Rise of Autofocus explores the evolution and impact of autofocus technology on photography, detailing its journey from a complex, manual process to the near-effortless experience it is today.
The book highlights the engineering innovations, sociological effects, and economic factors that propelled autofocus into widespread use.
Before autofocus, achieving sharp focus required considerable skill, potentially excluding casual users.
Autofocus democratized photography, opening it to a broader audience and transforming the photographer-subject relationship.
The book traces the development of autofocus from early mechanical systems to the sophisticated electronic systems of today, including contrast and phase detection.
It examines how autofocus reshaped various photographic genres, such as portraiture and sports photography, and its role in the transition from film to digital.
By combining technical details with historical market data and photographer anecdotes, Rise of Autofocus provides a comprehensive view of how this technology has revolutionized image formation and photographic practices.
Beginning with the basics of optics, the book progresses through early focusing attempts, the rise of electronic autofocus, and its impact on different photographic styles.
It concludes with a look at current trends, like AI-powered systems, and their potential future applications.
This approach offers readers a deep understanding of autofocus, its history, and its ongoing influence on photography.
