Nikon D80 Manual page 41

A
utofocus Mode
The following autofocus modes are available when the focus mode selector is set to AF:
Autofocus mode
Auto select
AF-A
(default setting)
AF-S Single-servo AF
Continuous-servo
AF-C
AF
To choose the autofocus mode, press the
setting is displayed.
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 (
same distance and then recompose the photograph.
There is little or no contrast
between the subject and the
background
Example: Subject is the same color as the back-
ground.
The subject is dominated by
regular geometric patterns
Example: A row of windows in a skyscraper.
The subject appears smaller
than the focus area
Example: Focus area contains both foreground
subject and distant buildings.
Description
Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus when subject is sta-
tionary, continuous-servo autofocus when subject is moving. Shutter can
only be released if camera is able to focus.
For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button is pressed
halfway. Shutter can only be released when in-focus indicator is displayed.
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.
button until the desired
32) or use focus lock (
Reference: More on Photography (All Modes) / Focus
Controls used: button
AF-A
AF-C AF-S
31) to focus on another subject at the
The focus area contains ob-
jects at diff erent distances
from the camera
Example: Subject is inside a cage.
The focus area contains areas
of sharply contrasting bright-
ness
Example: Subject is half in the shade.
The subject many contains
fi ne details
Example: A fi eld of fl owers or other subjects that
are small or lack variation in brightness.
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