Nikon COOLPIX 5000 Instruction Manual - Page 92

Taking Photographs-Beyond Point-and-Shoot Autofocus In autofocus and macro close-up modes, the camera adjusts focus automatically. In User Set A, the camera adjusts focus continuously while the monitor is on (continuous autofocus; 121). When the monitor is off, the camera does not focus until the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (single autofocus; 121). In either case, focus locks when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and remains locked as long as the button is held in this position (focus lock; 53). When User Set 1, 2, or 3 is selected, the FOCUS OPTIONS > Auto-Focus Mode item in the SHOOTING menu can be used to enable single autofocus when the monitor is on ( 121). Getting Good Results with Autofocus Autofocus performs best when: • There is contrast between the subject and the background. For example, autofocus may not perform well on subjects that are the same color as the background. • The subject is evenly lit. Autofocus does not perform well when: • You attempt to focus simultaneously on two or more objects at different distances from the camera. For example, autofocus may not perform well when photographing an object inside a cage, because the bars of the cage will be closer to the camera than the main subject, and both the bars and the main subject will be in the focus area. • The subject is very dark (the subject should not, however, be too much brighter than the background). • The subject is moving rapidly. If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, the green lamp next to the viewfinder will flicker when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Use focus lock ( 53) to focus on another subject at the same distance, or measure the distance to your subject and use manual focus ( 98). 78