Focus Point Selection; Focus Lock - Nikon D3200 Reference Manual

Focus Point Selection
In manual focus mode or when autofocus is combined with AF-area modes other
than [m] (Auto-area AF), you can choose from 11 focus points, making it possible to
compose photographs with the main subject almost anywhere in the frame.
1
Choose an AF-area mode other than Ira1
(Auto-area AF, _ 38).
2
Select the focus point.
Use the multi selector to select the focus point in
the viewfinder or information display while the
exposure meters are on. Press _) to select the
center focus point.
Focus point
Focus Lock
Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing in AF-A, A F-S, a nd AF-C
focus modes (_ 35), making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a
focus point in the final composition. If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus
(_ 36), focus lock can also be used to recompose the photograph after focusing on
another object at the same distance as your original subject. Focus lock is most
effective when an option other than [m] (Auto-area AF) is selected for AF-area mode
(_ 38).
Focus.
Position the subject in the selected focus point
and press the shutter-release button halfway to
initiate focus. Check that the in-focus indicator
(0) appears in the viewfinder.
4O