Nikon D40 - Manual (Page 36)

24 Reference: More on Photography (All Modes)/Focus
AF-Area Mode
Choose how the focus area is selected in autofocus mode. This setting has no effect in
manual focus mode.
Viewfinder Display
AF-area mode is shown in the viewfinder as follows:
3—AF-Area Mode ( 75)
AF-area mode can also be selected from the Custom Settings menu.
Controls used
Option Description
Closest
subject
Camera automatically selects focus area containing subject closest to camera. Default
for P, S, A, and M modes; selected automatically when mode dial is rotated to
, , ,
, , or .
Dynamic
area
User selects focus area manually, but if subject leaves selected focus area even briefly,
camera will focus based on information from other focus areas. Use with erratically mov-
ing subjects. Selected automatically when mode dial is rotated to .
Single
area
User selects focus area using multi selector; camera focuses on subject in selected focus
area only. Use with stationary subjects. Selected automatically when mode dial is
rotated to
.
Closest subject Dynamic area Single area