Nikon D2Xs manual Autofocus, AF-Area Mode

Taking Photographs—Focus

Autofocus

When the focus mode selector is set to S (single-servo autofocus) or C (con- tinuous-servo autofocus), the camera focuses automatically when the shut- ter-release button is pressed halfway. This section describes focus options that are only available in single- and continuous-servo AF.

AF-Area Mode

AF-area mode determines how the focus area is selected in autofocus mode. To select the AF-area mode, rotate the AF-area mode selector. The se- lected mode is shown by an icon in the top control panel (see following page).

Manual Focus

Single-area AF is automatically selected when manual focus is used.

The Top Control Panel

The selected focus area or group of focus areas is shown in the top control panel in single-area AF, dynamic-area AF, and group dynamic-AF. The illustrations in the “Icon” column show the display when the center focus area or focus area group is selected. The top control panel display does not show the focus area selected by the camera for dynamic-area AF with closest subject priority.

a1—AF-C Mode Priority (185)

In focus mode C (continuous-servo autofocus) photographs can be taken even when the camera is not in focus (release priority). To ensure that the camera is in focus when the picture is taken, choose Focus for Custom Setting a1 (AF-C mode priority). Se- lect FPS rate + AF for improved focus during continuous shooting.

a2—AF-S Mode Priority (185)

In focus mode S (single-servo autofocus) photographs can be taken only when the camera is in focus (focus priority). To allow photographs to be taken regardless of whether or not the camera is in focus, choose Release for Custom Setting a2 (AF-S mode priority).

a3—Group Dynamic AF (186)

This option controls how focus areas are grouped in group dynamic-AF mode and whether the camera tracks the subject in the center focus area of the selected group.

a4—Lock-On (188)

This option controls whether the camera immediately adjusts focus to track a subject when the distance to the subject changes drastically.

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