Sony Eye AF
Sony Eye AF (Eye Autofocus) is an autofocus technology developed by Sony for its digital interchangeable-lens cameras. It is designed to automatically detect and maintain focus on a subject’s eyes during photography and video recording. The feature is primarily used in portrait work, where sharp eye focus is considered essential, especially when shooting with wide-aperture lenses and shallow depth of field.
Eye AF functions as part of Sony’s advanced subject recognition and tracking system, using real-time analysis to keep focus locked on the human eye even when the subject moves within the frame. Over multiple camera generations, Sony expanded the technology to support animal and bird eye detection, making it relevant for both portrait and wildlife photography.
Overview
Traditional autofocus systems often prioritize a general subject area, such as the face or body, which can lead to missed focus in situations where precision is required. Sony Eye AF was developed to address this limitation by targeting the eye as the primary focus point. This approach improves accuracy when photographing moving subjects or when the subject’s face is partially turned away from the camera.
Technology and operation
Sony Eye AF combines phase-detection autofocus points with software-based pattern recognition. The camera continuously evaluates facial features and eye position, allowing focus to remain fixed on the eye even under motion or changing framing conditions. Sony describes this capability as part of its AI-supported Real-time Tracking system.
Later implementations introduced expanded recognition modes:
- Human Eye AF — optimized for portrait and event photography.
- Animal Eye AF — introduced for pets and wildlife applications.
- Bird Eye AF — designed for tracking birds in flight and fast wildlife scenarios.
Development history
Eye AF was introduced in Sony’s mirrorless Alpha camera line in the mid-2010s and became widely recognized with models such as the Sony α7 III and the Sony α9 series. Sony continued improving performance through firmware updates, increasing accuracy and expanding supported subject categories.
In 2019, Sony presented Real-time Eye AF as a major step forward in autofocus automation, highlighting its use of advanced subject recognition methods for both still photography and video recording.
Applications
Sony Eye AF is commonly used in areas where consistent eye sharpness is important, including portrait photography, weddings, events, and professional video production. With the addition of animal and bird detection, the feature also became relevant for wildlife photography.
Supported camera systems
Eye AF is available in many Sony Alpha interchangeable-lens cameras, though functionality varies depending on the processor generation and firmware version. Sony provides compatibility details through official product specifications and support documentation.