Canon EOS-1D Mark II Digial Manual

AF Setting Guidebook
Detailed explanations of how to master high-performance
AF features to capture that perfect moment
New!
Support the
latest
firmware
ver. 2.0

AF Setting Guidebook
Contents
New AF Setting Operability
4 Newly established AF tabs AF menu functions are in a separate tab
AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
06 Select from Case 1 - Select from Case 1 - Case 6 to match subject scenarios
08 Case 1 Versatile multi-purpose setting
10 Case 2 Continue to focus-track even when the subject momentarily moves from the AF points
12 Case 3 Focus instantly on subjects that move into the AF points
14 Case 4 Focus track subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly
16 Case 5 Focus on subjects with erratic movement
18 Case 6 Focus on subjects with erratic movement and changes in speed
AF Configuration Tool [Parameters]
20
Tracking sensitivity This setting allows obstacles that pass in front of the subject to be ignored,
as well as focusing on new subjects
22 Accel./decel. tracking [-1/-2] is effective for subjects with minor speed changes
26
AF pt auto switching [+]setting is most effective for sports with lots of movement where the
subject can easily move out of the selected AF point
AF Area Selection Mode
28 AF area selection mode
30 Spot AF, Single-point AF Focusing on a small or narrow area
32 AF point expansion Fast moving subjects that are difficult to track with a single AF point
34 Zone AF Effective for capturing subjects within an known area
36 Auto selection of 61 AF points With AI Servo AF all 61 points can be used for automatic tracking
61-Point High-Density Reticular AF Cross-type Points
38 The 61-point AF has many cross-type points that support F/4 for great tracking performance
39 The number and placement of cross-type points used by the F/2.8 lenses
40 The number and placement of cross-type points used by the F/4 lenses
41 The number and placement of cross-type points used by the F/5.6 lenses
Setting the AF Shutter-release Characteristics
42 AF operation and shutter-release timing settings
44
Improved low-light AF performance and expanded parameter characteristics during continuous
shooting
Utilizing the AF
46 AF points can be set to switch automatically for horizontal and vertical shooting
47 [Separate AF pts: Pt only] is added to [Orientation linked AF point]
48 AF points can be called instantly using Switch to registered AF point
50 Custom controls for effective AF related functions
52 New customization features for the AF ON/AEL button
54 Expanded exposure compensation/minimum shutter speed for ISO Auto
AF Custom Guide Functions that Controls 61-Point High-Density Reticular AF
Make use of high-performance 61-point AF at effective parameter settings to
match the shooting conditions or subject
Firmware V2.0
Support for a wider variety of scenes through expanded parameters and
new functions
By combining the ultimate in AF
performance and easy of use, a
wealth of new photographic
possibilities are available.
The EOS-1DX is equipped with a newly-developed
61-Point High-Density Reticular AF. By arranging
the 61 AF points in a dense concentration, the
level of freedom in composition, and tracking
performance of quick-moving subjects is
improved. In combination with AI Servo AF III,
which incorporates a new algorithm ensuring,
accurate focusing on a subject is possible. You can
also effectively set AI Servo AF features using the
AF Configuration Tool. Because you can choose
from six different presets, the correct settings are
always quick and easy, without all the trouble that
comes from adjusting settings for individual
parameters to match the subject or scene.
In the new EOS-1DX firmware V2.0, AF
performance is even further improved and
operability is expanded with a focus on AF. AF
performance in low-light conditions is improved
for the first shot of AI Servo AF, demonstrating its
true ability when shooting subjects in dark
locations. Additionally, this version incorporates
numerous helpful features that assist in shooting
moving subjects, such as newly-added special AF
parameters to deal with speed changes in moving
subjects, and additional functions that can be
assigned to the button customization. This AF
Setting Guidebook introduces effective settings to
make full use of the EOS-1D X high-performance
AF features including new functions of V2.0 of
the firmware. Items with the NEW icon indicate pages with details on the new firmware
New!
Firmware

4
5
New AF Setting Menu
All AF-related menu functions now in a separate menu
The Various AF-related functions are now incorporated into an AF menu tab
Various settings for AF-related features can be made with AF menus [AF2] - [AF5]
AF-related setting items
in the AF menu
The AF1 tab is important when shooting moving
subjects using the AI Servo AF of the EOS-1D X. It is
possible to effectively set AI Servo AF characteristics by
selecting the option that closely matches the scene
with the AF Configuration Tool.
The AF1 tab includes the AF Configuration Tool
The various AF-related settings that were
previously included in the custom functions
(C.Fn) menu, have been incorporated into the
new AF menu tab. This makes smooth access to
AF-related settings possible. In particular, the AF
Configuration Tool included in tab AF1 can be
used to easily match settings with the AI Servo
AF characteristics, making it an important
feature that takes advantage of the advanced
AF performance on the EOS-1D X. By selecting
from six presets (Case 1 - Case 6), makes it
possible to set the AI Servo AF characteristics to
most accurately suit the subject's movement,
and scene conditions. It is also possible for fine
control to adjust each parameters separately.
(Refer to P. 6 – 27 for AF Configuration Tool
details.) Tabs [AF 2] – [AF 5] include a variety of
settings such as shutter-release timing settings,
a setting for the number of AF points that can
be selected and AF area selection method.
AF2 AI Servo
Settings related to the camera priorities when using
AI Servo AF
The [AF/2] tab includes set tings related to cameras priorit y
concerning shutter-release timing when using AI Servo AF. [AI
Servo 1st image priority] and [AI Servo 2nd image priority] make
it possible to make focusing the priority slowing the shutter-
release timing, or prioritize faster shutter-release.
AF3 One-Shot
Settings related to focusing and shutter-release
timing when using One-Shot AF release priority
AF4
Includes general settings related to AF point
selection
Within the [AF3] tab, the [One-Shot AF release priority] settings
related to focusing and shutter-release timing when using One-
Shot AF release priority. The other options [USM lens electronic
MF] and [A F-as sist beam firing], control the manual focus
operation of some lenses and the operation of AF assist function
of attached Speedlites.
Select which and how AF points are selected. This menu includes
settings related to [AF area selection mode] ([Automatic AF point
selection criteria], [Selec table AF points], [AF area selection
mode], [AF area selection method], and [Orientation linked AF
point]). In addition there is the [Lens drive when AF impossible]
option in this menu.
Within [AF5] tab are settings that control how AF points are
displayed in the viewfinder such as ([AF point display during
focusing], [VF display illumination], and [AF status in viewfinder]).
With the (Manual AF pt. selec pattern) the AF point selection can
stop at the peripheral AF point or instead loop back to the
opposite side of the AF area. For those who need to make fine
adjustments to the focus position [AF Microadjustment] is available.
AF5
Includes general settings related to display of AF points, etc.

6
7
The best parameters for different subjects and shooting scenes are
combined into presets from Case 1 - 6
Hints & Tips
Case6
For subjects that change speed and move erratically
Case5
For erratic subjects, moving in any direction
Case4
For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly
Case3
Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points
Case2
Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles
Case1
Versatile multi-purpose setting
AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Select from Case 1 - Case 6 to match subject scenarios
Presets consist of three different parameters combinations
The AF Configuration Tool is
a fu n c t i o n f or s e t t i n g A I
S e r v o A F c h a r ac t e r i s t i c s .
Therefo re, it ’s s ettings w ill
have no function when using
[One shot AF].
[AF1] tab screen. By selecting an appropriate preset from the Case 1 - Case 6
icons on the left side of the screen, the most effective AI Servo AF settings for
different subjects can be made.
When the [AF1] tab on the EOS-1D X is opened,
[Case1 Versatile multi-purpose setting] a
running man icon will be displayed. This is the
default option for the AF Configuration Tool.
Different presets to match the characteristics of
the type of subject and its movement, and the
shooting conditions, can be selected from Case
1 - Case 6. By simply selecting one of these
cases, settings for the AI Servo AF characteristics
that match the scene will be used.
,These six presets are combinations of the
following three parameters, [Tracking
sensitivity], [Accel./decel. tracking], and [AF pt
auto switching] (P. 20 - 27). Using the presets
sets the parameters in the most effective way.
However, if you wish It is also possible to
manually adjust the parameters individually.
A combination of parameters to best suit the characteristics of subject movement have been used to create the
presets from Case 1 – Case 6. By selecting the appropriate icon, the different AI Servo AF settings can be selected
to suit the subject.
Press the
INFO
button
Content
displays on
the help
screen
Moving the purple square over Case 1 – Case 6 will
display the name of each case, for example [Case1
Versatile multi-purpose setting]. If you want more
detailed information, you can press the INFO button.
T h i s w il l d i s p la y t h e h e l p s c r e e n c o n t a i n i n g
information about shooting scene examples and
which settings to alter and when.
Pushing button while any of [Case] is
indicated in display, then text information of AF
Setting Characteristics or Shooting Scene
Example is indicated.

8
9
Parameter default settings
Subject tracking sensitivity [0]
Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [0]
AF point auto switching [0]
Single-Point
Case1AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Precise and accurate focusing is possible for a wide range
Versatile multi-purpose setting
of subjects
The [AF Configuration Tool] [Case 1] is the basic
AI Servo AF setting on the EOS-1D X. As its
name indicates, it is versatile and achieves a
high level of tracking performance in a wide
variety of scenes.
Equipped with AI Servo AF III, the EOS-1D X has
improved flexibility in handling a variety of
moving subjects, and superior prediction of
movement for more accurate focusing. Even
with a variety of difficult elements such as
extremely fast movement, sudden changes in
speed, and interruptions by obstacles, AI Servo
AF III overcomes these and is able to capture
the subject.
Case 1 is the recommend setting to start
shooting with, Case 1 will provide great results
when shooting a variety of sports and moving
subjects. When more specific settings for
individual cases are desired, please try Case 2 –
Case 6 to match shooting conditions.
Case 1 can be used to great
advantage when shooting
moving subjects, making it
possible to accurately capture
fast subject.
AF on the EOS-1D X is
equipped with a new
focus tracking algorithm,
AI Servo AF III. It supports
an even greater variety of
subject movement than
before, and by utilizing
the high level tracking
performance of the AI
Servo AF III, and Case 1
configuration setting, it
can handle many different
shooting conditions.
AI Servo AF III makes it
possible to carry out
precise focus for
subjects in a wide
variety of conditions

10
11
Case2AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Continue to focus-track even when the subject momenta rily moves from the AF points
Effective when shooting scenes with fast moving subjects, or when an obstacle momen tarily appears in front of the subject
Parameter default settings
Subject tracking sensitivity [-1]
Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [0]
AF point auto switching [0]
Example of a fast
mov ing subje ct
where the focus
has shifted to
the background
(photo2). By
selecting Case 2
for situations like
this, it will be
easier to focus
track the subject.
Tr y s electing Case 2 wh en
shooting a tennis player with
fast side to side movement.
The subject will be tracked
even when they move away
from the AF points.
Case 2 is an effective setting for shooting fast
moving subjects when they move away from
the selected AF point, or when obstacles may
momentarily obscure the subject. Sometimes
when the subject moves from the selected AF
point, focus can shift to the background
(resulting in an out of focus subject), similarly
when an obstacle obscures the subject, focus
can shift to the obstacle. By selecting Case 2 in
situations like these, focus will attempt to
continue to track the desired subject. When a
subject moves away from the AF points for an
extended period (such as swimmers doing the
butterfly stroke, or sports where the subject is
hidden for intervals), even better performance
may be achieved by manually setting the
[Tracking sensitivity] parameter to [-2].
1 2

12
13
Case3AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus instantly on subjects that move into the AF points
Effective when you want to continuously photograph targeted athletes one after the other
Parameter default settings
Subject tracking sensitivity
[Responsive: +1]
Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [+1]
AF point auto switching [0]
Case 3 is the ideal setting for situations when
you want to focus quickly between subjects in
the AF points. In Case 3, the [Tracking
sensitivity] parameter is set to [+1]. As a result,
subjects that come into the AF points will be
focused on more quickly. This setting is most
effective when subjects appear suddenly in the
frame (for example photographing skiers in an
alpine skiing downhill race,). Other shooting
situations, this setting can be extremely effective
is when switching between different subjects
you want to shoot (for example, at the start of
a bicycle road race, when you want to shoot
continuously and switch from cyclist to cyclist
while focusing).
When set to Case 3, if the subject moves away
from the AF points, the camera may quickly
refocus on a different subject or background, in
contrast to Case 2. Therefore, it is recommended
that you use this setting only when you have a
particular objective as indicated above.
A scene with cyclists coming towards
the camera. While focusing on the
lead cyclist you may wish to switch
focu s to t he other cyc li sts whilst
c o n t i n u o u s l y s h o o t i n g . I n t h i s
situation, by selec ting Case 3, you
can l achieve the desired fo cus on
each subject.
2. Focus on the lead cyclist 3. Focus on the right side cyclist 4. Focus on the left side cyclist
1. Shoot the whole group while
focusing on the cyclist in the center

14
15
Case4AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus track subjects that can accelerate or decelerate quickly
Effective when a subject's speed changes rapidly, or in sports where subjects stop or change direction
Parameter default settings
Subject tracking sensitivity [0]
Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [+1]
AF point auto switching [0]
Continuously track players as they suddenly slow down and speed up
When shooting sports, there are many
situations where it will be necessary to deal
with fast moving subjects. Subjects suddenly
going from static to moving or sudden stopping
can occur in various sports and situations and it
can be difficult for the AF system to judge
accurately, In these situations, Case 4 is most
effective. With the [Accelerate / decelerate
Tracking] parameter set to [+1], the AI Servo AF
will work to focus track any changes in speed,
including sudden stops and acceleration. This
makes Case 4 the most effective setting for
shooting soccer, rugby, basketball or sports
where there is a lot of running and stopping, as
well as changes of direction. It is also effective
for cornering during motor sports (sudden
deceleration and acceleration).
For example in soccer.
A player dribbling at
h i g h s p e e d s t o p s
suddenly in front of
a defender, changes
direc ti on and then
b e g i n s t o s p r i n t
again. By using Case
4 the AF system reacts
to sudden changes
in spe ed, allowing
c o n t i n u o u s a n d
accurate focusing.

16
17
Case5AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus on subjects with erratic movement
Suitable for sports and fast action where traditionally AF systems have difficulty tracking
Parameter default settings
Subject tracking sensitivity [0]
Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [0]
AF point auto switching [+1]
Case 5 is most effective for subjects with large
amount of movements which could occur in
any direction. This setting works in 61-point
automatic selection AF, Zone AF, and AF point
expansion modes only. In Case 5, [AF pt auto
switching] is set to [+1], when the subject
moves away from the manually selected AF
point (AF points focused on initially with Zone
AF), focusing automatically switches to other AF
points that contain the subject. As a result, even
when the subject continuously leaves the
selected AF point, it is possible to increase the
ratio of photos that are in focus. This setting is
most effective when shooting subjects with
erratic movement such as figure skating,
skateboarding, and inline skating.
Using Case 5 when
p h o t o g r a p h i n g a
figure skater making
a big jump (th e AF
area selection mode
is s e t to [A F p o int
e x p a n s i o n ] ) . I t i s
possible to track the
skater's movements
by letting the camera
switch between AF
points.
Inline skating on a half-pipe. Capturing the moment s when the skater is jumping and
twisting is easier with Case 5.
It is possible to focus on subjects that move erratically
and could move in any direction
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.

18
19
Case6AF Configuration Tool [Presets]
Focus on subjects with erratic movement and changes in speed
Effective when shooting sports that feature lots of quick movements
Parameter default settings
Subject tracking sensitivity [0]
Accelerate / decelerate Tracking [+1]
AF point auto switching [+1]
Case 6 is a setting that combines features of
both Case 4 (support for sudden changes in
speed), and Case 5 (support for erratic
movement in any direction). [Accel./decel.
tracking] and [AF pt auto switching] parameters
are both [+1].
Therefore, Case 6 is an effective setting for
subjects that stop and start suddenly, but also
have erratic movement which could happen in
any direction, it works during Auto selection
61-point AF, Zone AF, and AF point expansion
only.
Shooting subjects that are most appropriate for
this setting include rhythmic gymnastics which
includes large movements with complete stops.
A rhythmic gymnast
making sudden big
jumps can be captured
when shooting with
Ca s e 6 which can
focus on subjects with
sudden movement,
and erratic movement.
Continuous focusing
is possible for large
m o v e m e n t s a n d
changes in speed.
Blue color of focus point is for illustration.