Autofocus Mode

Controls used: button

The following autofocus modes are available when the focus mode selector is set to AF:

 

Autofocus mode

Description

AF-A

Auto select

Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus when subject is sta-

tionary, continuous-servo autofocus when subject is moving. Shutter can

 

(default setting)

only be released if camera is able to focus.

 

 

AF-S

Single-servo AF

For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button is pressed

halfway. Shutter can only be released when in-focus indicator is displayed.

 

 

 

 

For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter-release

AF-C

Continuous-servobutton is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken even when in-focus

 

AF

indicator is not displayed.

 

 

To choose the autofocus mode, press the button until the desired setting is displayed.

AF-A

AF-C AF-S

Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, use manual focus ( 32) or use focus lock ( 31) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph.

There is little or no contrast between the subject and the background

Example: Subject is the same color as the back- ground.

The focus area contains objects at different distances from the camera

Example: Subject is inside a cage.

The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns

Example: A row of windows in a skyscraper.

The subject appears smaller than the focus area

Example: Focus area contains both foreground subject and distant buildings.

The focus area contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness

Example: Subject is half in the shade.

The subject many contains fi ne details

Example: A field of flowers or other subjects that are small or lack variation in brightness.

Reference: More on Photography (All Modes) / Focus 29