Nikon D3 User Manual page 126

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Focusing with Contrast-Detect Autofocus

Contrast-detect autofocus will take longer than normal (phase-detection)

autofocus. In the following situations, the camera may be unable to focus

using contrast-detect autofocus:

• The camera is not mounted on a tripod

• The subject contains lines parallel to the long edges of the frame

• The subject lacks contrast

• The subject in the focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting

brightness, or the subject is lit by spot lighting or by a neon sign or other

light source that changes in brightness

• A cross (star) filter or other special filter is used

• The subject appears smaller than the focus point

• The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns (e.g., windows

in a skyscraper)

• The subject is moving

Note that the focus point may sometimes be displayed in green when the

camera is unable to focus.

Use an AF-S lens. The desired results may not be achieved with other

lenses or teleconverters.