CDLC Updates 1D X AF Settings Guidebook for Firmware v2.0.x

The Canon Digital Learning Center (CDLC) has updated its EOS 1D X AF Setting Guidebook (PDF, 12.2MB) to reflect changes implemented in the 1D X's newest firmware (v2.0.3).

Before the firmware update, nearly all of the information in the 1D X Settings Guidebook applied to the 5D Mark III as well as the 1DX. After the update, the 1D X AF system differs from the 5D Mark III in the following ways:

From CDLC:

• Improved low-light AF performance, with AI Servo AF
  EOS-1D X now offers even better AF performance at the start of focus-tracking and for the first shot in a sequence; no special menu settings need to be activated for this once Firmware V. 2.0 is installed in the EOS-1D X.
• Expanded range of Accel./Decel. Tracking settings for steadily moving subjects
  EOS-1D X adds new “-1” and “-2” settings to extend AF stability with subjects moving at continuous, steady speeds. These also help AF not be slightly thrown-off by sudden but minor changes when focus-tracking a distant subject.
• Wider range of “priority” choices — faster shooting speeds or more time for AF
  AI Servo 2nd Image Priority expands its range of choices with new “-2” (maintain fastest possible fps speed during a shooting sequence) and “+2” (slow down or even stop continuous shooting until sharpness is confirmed) settings.
• Orientation Linked AF: option to link same AF Area type to pre-selected AF points
  EOS-1D X now offers the option to have memorized horizontal and vertical AF points with AF Area type linked — if one is changed, the other changes automatically.
• Instantly change AF settings, or jump to 14 fps shooting, with a back-button
  New option to select an entirely new AF “Case,” change AF mode (One Shot AF to AI Servo or vice versa) or instantly switch from standard 12 fps hi-speed to 14 fps super hi-speed shooting by pressing either AF-ON or AE Lock button. Another option for these buttons: toggle from One Shot AF to AI Servo (or vice versa) only, while one of these back-buttons is pressed.
• Register/Recall shooting function: instantly change major settings with a back-button
  EOS-1D X users can memorize an entirely different range of exposure, White Balance, AF Area type and AI Servo AF settings — and apply them to the AF-ON or AE Lock button. Without even removing the camera from the eye, a moving subject can continue to be tracked, even if (for instance) it moves from sunlight into shade or from steady, continuous movement to erratic, stop/start type movement.
• Automatic AF point selection can start from last manually-selected AF point
  New EOS-1D X option to maintain same starting point for Automatic AF point selection, in AI Servo AF, as was being used during manual AF point selection.
• Auto ISO enhancements
  Pre-select a faster minimum shutter speed (all the way up to 1/8000th second), under which Auto ISO will automatically be raised, and new EOS-1D X ability to intentionally apply Exposure Compensation when Auto ISO is used in Manual exposure mode.
• Automatic exposure adjustment if Manual lens aperture suddenly changes
  EOS-1D X now has the option to shift either shutter speed or ISO (user’s choice) if a preset lens aperture in Manual exposure mode suddenly changes — for instance, if shooting wide-open with a lens alone and then adding an EF 1.4x or 2x Extender or if shooting wide-open with an f/2.8 lens and then changing to a slower f/4 or f/5.6 lens.

Even considering the recent changes reflected in the text, most 5D Mark III owners will find most of the information in the 1DX AF Settings Guidebook to be illuminating, relevant and useful.

Download the EOS 1D X AF Setting Guidebook (PDF, 12.2MB) for more information.