, what subject you want to be in sharp focus. It may select an object and lock in focus with lightning speed—even though it’s not the center of interest in your photograph. Or, the camera may lock focus too soon, or too late. This chapter will help you understand the options available with your Sony a7R III in order to help the camera understand what you want to focus on, when, and maybe even why.

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