Expanded area AF

**Spodeworld** · 12-31-2014, 07:41 AM

Well, I just got my new K-3!!!

I have a question, and I'm sure I'll have plenty more. But this one is about Expanded Area AF.

There are a lot of AF choices.

It looks like using Expanded Area AF makes sense, since the goal is to keep the subject in focus, and this appears to help even if they move away from the selected focus point. I guess this is a kind of predictive AF.

Given that, doesn't Expanded Area AF (L) make the most sense to use since it engages all the points, if necessary? Is there a downside to using it?

Thanks

Last edited by Spodeworld; 12-31-2014 at 07:49 AM.

AquaDome · 12-31-2014, 09:16 AM

Congratulations on getting your new K-3!

JinDesu · 12-31-2014, 09:26 AM

Sometimes the AF gets confused by objects that cross your subject, and increasing the area of the Expanded AF introduces more of these confusions. So if you NEED the larger area, then go for Expanded AF (L), but otherwise a smaller area will be more reliable.

**Spodeworld** · 12-31-2014, 09:33 AM

I saw a function in the, Hold AF Status. I'm wondering if this can be used to cut down on the confusion you mentioned. The default is off, but if I use Expanded AF, maybe also setting Hold AF Status with one of the on selections would help as it appears that it would provide a buffer before the camera tries to readjust focus.

Thoughts?

Originally posted by JinDesu

Sometimes the AF gets confused by objects that cross your subject, and increasing the area of the Expanded AF introduces more of these confusions. So if you NEED the larger area, then go for Expanded AF (L), but otherwise a smaller area will be more reliable.

JinDesu · 12-31-2014, 09:42 AM - **1 Like**

While the HOLD AF is intended to help, the statement still applies that in (L), the camera's AF module can pick up more interference than in (M). That being said, I use (L) myself because my general shooting subjects are people, and they are generally contrasty and don't get confused with other objects by the camera. However if I were shooting a bird in foliage, I may want to go down to (M) and make sure my camera framing is good enough to keep the bird in the smaller area.

ScooterMaxi Jim · 12-31-2014, 10:16 AM

I'm relatively new to the K-3, and I find the AF choices pretty challenging. Many here have given advice for specific situations they typically encounter.

It would be great if an authority on the subject went through all the various settings and options, recommending what works best in particular situations. That would make an especially helpful "sticky" at the top of the K-3 forum.

12-31-2014, 07:41 AM	#1
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370	Expanded area AF Well, I just got my new K-3!!! I have a question, and I'm sure I'll have plenty more. But this one is about Expanded Area AF. There are a lot of AF choices. It looks like using Expanded Area AF makes sense, since the goal is to keep the subject in focus, and this appears to help even if they move away from the selected focus point. I guess this is a kind of predictive AF. Given that, doesn't Expanded Area AF (L) make the most sense to use since it engages all the points, if necessary? Is there a downside to using it? Thanks Last edited by Spodeworld; 12-31-2014 at 07:49 AM.

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12-31-2014, 09:16 AM	#2
AquaDome Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Carlisle, IN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,475	Congratulations on getting your new K-3!

12-31-2014, 09:26 AM	#3
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Sometimes the AF gets confused by objects that cross your subject, and increasing the area of the Expanded AF introduces more of these confusions. So if you NEED the larger area, then go for Expanded AF (L), but otherwise a smaller area will be more reliable.

12-31-2014, 09:33 AM	#4
Spodeworld Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Joisey Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,370 Original Poster	I saw a function in the, Hold AF Status. I'm wondering if this can be used to cut down on the confusion you mentioned. The default is off, but if I use Expanded AF, maybe also setting Hold AF Status with one of the on selections would help as it appears that it would provide a buffer before the camera tries to readjust focus. Thoughts? Originally posted by JinDesu Sometimes the AF gets confused by objects that cross your subject, and increasing the area of the Expanded AF introduces more of these confusions. So if you NEED the larger area, then go for Expanded AF (L), but otherwise a smaller area will be more reliable.

12-31-2014, 09:42 AM - 1 Like	#5
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	While the HOLD AF is intended to help, the statement still applies that in (L), the camera's AF module can pick up more interference than in (M). That being said, I use (L) myself because my general shooting subjects are people, and they are generally contrasty and don't get confused with other objects by the camera. However if I were shooting a bird in foliage, I may want to go down to (M) and make sure my camera framing is good enough to keep the bird in the smaller area.

12-31-2014, 10:16 AM	#6
ScooterMaxi Jim Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,520	I'm relatively new to the K-3, and I find the AF choices pretty challenging. Many here have given advice for specific situations they typically encounter. It would be great if an authority on the subject went through all the various settings and options, recommending what works best in particular situations. That would make an especially helpful "sticky" at the top of the K-3 forum.