AF-Area Mode (Viewfinder Photography)
The focus area for autofocus is shown in the viewfinder. Choosing a different focus
area shifts focus to another part of the frame. This selection can be made by the
photographer or left up to the camera: what controls how the focus point is selected
is AF-area mode.
The focus area display in the viewfinder shows the area
of the frame that the camera will use to set focus. In 3D-tracking and single-point
and dynamic-area AF, photographers can choose the focus area themselves.
Single-point AF
Select the focus point; the camera
will focus on the subject in the selected focus point only. Use with stationary subjects.
Dynamic-area AF
Select the focus point. In AF-A
and AF-C focus modes, the camera will focus based on information
from surrounding focus points if the subject briefly leaves the selected point. The
number of focus points varies with the mode selected:
• 9-point
dynamic-area AF
Choose when there is time to compose the photograph
or when photographing subjects that are moving predictably (e.g., runners or race
cars on a track).
• 21-point dynamic-area AF
Choose when photographing subjects that are moving unpredictably (e.g., players
at a football game).
• 51-point dynamic-area AF
Choose when photographing subjects that are moving quickly and can not be easily
framed in the viewfinder (e.g., birds).
3D-tracking
Select the focus point. In AF-A
and AF-C focus modes, the camera will track subjects that leave the
selected focus point and select new focus points as required. Use to quickly compose
pictures with subjects that are moving erratically from side to side (e.g., tennis
players).
Group-area AF
The camera focuses using
a group of focus points selected by the user, reducing the risk of the camera focusing
on the background instead of on the main subject. Choose for subjects that are difficult
to photograph using a single focus point.
Auto-area AF
The camera automatically detects the subject and selects the focus point (in
the case of portrait subjects, the camera is able to distinguish the subject from
the background for improved subject detection).