Nikon 29842-9425-19 D80 User's Manual - Page 41

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 (default setting) Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus when subject is stationary, continuous-servo autofocus when subject is moving. Shutter can 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. AF-C Continuous-servo AF For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken even when in-focus indicator is not displayed. To choose the autofocus mode, press the button until the desired setting is displayed. "'" "'$ "'4 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 The focus area contains ob- between the subject and the jects at different distances background from the camera Example: Subject is the same color as the back- Example: Subject is inside a cage. ground. The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns The focus area contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness Example: A row of windows in a skyscraper. The subject appears smaller than the focus area Example: Subject is half in the shade. The subject many contains fine details Example: Focus area contains both foreground Example: A field of flowers or other subjects that subject and distant buildings. are small or lack variation in brightness. Reference: More on Photography (All Modes) / Focus 29