Nikon D5200 Reference Manual page 52

D
The AF-Assist Illuminator
If the subject is poorly lit, the AF-assist illuminator will light
automatically to assist the autofocus operation when the shutter-
release button is pressed halfway. The AF-assist illuminator will not
light:
• In live view or during movie recording
• During manual focus or if live view is off and continuous-servo
autofocus is selected (AF-C selected for focus mode, or
continuous-servo AF selected in AF-A focus mode)
• If the center focus point is not selected in c (single-point), d (dynamic-area), or f (3D-
tracking) AF-area mode (0 36, 38)
• In shooting modes in which the AF-assist illuminator can not be used (0 221)
• If Off has been selected for Custom Setting a3 (Built-in AF-assist illuminator; 0 158)
The illuminator has a range of about 0.5–3.0 m (1 ft 8 in.–9 ft 10 in.); when using the
illuminator, use a lens with a focal length of 18–200 mm and remove the lens hood. The AF-
assist illuminator will turn off automatically to protect the lamp after a period of continuous
use. Normal function will resume after a brief pause. Note that the illuminator may become
hot when used multiple times in quick succession.
A
See Also
For information on the focus modes available in live view, see page 94. For information on
using release priority in continuous-servo AF, see Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority
selection, 0 157). Custom Setting d1 (Beep; 0 161) can be used to turn the beep speaker
on or off.
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AF-assist illuminator