Animal-detection AF is a handy feature which lets the camera detect and focus on the faces and eyes of dogs and cats.

When the camera detects the face of a dog or cat, a focus point (yellow border) will be displayed around the subject’s face or, if the camera detects eyes, over one or the other of its eyes.

Basic information on setting up and using animal-detection AF is available in the “Animal-Detection AF: Focusing on the Eyes of Dogs and Cats for Winning Pet Portraits” Z 7 & Z 6 Digitutor.

Detecting Eyes with Animal-Detection AF

  Subjects Suitable for Eye Detection with Animal-Detection AF

  Subjects Not Suitable for Eye Detection Using Animal-Detection AF

Animal detection may fail to detect eyes or faces if:

• the subject’s face is too large or small relative to the frame,
• the subject’s face is too brightly or dimly lit,
• the subject’s face or eyes are obscured by fur or other objects,
• the subject’s eyes are a similar color to their surroundings, or
• the subject moves excessively during shooting.

If the camera fails to detect your subject’s face or eyes, auto-area AF may nevertheless select a focus point in the vicinity of the animal’s face, in which case any pictures you take will still be in focus.

  The Touch Shutter and Subject Tracking

For more precise focus or to focus if the focus point is not displayed near the subject’s face, try the following:


1. Use the touch shutter.

Using the touch shutter, tap a point near the subject’s face. The camera will focus on the subject at the selected point before taking the picture, allowing for accurate focus-point selection.


2. Use subject tracking.

Viewfinder photography with subject tracking is recommended when your pet is on the move, whether running in a dog park or chasing a cat toy.

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Thanks to: Cat Cafe Nekorobi