5D mark III auto focus (newb) question!

[GoodVendettaPhotography]

I'm an accountant full time. I just bought a 5d not too long ago and haven't really had a good sit down with her. My question is about the way the auto focus picks what to focus on. On my 7d, I never had to do any kind of adjusting; I always felt it just kind of knew what I was trying to focus and would do it, but as of right now my 5d only selects the very middle of each frame? Is there a quick way to allow the camera to pick what it believes to be best?

I know this question is ridiculous, but I have little to no time during tax season!

Thank you!

 

[Loswr]

Sounds like you want auto AF point selection, which picks the subject closest to the camera. Press the AF point/mode select button (top right on the back of the camera) then turn the main dial (index finger wheel) to 61-pt auto (the parentheses-like icon, all the way on the right of the top row of icons).

Personally, I prefer to use the joystick to move the AF point where I want it, rather than let the camera pick my subject for me...

 

[alexanderferdinand]

+1.

Let the camera choose where to focus can cause:

1. the closest point to the camera or
2. the most tempting thing to focus for the camera.
i.e. it focusses on a sharp edge behind the face.