Selecting a Focus Point

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i uses nine different focus points to calculate correct focus. In A-DEP, or any of the Basic Zone shooting modes, the focus point is selected automatically by the camera. In the other Creative Zone modes, you can allow the camera to select the focus point automatically, or you can specify which focus point should be used.

There are several methods to set the focus point manually. You can press the AF point selection button on the back of the camera (it’s in the upper-right corner), and choose a zone from the AF point selection screen that pops up. (Press the DISP. button if this screen is not visible.) Press the SET button to toggle between automatic focus point selection (the camera does it for you) or manual focus point selection (you need to specify the point yourself). In manual selection mode, the cross keys are used to highlight the point you want to use. (See Figure 2.7.) Press the AF point selection button again (or just tap the shutter release button) to confirm your choice and exit.