Focusing on the Eyes of Animals (Animal-Detection AF)
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.
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample1-1.jpg)
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
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample2-1.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample2-2.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample2-3.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample2-4.jpg)
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.
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample3-1.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample3-2.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample3-3.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample3-4.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample4-1.jpg)
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.
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample5-1.jpg)
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.
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample6-1.jpg)
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.
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample7-1.jpg)
![](/imaging/support/digitutor/img/sample/function/ml/thumbnail/animaldetnaf_sample7-2.jpg)
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.