From the course: The Practicing Photographer

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Contrast and phase detection in cameras

Contrast and phase detection in cameras

From the course: The Practicing Photographer

Contrast and phase detection in cameras

- Different cameras have different autofocus features. Some autofocus systems can detect faces, or track moving subjects. Some work better in low light than others. Most cameras these days have several different autofocus modes and options available, and there's a lot of variation in the interfaces and feature sets of the autofocus systems that you'll find on different cameras. On most cameras today, autofocus systems are built on top of two different passive autofocus technologies. Passive means they analyze light coming into the camera to determine focus. This differs from active focus technologies that emit something like sound or infrared light to measure focus. Early autofocus systems were generally active, but today's passive systems yield better focus with fewer drawbacks. Active systems can be confused by when you're shooting through glass or bars on a cage at the zoo, they usually don't work well under water. If you're using a moderately recent camera, then it probably uses…

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