Sony Autofocus - Settings To NEVER MISS The Shot

This is how I have my camera set up to get the best AF tracking. This is how I've found works the best to never miss the shot. In this video, I show A7iii tracking and a6400 real-time tracking. (If you are wondering what my Drive Speed is: Normal | Track Sens is: Responsive)
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Thanks to @Marissaemma and @Madvillan for the help on this video. I couldn't have done it without them :)
If you are thinking of Buying an a7iii or a6400 shown in this video check the links below:
A7iii- geni.us/VJui
A6400- geni.us/lh7xS
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Here is the gear I use to make my videos. If you are interested check the Amazon or B&H affiliate links below!
My Main Camera & Lens:
A7iii - geni.us/VJui
Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM - geni.us/3MiLhiA
Gear used for talking head:
Sony a6100- geni.us/KMAc
Sony 28mmf2- geni.us/fF9wJba
Padcaster- geni.us/ARD7
Mics:
Deity D3 Pro- geni.us/BhSQch
Rode Pod Mic- bhpho.to/2SCHkZf
Rode Wireless Go- geni.us/7UeS
Rode Link Lav-geni.us/RO1B313
Rode NTG4+ -geni.us/A51W
Recorder / Monitor: Atomos Ninja V:
geni.us/m0lOFe1
The lighting used:
FalconEyes RX818- geni.us/alI0wFc
Aputure 120D- geni.us/YSJH
Aputure LightDome- geni.us/edavK
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#a6400 #A7iii #BestAutofocusSettings
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[@LeeZavitz]

I'm really excited to release my NEW high-quality Lightroom Presets! They are the same ones I use on my edits! Find them here: ClassicPorts.com

[@Anewevisual]

blesssssss

[@John.RSilva]

How can I do a self-timer and camera focus on me before it takes the shot so it can focus on me and not on background?

[@AfricanTheory]

which mic did you use here? the quality is super

[@malenky4057]

I think one important thing you missed off is 'Face/Eye Prty in AF'. With this, you basically use a flexible spot like you normally would, but if it detects a face and your flexible spot is over the face box, it will focus on the eye/face. If your point is not over a face it will just function as regular flexible spot. This means you can be selective about which face/eye you want in focus when there are multiple faces in frame. It also works with any other focus modes (except lock on AF on the A7iii), so you can use it with zone, for example. I see this a lot, where people seem to think that the only option for Eye-AF is to use it effectively as wide, or to not use it at all and use focus points instead, when there is a perfect hybrid setup as I described.

[@colinoneil5050]

IVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THIS FOR A WEEK AND NO FORUM OR FACEBOOK GROUP HAD THE ANSWER! IVE JUST TAKEN SHOTS OF MY DOG USING THESE SETTINGS AND FOCUS STAYS RIGHT UP UNTIL THE 50mm FOCAL LENGTH LOSES IT! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! BEST VID ON THE A7iii HANDSDOWN!

[@jessicagrace5625]

hahaha "if you didn't like it, give it a thumb down twice" . fantastic. very useful video, thank you!

[@genghis2510]

I can’t understand why other reviewers have to bash, compare, negatively recommend, downgrade, focus on what they see as design flaw, etc. when it’s not difficult to be constructive as you. Thumbs up!

[@thomastuorto9929]

It is knowing how to use your system as it best suits the situation. That flex mode is great. This is coming from a Nikon user thinking of swithching to Sony 7R4 or Canon R5. Great vid.

[@ven1536]

I have the Sony a7riii the way to focus with this camera does feels like slows me down more than when I used to have a DSLR.... if using the flex option focusing the the button in the back of the camera takes time to place in the right place and worst is that little square box you are moving is colour grey I wish it was any other colour because is difficult to visualize when in an outdoor day shoot.

[@gausselim1474]

I just realized after watching your video that I know very little about how to get the most out of my A6400. I really need to practice all of this. Thanks for posting because there is not a lot out there on this.

[@robertaldrich2635]

I've had an a6600 for months now and yet every day I dig into it I learn more, including the tracking mode you showed at the end. There seems to be a version of this mode in video as well. I use my a6600 with a Sigma 150-600 for shooting surfing and found that in 4K video, touch focus works amazingly well and though the surfer may be 500 feet away, you can later blow it up and see his facial expressions beautifully, like a secret smile at catching that wave.

[@StoicRageTV]

Dude you just saved my life!!!! As an event photography I started to become more aware of my focus & couldn’t figure it out every time they moved there head. 5:12 I did the same thing to recreate and was having trouble showing others. You DESCRIBED it perfectly!

[@MartinB0]

Thank you bro. I got secondhand A7R IV few days ago and I was really confused when I tried do comprehend AF modes. Previous owner tried to show me, how to set it up, but you are much better teacher :)

[@rogert9878]

Finally I understood the difference between FACE/EYE Priority function and the EYE AF function on my A7 III with Rev 3 firmware. Thank you very much.

[@thedavidbrother2]

Yeah. very counterintuitive that eye-af works best with Face AF OFF. I mean, #SONY, when in the world would you want to focus on a face and NOT the eyes... More real-world testing, please.

[@DJ_S-3-R-G]

I love my a6600. Even tho I know how to use manual focus and yes it can be better at time. That autofocus from Sony is just amazing!

[@josepht3154]

This video is posted 4 years ago. I finally saved enough to get the a7III and two lenses. 28-70 and the Samyang 135mm. I'm so excited to get back into photography I'm mostly excited about the continuous shooting this camera has. My old one shot so slow and i missed 90% of shots.

[@quyencv3830]

For A7ii, wide area + AFC + Face detect on are working for me in most of case

[@angelamiller3776]

Is there a video for someone who is new to the a6000 so new that you don't even know how to scroll through the varies screens which is needed to set the modes? I need my camera set in AF-A mode and my eyes are crossing trying to set that up.

[@ecitizenmichael]

Hey Lee, so happy to find this video today. I need to learn the focus system for a7iv. I'm new to Sony. Also delighted to see you are a Fuji guy so you know where I'm coming from. I think an updated version of this video would be a big hit on yt. Have a great day

[@RhettegettBorshow]

It's been a while since I've learned this much in 7 minutes. Really helpful video!

[@careycarter2477]

With AF face detection you could register her face I think as the primary and then it’s more focused on her than his even if he crossed into frame? I think that could work but don’t quote me on it.

[@thewirah1]

Sony's autofocus system really takes the joy out of shooting. Who wants to have to quickly move around a focus point with a crappy wheel to take a portrait? Or do a deep dive into the menus every time you want to go from shooting a portrait to a landscape or a still? The menus are over the place, and you can't find a single tutorial that doesn't require reassigning some of the buttons to take a basic portrait or still. I had the RX100 mark I, and I don't remember it being plagued by the same issues as the A6 series and the A7.

[@veneziovenditti2451]

Af track sens 4. The camera change fast the focus. Put at 1 and it will be sticky with your subject even something enter in the frame

[@footsy420]

cool, i have the same to cameras. The expanded flexible spot tracking can be changed is size by moving the selector left or right while you are on it. I'm not sure if it matters much.

[@AfricanSunProductions]

Thanks Lee, this helped a lot. I just got the A7 iv, still have lots to learn. Easy sub.

[@LeeZavitz]

Nice. I actually have a completely different video like this but for a7iv because the menu and af system is different

[@fit4fifty]

Hey Lee, thanks for explaining the Sony AF options so well. Great video.

[@daysofourlife420]

Anyone else noticing that 24fps does better than 30fps? Great video by the way ☺️

[@RyanMatta]

BRO, YOU SHOULD REMAKE THIS 5x AND USE 5 DIFFERENT SETS OF KEYWORDS AND TITLES. IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS FOREVER. Just got my SUB instantly. PS I was searching best focus setting sony a7iii as a webcam. How to get face to stay in focus with a mic in front of your face... THANKS FOR GETTING RIGHT INTO IN AND NOT OVER EXPLAING. GOSH DAMN WHAT A GREAT VIDEO

[@LeeZavitz]

Lol I appreciate it! I actually felt like this video has been doing well for views. I’ve made way better videos than this with detailed info but they never get views. KZbin is weird that way.

[@jianzhimeng1698]

One of the best video that explained how to use the sony autofocus for photography.

[@bighenrywun]

You can register the face and set face priority.

[@DeathlySecurity]

The face one can be handy if you register the face you want it to focus on so it still takes that face on priority

[@SinCityDetail]

I'm going to try some of your suggestions. The problem I'm having with my A7C is when I shoot my interior shots of my detailing, if my arm goes in front of the floor board while I'm vacuuming the focus goes to the back of my arm instead of the floor boards. I was told by someone else to use manual focus, but that is a pain when I have to set up so many different shots.

[@philindeblanc]

This video is actually...its actually helpful...I actually mean it.

[@krutzaan2102]

I will use this trick while shooting my next wedding. Thanks so much for sharing. I struggled with this for a really long time

[@Itdoesntmakesense2me]

Good video as always. What monitor are you using. Can you please post the link for the monitor?

[@LeeZavitz]

Its what I use to record the screen. Atomos Ninja V geni.us/XooM4J

[@Pharesm]

its good, but of course, I have no idea how to follow what you did, without seeing the menu choices activated... I remember Hugh from 3 blind mice and an Elefant, thinking the A7C didn't have continuous tracking in video, because the menu settings were completely inscrutable...

[@ashleyholstein7589]

Best explanation in the whole KZbin universe. Thank you!!

[@Fernyg323]

Nice video man. Very informative and useful. These Sony cameras have so many features!

[@krishnakrrish4170]

Thanks gud info... Last week I bought Sony a6400 . will try it this... I'm beginner

[@dvampofo]

This video was very helpful. I kept my focus wide when making videos for my channel and couldnt figure out how to fix it. Thanks Lee!

[@prabhatupadhyay2512]

Can you please make a detail video on AF track sens in sony A7III standard vs responsive which to use to get sharp eye autofocus

[@assmaamedhat7380]

Brilliant, thanks for the easy-to-understand-even-when-you-aren't-a-photographer content ✌️

[@landontproductions8186]

Hey man! Great vid! The a7iii actually does have lock on again expand flexible spot! I use it

[@GearFocus]

A great video that every Sony shooter should watch.

[@adrianespinoza3035]

Where’s the video or do you have info on how to get canon color profile onto Sony a7riii? Thx

[@peterlawson8563]

Nice. I’ll watch it a few times. New owner of A7iv with Tamron 28-75 f2.8, and desperately looking for control of the AF. It was a lot simpler on the Canon 350D!!

[@LeeZavitz]

I made a new video on autofocus for a7iv. It’s my latest video

[@peterlawson8563]

@@LeeZavitz on my way there! Cheers from Melbourne, Australia

[@msagliocco]

Was fooling around with settings on A9ii and now the flex spot goes back to center after each shot. Ugh, I like using your short cut but now sure what I did. Thanks!

[@rajulrmakumar]

Can you do a similar video for x-t3?

[@nenatirkkonen1659]

Yes, please do!

[@ilanlachish8600]

Thank you very much, you show the real work, the real problems and how to solve / deal with them in photography, thank you

[@LeeZavitz]

I appreciate it. Thanks for watching

[@CMedia87]

Eye AF can be set to AF ON button in latest firmware it's on page 5 instead

[@LeeZavitz]

Yeah I know. But I’m personally not a fan of that. Maybe it works for you but. Eye af doesn’t always work in some conditions and I’d rather have a small af point incase it doesn’t work and then toggle it on when Want it. I show this in the video when she is against the fence.

[@miguelesteban8775]

Can I also set that setting liek yours but i want back button AF to trigger my AF? and leave my shutter button only for taking the shot.

[@user-xz5bv8ir7j]

Very useful topic. Good explanation & demonstration. Well done & thank you.

[@sviatoslavpidkhomnyi8685]

Hello, sony a7iii don't have tracing: expand flexible spot?

[@slatana_studio]

Thank you very much especially for Tracking function!

[@karadytube]

I appreciate your effort, can you please make a video about exporting setting for KZbin in premiere pro. Thamks.

[@robertpacheco7431]

I just use the button on the lens for eye AF just seems easier for me, will try the flexible spot though I’ve been using wide and I’ve had issues getting what I want in focus, thanks for the tip hopefully it works just as well on the A7ll.

[@fghjohn]

The AF mode you suggested doesn't work for my A7R4. Not sure why. I would rather just tap the screen and keep my subject tracked

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Good bit of educational info there, Lee. BTW, the young lady looks like she was working hard in that video. Must have been a bright day out. I will be looking for more videos.

[@GilbertTV]

great video Lee... I have both the a7riii & a6400... good advice for wedding photographers or events ..

[@markshirley01]

Hi Lee - In your opinion is real time tracking superior to the 'standard' Sony AF.

[@reklessevilkid]

Am I the only one that noticed she is wearing a "team rocket" shirt on from the pokemon series lmaoo. I love it!

[@John.RSilva]

How can I do a self-timer and camera focus on me before it takes the shot so it can focus on me and not on background?

[@prashantnz]

Thanks heaps from NZ.

[@dandanu2526]

Can't find Tracking: expand flexible spot

[@EmmanuelOnitheoneandoni]

Very good explanation

[@maile4966]

thanks for the video! i'm an amateur photographer and own a sony a6400 :)

[@LongTruong.mp4]

When I hold the AF-ON to track the Eye AF, it tracks the eye perfectly! However, the focus area box is still visible. Is there a way to use the AF-ON for tracking the eye and making the focus area box disappear?

[@LeeZavitz]

It’s Because you are still in the other focus area technically. Af-on when set to eye is just temporarily disabling it and moving to the eye. You will always see that little box unless you are shooting in wide area.

[@LongTruong.mp4]

@@LeeZavitz I see, thank you!

[@sidharthan1784]

Hai lee, can you answer this? Does a7iii has object tracking like a6400? Is there Real-time face detection & real time eye auto focus in video in a7iii?

[@kahdeemjefferson5045]

The expandable flexible spot on my camera is grey out I tried using a 85 and 35mm Sony lenses, but it say invalid with lens, if the lens ahas a MF/AF switch, preform the operation on lens...what does that mean

[@ESCLOROPENDOLA]

hola te felicito por tus fotos tan maravillosas.yo tengo la sony a7r4 y el objetivo sony 200-600 y nunca me salen las fotos perfectamente nitidas.la configuro de 1200 a 2000 de velocidad con enfoque de seguimiento automatico rafaga alta f10 pues f5,6 a 600mm nunca sale nitida ninguna imagen.asi que no se que puede fallar en mi enfoque pues el objetivo y la camara desde que los compre no enfocan al vuelo bien nada nunca

[@ionutpopa2315]

Hey! Nice video! Can someone here tell me why Sony a7iii makes something like "black flash" or a short flicker right when is focusing? I mean in the moment when focus spot turns green? Is not doing all the time, and i saw this thing in this video too. Thanks alot!

[@whothennow24]

How does flexible spot work in the A7? I can only move the spot around for a second or two after selecting that focus mode. I can’t move the spot around after that, though, so it’s useless. Am I doing something wrong?

[@EdwardSimms]

finally i understand the focusing modes

[@RDPphoto74]

What is that monitor you have on the hot shoe? Got a link for that?

[@claraallansson3431]

Does the flexible spot only focus when you half press the shutter or how do you activate it?

[@ephemere82]

if i set the shutter button to trigger eyeaf can i override eyeaf keeping activated another af mode with another button? thanks!

[@defyiant]

Thanks this kinda helped me as I'm new to photography

[@pablochacon6768]

Lets say if i want to film cars. And close ups of the cars and car parts. Which autofocus mode would you say fits the best? I really could use an answer and help on that one haha :D

[@j.jesushernandezp.4491]

Thanks for the video, what monitor do you use on the camera?

[@jamesgkrk]

Nice video, shame about the youtube advert for tax avoidance before it. but nice video all the same. I'm an amateur photographer and have had big issues with eye AF so this tip is mega

[@LeeZavitz]

Yeah I have no control about what KZbin serves as ads. Yeah the eye af is the biggest reason to shoot Sony for me.

[@BrooklynAL2010]

Outstanding amount of helpful tips! Thank you.

[@surimakhloga30]

Hi I m unable to deliver eye auto focus from a7iii.....pls help?

[@Lucamitm]

Can you explain tracking sensitivity vs drive speed ? Thanks

[@dillons82]

I am using the a6700 and had no issues with the autofocus...Somehow my AF (while in Picture mode) does not seem to work anymore...I have to press the shutter everytime I want to focus on a subject....I need help and do not want this :( Thx!

[@LeeZavitz]

Yeah the a6700 is way more advanced and has a way better autofocus system compared to when I made this video. This video is super old now. In photo mode pretty sure you will always have to half press the shutter button to focus and track a subject when in af-c or af-s. It’s only video when you are in af-c that you don’t have to

[@ardl7099]

What is the meaning of that MM ? Beside ISO

[@underwaterHD]

Great video. What mic are you using

[@antdx316]

Can't you just set to focus to locked-on 1 instead of 3 or responsive 5?

[@lynneharty9966]

Thanks for this - I feel like the settings don't work the same on the A7RIV - I can no longer focus with the center bottom button as I used to. Do you have a video about focusing for that camera specificallY?

[@LeeZavitz]

Might have to set it up for that by customizing it. I can make an a7iv autofocus video but most of it would be the same. The only big difference on the a7iv is how much better the tracking and eye autofocus is

[@giuseppesica1]

Thank you Lee for this video. It is very help for me.

[@AndresSenande]

great video, can you do a tutorial showing how you screen recorded the camera to show like you're looking through the viewfinder?

[@LeeZavitz]

HDMI out of the camera and into the Atomos Ninja V. That’s how I record the screen

[@La-verdad-aunque-duela]

Lee, thanks so much for this video, may I ask which mic did you use here? . I would appreciate a lot your response :)

[@LeeZavitz]

I think I used the rode go (mki) with rode link lav taped under my shirt.

[@minibuns5397]

I set the Sony A1 to auto and it does everything for me.

[@shreesha_edits144]

Thanks for this video ... Very informative and much needed!!!

[@jonasandersen3385]

I have a sony a7iii and cant get the joystick to move the autofocus around. It either changes ISO (when turning the wheel), takes up the histogram, or it takes up the metering mode. Does anyone know how I can get the joystick to control the autofocus?

[@MicheleDiLella]

The joystick is not the round selection wheel, ti is the actual joystick that is above it

[@miladhonarmandian5044]

سلام در یک تصویر امکان داره چند نقطه متفاوت رو فوکوس بکنیم ؟ مثلا سه نفر با فاصله متفاوت از دوربین و با فاصله از هم وایسادن . میشه رو همشون فوکوس کرد ؟

[@waynelast1685]

3:41 It's confusing... if you are using flexible spot , does the camera still focus on that spot if someone walks in front of the camera?

[@LeeZavitz]

It will only focus on that spot if you half press. So it’s kind of up to you. The af spot is only active when you are half pressing the shutter. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not like when you are recording video and the camera is constantly always focusing

[@exhalenegative7689]

I feel like this video just solved all my issues

[@lionroots11]

You do great, what lens are you using?

[@john_free_thinker]

Is there a way to make it that the camera focus is not all over the place? A way to make the focus calm and settle? I want it to be that when I am recording the camera is able to focus, but not get blurry in video when constantly adjusting the focus. Is there a nature way for it to look more smooth? Thank you.

[@truthseeker6804]

check focus drive speed, and change to normal or slow.

[@john_free_thinker]

@@truthseeker6804 Ok. thank you.

[@truthseeker6804]

@@john_free_thinker theres also tracking sensivity and you can make that slower, you would have to play with both and see which solves your issue.

[@john_free_thinker]

@@truthseeker6804 Yeah, sometimes it tries to focus on to many different things and makes it blurry. I do review videos where you really only see my hands and body movement along with items in my hands.

[@nicoleorozcorealtor]

So question, do you have to hold the auto eye focus button down the entire time even when pushing the shutter because when I take my finger off the eye focus and hit the shutter half way down it removes the eye box and puts a green square into the center focused on their chest or whatever. So how do I keep it on the eye?

[@LeeZavitz]

Depends on how you set it up. I have it so you have you keep your thumb on eye af button the whole time even when pressing the shutter

[@Mertz98]

Great video, but with my sony a6500 when I want to film in my saved modes like dail 1 and 2 I can't do face detection. Also when I am pressing the record button while in manuel mode like in this video the face detection box disappears Is this a good way to focus If you want to shoot a cinematic fitness movie with fast movements etc?

[@dieulensthompson9707]

Depending of the version camera or the lens?

[@LeeZavitz]

It’s is a super old video now. So it would really only pertain to any Sony camera under 2019. Anything after 2020 and newer is so much better

[@michgreeno1]

You explained it very well thank you 👍

[@saadsather6168]

pls help me... my sony a6300 only autofocus with halfpress shutter button. It doesnt autofocus without half pressing shutter button. i need to continously hold in half press to focus...why is it like that...can anyone help me pls.

[@LeeZavitz]

That’s normal if you are taking photos. If you are in video you won’t have to hold shutter down to focus. Make sure you are in af-c