Nikon D3000 - Manual (Page 40)

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Choose a focus mode.
Highlight one of the following options and press
J. Note that AF-S and AF-C are available only in
modes P, S, A, and M.
Option Description
AF-A
Auto-servo
AF Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus if subject is
stationary, continuous-servo autofocus if subject is moving.
AF-S
Single-servo
AF
For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button
is pressed halfway. Shutter can only be released if camera is able
to focus.
AF-C
Continuous-
servo AF
For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter-
release button is pressed halfway. Shutter can only be released if
camera is able to focus.
MF Manual focus
Focus using lens focus ring (if lens is equipped with A/M switch,
slide switch to M before focusing).
D
Continuous-servo Autofocus
In AF-C mode or when continuous-servo autofocus is selected in AF-A mode, the camera gives
higher priority to focus response (has a wider focus range) than in AF-S mode, and the shutter
may be released before the in-focus indicator is displayed.
A
Getting Good Results with Autofocus
Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may
be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator
(
I) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released
even when the subject is not in focus. In these cases, focus manually or use focus lock to
focus on another subject at the 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 background.
The focus point contains
areas of sharply contrasting
brightness.
Example : Subject is half in the
shade.
The focus point contains
objects at different distances
from the camera.
Example : Subject is inside a
cage.
Background objects appear
larger than the subject.
Example : a building is in the
frame behind the subject.
The subject is dominated by
regular geometric patterns.
Example : A row of windows
in a skyscraper.
The subject contains many
fine details.
Example : A field of flowers or
other subjects that are
small or lack variation in
brightness.