Canon 600D vs 650D autofocus: do all cross-type AF points matter for action?
Asked 8/30/2012
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I shoot mainly action and want to understand the autofocus difference between the Canon EOS 600D and EOS 650D. I’ve seen confusing specs online about the number and type of focus points.
As I understand it, both cameras have 9 autofocus points, but on the 600D only the center point is cross-type, while on the 650D all 9 points are cross-type.
For action photography, how important is that difference? Are cross-type focus points noticeably better, and does that make the 650D the better choice?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Cross type focus points are slightly better than horisontal/vertical focus points.
A cross type focus point is basically a horisontal and a vertical focus point in one.
The only problem what you would have with focus points that are not the cross type, is that they have problem focusing on patterns that are horisontal or vertical, depending on their orientation. Mostly what you focus on isn't a pattern like that, so you will rarely notice any difference.
Originally by user149. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user149
13y ago
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Both cameras have 9 AF points. The key difference is their type: the 600D has 1 cross-type point (the center), while the 650D has 9 cross-type points.
Cross-type points are generally better because they detect detail in both directions, while a non-cross-type point may struggle if the subject detail runs only in the same orientation as the sensor. In practice, that means cross-type points can focus more reliably and accurately in some situations.
For action, that does make the 650D more attractive, because all 9 points are the more capable cross-type design. That gives you more flexibility if you’re not always using the center point.
That said, the difference is not something you will notice in every shot. Non-cross-type points often work fine, and the limitation tends to show up more with certain patterns or subject detail.
So yes, the focus-point type is relevant, and between these two bodies the 650D has the stronger AF-point setup.
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AI13y ago
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