A7C best way to configure focusing

[Zedster]

I have owned the basic a6000 and a7 camera for some years and my prefered method of focusing on these camera is back button focusing. So I disable the focus on shutter half press and set AEL w/ shutter on. And change the AEL Button to AF On. In us I generally place the focus spot over the primary suject, then momentarily press the AEL button to fix that point. Then I point the camera to the area likely to give the exposure i require and half press and hold the shutter button then I recompose and take the shot.

It may not be the best way to work but I have been doing it for some time and it works for me.

I have just purchased a A7C and would like to set the focus method similar to my other two cameras. But then I came across an artical explaining how advanced the auto focusing system is on the A7C with face/eye detection and tracking as faces move. Is there a way to set up back button focusing like I am used to but have a means to override it and just let the camera do all the focusing automatically for things like events with lots of movement. I notice there is a record button for video that can be repurposed and I am unlikely to shoot videos, so that would be available.

[Cameratose]

Don't misinterpret the manual. You still need to BBF or half-press the shutter button to activate the focus in the camera.

There's a feature called pre-AF for still images that will make the camera focus before you half-press, however, that also means if you're out on a walk the camera is continuously trying to focus as you move around and will wear out your battery in a hurry. It's really not suitable for everyday use, more in controlled environments. If you want to use it, I believe you can program it to toggle on/off with a custom key. 

ILCE-7C | Help Guide | Pre-AF (still image) (sony.net)

There is another cool feature you may want to consider. You can tie the metering to your focus point in certain AF modes. That way you will get the proper metering and exposure for the subject instead of having to recompose for metering's sake. Look up 'focus point link' in the online guide.